cover image A Commonsense Guide to Your 401(k)

A Commonsense Guide to Your 401(k)

Mary Rowland. Bloomberg Press, $19.95 (265pp) ISBN 978-1-57660-019-1

Rowland, a freelance writer who has contributed to the New York Times, Bloomberg Personal and other publications, has written a comprehensive guide to 401(k) and related retirement plans. The breadth of her reporting is evident, especially when she quotes planners and accountants. Much of the information, particularly how to select investments and understand the particulars of a 401(k) plan, is useful. The book is best when it offers specific steps such as choosing beneficiaries, reviewing hardship rules in the plans and watching out for excessive fees. Also helpful is the last chapter on 403(b) and other plans that generally receive less media coverage than 401(k) plans. However, the book may have more information than many fledgling investors want or need to know. The introduction gives a great deal of background on the history of 401(k) plans--including a superfluous reference to a recent article by Rowland in Bloomberg Personal. In several instances, Rowland refers to her other writings; these references are annoying and don't enhance the manuscript. Also, the book's resources section includes some older books and doesn't provide any Web site addresses. (Dec.) FYI: Like others in the Bloomberg Personal Bookshelf, this edition is 4 3/8"" 8"" and has a bookmark.