The 401(k) Mistake Many Married Couples Make

If you and your spouse both have workplace retirement plans, managing each 401(k) independently can lead to unnecessary overlap, missed opportunities, and a portfolio that doesn’t make sense at the household level. In this video, we explain why married couples should think of their retirement accounts as parts of one coordinated strategy rather than two completely separate portfolios. We cover: -Why each spouse doesn’t necessarily need the same investment mix -How duplicating target-date funds or similar strategies can create unintended overlap -Why one spouse’s better investment options may affect how the household allocates assets -How contribution rates, employer matches, and tax treatment should be coordinated -Why the right question isn’t “Is my 401(k) diversified?” but “Is our household diversified?” Each retirement account may have one person’s name on it, but ultimately they’re often funding the same retirement. At Hanover Advisors, we help families look across all of their accounts and coordinate investments, taxes, savings, and retirement planning as one complete financial picture. This video is for educational purposes only and should not be considered individualized tax, legal, or investment advice.