Researchers examined the accounts of a subset of the 27.1 million 401(k) plan participants in the EBRI/ICI database. (Photo: Shutterstock)

Consistency may be the hobgoblin of little minds, but it certainly doesn’t hurt 401(k) balances — as long as people keep contributing, that is.

According to the study “What Does Consistent Participation in 401(k) Plans Generate? Changes in 401(k) Account Balances, 2010–2016” from the Employee Benefit Research Institute and the Investment Company Institute, “consistent” 401(k) plan participants—those who kept contributing to their plans from year-end 2010 through year-end 2016—saw their average balance more than double over the period.

Complete your profile to continue reading and get FREE access to BenefitsPRO.com, part of your ALM digital membership.

Your access to unlimited BenefitsPRO.com content isn’t changing.
Once you are an ALM digital member, you’ll receive:

  • Critical BenefitsPRO.com information including cutting edge post-reform success strategies, access to educational webcasts and videos, resources from industry leaders, and informative Newsletters.
  • Exclusive discounts on ALM, BenefitsPRO magazine and BenefitsPRO.com events.
  • Access to other award-winning ALM websites including ThinkAdvisor.com and Law.com

Already have an account?

Marlene Satter

Marlene Y. Satter has worked in and written about the financial industry for decades.

More from this author

Dig Deeper

 

BenefitsPRO

Join BenefitsPRO

Don’t miss crucial news and insights you need to navigate the shifting employee benefits industry. Join BenefitsPRO.com now!

  • Unlimited access to BenefitsPRO.com - your roadmap to thriving in a disrupted environment
  • Access to other award-winning ALM websites including ThinkAdvisor.com and Law.com
  • Exclusive discounts on BenefitsPRO.com and ALM events.

Already have an account? Sign In Now
Join BenefitsPRO

Copyright © 2023 ALM Global, LLC. All Rights Reserved.