Finally, I Set up a 401(k) Account
I know, setting up a 401(k) account should be one of the first things to do after changing employer, but I waited for more than half a year to finally get it done 
When I started my current job last July, I didn’t have the chance of making contributions to the retirement plan as the new employer has a rule which allows contributing to 401(k) plan only after the first three months of service. At that time, I was also actively trying to find a new job (yeah, I just got a new one, but it wasn’t the job I would like to do). So the time constrain didn’t bother that much. However, my effort didn’t have any positive outcome and I stuck with this job for nearly eight months already. As no change in my employment situation is expected any time, I thought it would be better to set up a 401(k) and start to make contributions, though my employer didn’t offer any match.
I finally got my act together and opened a 401(k) account at the end of January. The plan was managed by Sovereign Bank and investment options are less attractive. Not just that, they are quite expensive actually. Of the 30 funds offered, the highest expense ratio (ER) is 2.39%, while the lowest is 0.72%, which is the only equity fund with below 1.0% ER. Since I don’t know how long I am going to be with my current employer, I want to make my investments as simple and low cost as possible. After going the options, I settled with three funds:
- American Funds EuroPacific Growth Fund (RERCX): 40%
- American Funds AMCAP Fund (RAFCX): 40%
- T. Rowe Price Growth Stock Fund (RRGSX): 20%
with an average ER of 1.08% according to Morningstar. To makeup the missed contribution of the first month of 2008, I set my payroll deduction to 20%. When I checked my account last night, I am up 3.90% since making first investment early this month 
Actually, I am glad I delayed one month when the market tumbled. If I started in January, the year-to-date return could be very negative.
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Congrats on setting up the 401(k). You really shouldn’t worry too much about short-term market volatility in this type of account. You are putting this money away for retirement which is most likely a long ways down the road of life. Each contribution you make is essentially dollar cost averaging your investments, every two weeks with your paycheck.
You are right about mutual funds having a hefty expense ratio. That can add up to a lot of money over the long term and eat away at your profits.
I have T Rowe Price Growth stock as well. Do you plan on buying VISA ipo’s?
Phalgun: The 401(k) is definitely for long-term investment, therefore, short-term fluctuation, as you said, shouldn’t matter too much. However, given the drop of major indices in January, I do feel a little happy to start in February instead of January
Moneymonk: I lost half of my shirt from those Chinese stocks I bought lately
So I am a little tight right now. But, yes, I am considering buying some shares. I guess I will have to take losses on some stocks to come up with the money needed.
We’ve had good luck w/our American Funds in Hubster’s 401-K account, so they aren’t horridly horrible ya know. I understand on the expense ratio, but it beats a snowball…but then again, he gets some matching funds which also helps.
Just wanted to say they don’t totally bite!
Good luck with your 401-K investments.