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How do I change my 401(k) contribution rate?

Here are step-by-step directions for changing how much you contribute to your 401(k) with Guideline.

Updated over a week ago

You can change your per-paycheck contribution (deferral) rate at any time from your Guideline dashboard by following the instructions below.

Step 1:

Log into your Guideline account. Within the Contribution section on the main landing page, click “Manage contribution." This link is also available under the Portfolio section of your account.

Step 2:

Within the Contributions screen, type in or use the plus or minus buttons to adjust your contribution rate. The system will calculate your approximate per-paycheck contribution as well as your projected contributions for the year based on your salary history to date.

  • To pause contributions, simply enter 0% or $0 into the pre-tax and Roth contribution amounts.

  • To restart contributions, enter any number above 0.

Step 3:

When you’re happy with your new contribution amount, select the “Save Changes” button toward the bottom of the screen.

Please note that if you change your contribution rate too close to when your employer runs payroll, your new rate will be reflected on the following payroll run. You can contact your employer or payroll department directly to confirm when your company runs payroll.*


​*If your employer uses a manual payroll or non-integrated payroll provider (as opposed to one of our integrated payroll partners with real-time data sync), there may be a delay in your contribution rate change being applied within payroll. For last-minute changes, you should check with your company's payroll department to confirm that the contribution rate change is reflected before they process payroll.


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