Last week we took a look at tax advantages and rules to remember for 401(k) plans. This week we will discuss the nuts and bolts of using a 401(k), including contributions, investment options, and beneficiaries.

In many households, 401(k) plans are the primary vehicle for tax-deferred saving and investing. In the competitive job market of Silicon Valley, employers find it essential to offer a 401(k) plan to attract top talent, and most companies offer this benefit to their employees. Here is a quick review of this plan’s features and benefits.

Receiving statements in the mail from “old 401(k)s” can be a nuisance. Even worse is losing track of those accounts. If either case applies to you, it may be a symptom that your personal finances are not in good order.

At some point, you will probably begin to think about your legacy—about what you will pass on to future generations. Often one or both of the following circumstances may motivate your reflection: