Hubs and I both just received simultaneous facepunches in our workplaces this morning.
My VP of FINANCE (mid 50's) just walked up to me and goes "Wow, I've learned more about the 401k system from you in the past week then I ever knew before". How did this come about you may ask, we are switching our 401k from a super expensive mutual fund company to Vanguard and I asked him if we could 1. chose our new Vangaurd funds prior to the black out period for transfer and 2. Would this effect my front loading in any way that I needed to know about....he didn't realize you could contribute 100% of your paycheck to your 401k.
My husbands new COL just called him into the office for counseling (standard in the military). Due to the nature of his job in the military there is a BIG push to make sure that people in the unit are financially stable both for peace of mind, and to lesser the chance for corruption/bribes etc, financial talk is part of every briefing and counseling pretty much.
COL "So, is everything OK financially"
DH: "Yes sir"
COL: "You know, having savings is an important part of unit and family stability, what are your savings plan for the future"
DH: "well sir, right now we are front loading my wifes 401k to max it out for the year over the next couple of months, then we will do the same with my TSP (he's heading to a 10month schooling here in a bit so no chance of a deployment again this year)"
COL: "That's impressive that you can save $5000 dollars in such a short period of time!"
DH: "Uh, sir, I think you are thinking of the IRA limits of 5500, 401k is 18k this year" (and yes, I think he should have just kept his mouth shut)
COL: *Blink, Blink* "Oh...well what are your other long term goals"
DH: "Well, we are on plan to hit 7 figures in the next couple of years, after that I will finish out my 20 and then we plan on retiring."
COL: " So it sounds like you are setting yourself up for an easy transition into your next job, that's great! Wait...Did you say SEVEN figures?!?!"
DH: "Yes sir"
COL: *Blink Blink* "Uh, ok so I guess I don't have to do these financial discussions with you in the future, you want to write me up a questionnaire of things I SHOULD be asking your coworkers?"
DH: "Uh, I guess I can put something together"
Yea, pretty sure he just stepped into a pile of something he wants no part of.