Apply by Thursday, October 10, 2024, 11:59 P.M. EST to Win $1,000 and the Title of 401(k) Champion®

The 401(k) Champion® national essay contest recognizes 401(k) participants who love their 401(k)s. Three award-winners receive a cash prize of $1,000 and the title of 401(k) Champion®.

The application takes about 30 minutes to complete. You can offer financial information if you want to, but that is not required.

To compete for the award, please submit this application form in its entirety before the deadline (no later than Thursday, October 10, 2024, 11:59 P.M. EST). Winners will be announced Monday, November 4, 2024.

To be eligible, applicants must be 21 years old or over, be legal residents of the 50 United States or the District of Columbia, and be currently participating in their employer's 401(k) plan (not a 403(b) plan or other type of plan). Employees of the sponsor and certain other individuals are not eligible. A full set of rules is posted on www.401kChampion.com/rules.

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* 1. What is your contact information? If you are a finalist we will be contacting you during the month of October 2024 for a telephone interview.

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* 2. What is your age? "Contest open only to [individuals] who are at least twenty-one (21) years old at the time of entry." Rules, Item 3, Eligibility.

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* 3. In which state do you live? "Contest open only to legal residents of the fifty (50) United States and the District of Columbia." Rules, Item 3, Eligibility.

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* 4. Are you participating in your employer's 401(k) plan? "Individuals who have retired from employment are welcome to enter so long as they continue to participate in their most recent employer's 401(k) plan." Rules, Item 3, Eligibility.

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* 5. What is the name of the employer sponsoring your 401(k)?

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* 6. Does your 401(k) plan have a match? 

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* 7. If your 401(k) plan has a match, how does it work?

The answers to question (8) and question (9) will be evaluated to produce a single score for each of the following criteria used by a panel of qualified judges: (1) persuasiveness of explaining the importance of employee participation in 401(k)s (1-5 points); (2) conveying your own appreciation of the value of your 401(k) to help you achieve your retirement goals (1-5 points); (3) clarity and demonstration of overall knowledge of 401(k) plans as a retirement tool (1-5 points); (4) willingness to inspire others to participate in their 401(k) plans (1-5 points); (5) creativity and innovation in the methods used (1-5 points); (6) clarity of expression, eloquence, mechanics of word choice, grammar and spelling (1-5 points); and (7) the judges’ subjective judgment of the quality of the applicant to be a 401(k) Champion® (1-5 points).

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* 8. If you were to advise co-workers about why they should contribute to (and/or maximize) their 401(k)s, what would you say? This is your chance to tell your story about why you "love" your 401(k). If your 401(k) plan has a match, be sure to explain how the match affects your participation, if at all.

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* 9. What actions might you take to inspire non-participants to participate in the 401(k)? Please explain, being as specific and detailed as possible.

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* 10. How did you first learn about 401(k)s?

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* 11. Optional: What are your social media accounts handles (if any)?

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* 12. Optional bonus question: For an extra 5 points, share a link to one of your social media posts that uses #401kChampion

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* 13. Optional: Do you have any additional comments or questions?

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* 14. How did you hear about the 401(k) Champion® Award? Please be as specific as possible.

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* 15. To be considered for the 401(k) Champion® Award, you must agree to the Official Rules at www.401kChampion.com/rules.

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