From Don’t Leave Free Money on the Table — J. David Stein’s 401(k) Match Strategy · · GOBankingRates
“Because 401k contributions are deducted pre-tax before other expenses, most people find they don't miss the money. Payroll deductions happen before your paycheck hits your account.”
On , David Stein, Executive Vice President, Head of Consumer & Business Banking and Madison Market President at ASSOCIATED BANC-CORP, spoke about tax-advantaged savings during Don’t Leave Free Money on the Table — J. David Stein’s 401(k) Match Strategy on GOBankingRates.
David Stein, Executive Vice President and Head of Consumer & Business Banking at Associated Banc-Corp, has appeared in financial media discussing retirement savings and investment strategy. In a video on 401(k) match strategies, Stein advised employees to contribute enough to capture their employer's full match, describing it as "free money with a 100% guaranteed return." He recommended knowing the company's match threshold, adjusting budgets if necessary, and automating contributions, noting that pre-tax payroll deductions help savers adjust without feeling the pinch. In a podcast interview on navigating market cycles, Stein discussed how human emotions such as fear, greed, and exuberance drive economic and financial cycles. He described the credit cycle as the willingness of households and businesses to borrow, and noted that banks were tightening lending standards. Stein also discussed evaluating asset manager track records, emphasizing the importance of understanding the factors driving performance and looking for humility in managers when they discuss past mistakes.