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# Dumb Money: 401(k)s and 529s

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<!-- video src="https://cdn.jwplayer.com/manifests/d4bMSPOE.m3u8" -->
## Video: Dumb Money: 401(k)s and 529s

[Watch (HLS stream): Dumb Money: 401(k)s and 529s](https://cdn.jwplayer.com/manifests/d4bMSPOE.m3u8) (1:56)

![Dumb Money: 401(k)s and 529s](https://cdn.jwplayer.com/v2/media/d4bMSPOE/poster.jpg?width=720)

_Published 2016-02-17. Taylor Tepper explains why 401(k)s and 529 plans are still your best bet for savings._


---

Jul 27, 2023 7:39 PM UTC

---

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### Dumb Money: Why Do Companies Have 401(k)s?

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### Love & Money: Joint Bank Accounts

---


## Transcript

Today on Dumb Money, we have a question from Confused in Connecticut. Are 401 ( k ) s and 529 funds the safest place to invest for retirement and college? The fluctuations in the market today and living through 2009 makes me concerned the money I am saving won't actually be there. I'm here to answer the money questions to think are to silly, stupid or scary to ask. I'm Taylor Tepper, and this is Dumb Money. That's a great question. I know exactly what you're going through. Saving for retirement and paying for college are two of the biggest jobs you'll have as an adult. I only recently became an adult, plus I have a kid, and one day I hope to retire.

So I just feel your pain. Unfortunately though, a 401K and a 529 savings plan are really more about Taxes and risk. In a 401K, some of your pre- tax paycheck goes into an account that generally invests in stocks and bonds. Money accumulates tax free and then you pay income taxes when you start withdrawing Withdrawing the money, which usually happens in your 60s. In a 529 plan, you take some of your after tax paycheck, invest in some stocks and bonds, and then withdraw your money tax free for college expenses. None of this protects you from the ups and downs of the market, you'll still invest in stocks and bonds, which can be terrifying given the recent downturns [ MUSIC ] [ INAUDIBLE ] Market.

The only way to increase your returns is to take on more risk. [ SOUND ] If the very idea of risk freaks you out, you can always put more of your money is a savings account. But you're going to have a really hard time reaching your savings goal with [ INAUDIBLE ]. CD. And over time, stocks and bonds provide solid results, so it pays to embrace some risk if you invest for the long haul. After all, private college is expected to cost $ 400, 000 in 18 years. Chances are you're gonna need to own some stocks and bonds to get there, which means you're just gonna need a strong stomach. [ MUSIC ]

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