The Sky is Falling…the Sky is Falling!

OK, so the sky isn’t falling. But some days you’ve got to wonder, given the roller coaster stock market and unpredictable financial news. It’s a scary time for us all. Around the country, employees are wondering:

• Should I stop making contributions to the 401(k) plan?
• Should I pull all of my money out now?
• Should I change how I invest my contributions?

While there’s no single answer that’s right for everyone, help is available. And there are some guiding principles to remember during these turbulent times.

Don’t rush into any decisions.
Money is tight for everyone and even paying your bills can be a financial strain. Before you stop contributing to the 401(k) plan or pull any money out, take a deep breath, consider your options, and then make the best financial decision based on your situation.

Keep your perspective.
Historically, market downturns are typically followed by upswings. Now may be a good opportunity to buy low. Then, when the markets recover, your account will be better positioned to ride the market up again.

Don’t lose out on Nielsen’s contributions.
Nielsen automatically contributes a 1% discretionary contribution of your eligible pay into your 401(k) once you become eligible, even if you don’t contribute any of your own money. Plus, Nielsen matches 50% of your contributions up to 6% of your eligible pay. If you stop or reduce your contributions, you’ll miss out on that match as well as any longer-term growth opportunities.

This e-newsletter is the fourth of a series designed to help you make the most of The Benefits of Nielsen. Each issue will provide tips and information related to a central theme that will help you use your benefits to Live Well. Click through each section for help managing your health, your health plan and your future.

In this Issue