Mastering Your Fidelity 401(k) Statement: A Comprehensive Guide
Hey there! Ever found yourself staring at a pile of financial documents, wondering which one holds the key to your retirement future? Or maybe you just need that one specific detail from your 401(k) statement but can't quite remember where you put it? You're not alone! Getting a clear picture of your 401(k) is crucial for planning your golden years, and your Fidelity 401(k) statement is your roadmap.
This lengthy guide will walk you through every step of accessing your Fidelity 401(k) statements, whether you prefer the digital convenience of online access or the tangible comfort of a paper copy. We'll even delve into understanding what's inside and answer your burning FAQs.
Step 1: Identify Your Access Point: Fidelity.com vs. NetBenefits
Before you dive in, it's essential to understand that Fidelity manages different types of accounts through different portals. For most employer-sponsored 401(k) plans, you'll be using Fidelity NetBenefits. If you have other Fidelity accounts like an IRA or brokerage account directly with Fidelity, you'll typically access those through Fidelity.com.
To engage you right away: Think about how you usually log in to Fidelity. Is it through a work portal, or do you go directly to the main Fidelity website? This will determine your starting point!
Sub-heading: Understanding the Distinction
Fidelity NetBenefits: This is the dedicated portal for workplace retirement plans, including most 401(k)s, 403(b)s, and 457s. Your employer sets up and administers your plan through Fidelity, and NetBenefits is where you'll manage your specific plan details.
Fidelity.com: This is the broader platform for individual investor accounts, such as IRAs, brokerage accounts, and other personal investments. While your 401(k) is with Fidelity, it's generally managed under a separate system (NetBenefits) due to its employer-sponsored nature.
For this guide, we will primarily focus on accessing your 401(k) statement through NetBenefits, as that's where most 401(k) statements reside.
Step 2: Logging In to Your Fidelity NetBenefits Account
This is your gateway to your 401(k) information.
Sub-heading: For First-Time Users or Forgotten Credentials
If you're a first-time user: You'll likely need to "Register" or "Create an Account." You'll typically need your Social Security Number (SSN) or your plan number, along with your date of birth, to get started. Follow the on-screen prompts to set up your username and password.
If you've forgotten your username or password: Don't panic! On the NetBenefits login page, look for links like "Forgot username" or "Forgot password?". Follow the instructions, which usually involve verifying your identity through a series of questions or by sending a code to your registered email or phone number.
Sub-heading: Existing Users: The Direct Path
Navigate to the Fidelity NetBenefits website: Open your web browser and go to netbenefits.fidelity.com.
Enter your Username: In the designated field, type in your NetBenefits username.
Enter your Password: Carefully enter your password. Remember that passwords are case-sensitive.
Click "Log In": Once both fields are filled, click the "Log In" button.
Pro Tip: Consider bookmarking the NetBenefits login page for quick and easy access in the future!
Step 3: Navigating to the Statements & Documents Section
Once you're logged in, you'll typically land on your account summary page. This is where the real exploration begins!
Look for "Accounts & Trade" or a similar menu: On the top navigation bar, you'll usually find a menu option like "Accounts & Trade," "Accounts," or sometimes even "My Accounts." Hover over or click on this.
Find "Statements & Documents" or "Documents": Within the dropdown or sub-menu that appears, look for a link specifically titled "Statements & Documents", "Documents", or "Statements/Records". This is your destination.
Italicized hint: The exact wording might vary slightly, but the general idea is to find where your official documents are stored.
Step 4: Selecting Your 401(k) Account and Time Period
Now you're getting closer! This section will allow you to pinpoint the exact statement you need.
Sub-heading: Choosing the Right Account
If you have multiple accounts with Fidelity (e.g., your 401(k) and a separate IRA), you'll see a list of them. Make sure to select your 401(k) account. It might be labeled with your employer's name or a plan number.
Sub-heading: Specifying the Time Period
Select the document type: There might be various document types listed, such as "Statements," "Confirmations," "Tax Forms," etc. Choose "Statements."
Choose the time range: You'll typically have options to select a specific month, quarter, or year for your statement. Fidelity generally allows you to access statements for up to 10 years online.
Common options include:
Last 12 Months
Current Quarter
Previous Quarter
Custom Date Range (if you need a very specific period)
Carefully select the period that corresponds to the statement you are trying to retrieve.
Step 5: Reviewing and Downloading Your 401(k) Statement
You're almost there! Once you've made your selections, your statement will appear.
View the statement: Your statement will usually open as a PDF document directly in your browser or in a new tab. Take a moment to review it to ensure it's the correct statement and covers the period you intended.
Download the statement: Look for a download icon (often an arrow pointing down) or a "Download" button within the PDF viewer. Clicking this will save the statement to your computer or device.
Consider saving it to a well-organized folder on your computer, perhaps named "Fidelity Statements" or "Retirement Documents," so you can easily find it later.
Print the statement (Optional): If you prefer a physical copy, look for a print icon or select "Print" from your browser's file menu.
Step 6: Requesting a Paper Copy by Mail (If Preferred)
While digital access is convenient, some people still prefer a physical statement. Fidelity offers this option as well.
Check for "Paper Mail Options" or "Communication Options": Within the "Accounts & Trade" or "Profile & Settings" section, look for links related to "Communication Options," "eDelivery/Paper Mail Options," or "Statements – Duplicates."
Request a duplicate or change delivery preference:
You may be able to request a duplicate of a specific past statement to be mailed to you.
Alternatively, you might be able to change your delivery preference from eDelivery to paper mail for future statements. Be aware that this will mean all subsequent statements will be mailed.
Contact Fidelity Customer Service: If you can't find the option online, the most reliable way to request a paper copy is to call Fidelity's customer service.
For workplace accounts (like your 401(k)): Call 800-835-5095. Their hours are typically Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 8:30 p.m. ET.
Be prepared to provide your account number and the specific statement dates you need.
Remember: While convenient, relying solely on mailed statements means you might not have immediate access to your information, and there's a slight environmental impact. eDelivery is often the faster and greener option!
Step 7: Understanding Your 401(k) Statement
Now that you have your statement, let's break down what you're looking at. Your 401(k) statement is a treasure trove of information about your retirement savings.
Sub-heading: Key Sections to Focus On
Account Summary: This provides an at-a-glance overview of your account, including your beginning and ending balances for the statement period, total contributions (from you and your employer), and total withdrawals or distributions.
Investment Holdings: This section lists all the investments held within your 401(k) account, such as mutual funds, target-date funds, or other investment options. It will show the number of shares you own, the current price per share, and the total value of each holding.
Transactions and Activity: This is a detailed log of all money moving in and out of your account during the statement period. This includes:
Contributions: Your regular payroll deductions and any employer matching contributions.
Dividends and Interest: Income generated by your investments.
Trades/Exchanges: Any times you bought or sold investments or moved money between different funds within your 401(k).
Fees: Any administrative or investment management fees charged to your account.
Performance: Some statements will include a section detailing the performance of your investments over various periods (e.g., one year, three years, since inception). This helps you gauge how well your investments are growing.
Sub-heading: Why is This Important?
Regularly reviewing your 401(k) statement helps you:
Monitor progress: See if you're on track to meet your retirement goals.
Verify contributions: Ensure your contributions and employer matches are being properly applied.
Assess investment performance: Understand how your chosen investments are performing.
Identify discrepancies: Catch any errors or unauthorized activity early.
Make informed decisions: Decide if you need to adjust your contribution rate, rebalance your portfolio, or explore different investment options.
10 Related FAQ Questions
Here are 10 frequently asked questions, all starting with "How to," with quick answers to help you further manage your Fidelity 401(k) statements.
How to access historical 401(k) statements on Fidelity?
You can typically access up to 10 years of your 401(k) statements online through Fidelity NetBenefits. Navigate to "Statements & Documents" and select the desired year or custom date range.
How to go paperless for Fidelity 401(k) statements?
Log in to Fidelity NetBenefits, go to "Profile & Settings" or "Communication Options," and look for "eDelivery/Paper Mail Options." You can then elect to receive documents electronically.
How to find my Fidelity 401(k) account number on my statement?
Your 401(k) account number is usually prominently displayed at the top of your statement, often near your name and address.
How to change the address for my Fidelity 401(k) statements?
You can change your address by logging into Fidelity NetBenefits, navigating to "Profile & Settings," and then selecting "Address" or "Contact Information" to update your details.
How to understand the investment performance section on my 401(k) statement?
The investment performance section shows the returns of your investments over specific periods. Compare these returns to relevant benchmarks or your financial goals to gauge effectiveness. If unsure, consider speaking with a financial advisor.
How to print a Fidelity 401(k) statement from a PDF?
Once you've opened the statement as a PDF online, look for a printer icon or go to "File" > "Print" in your web browser or PDF viewer to send it to your printer.
How to get a physical copy of an old Fidelity 401(k) statement?
While online access covers up to 10 years, for older statements or if you prefer a mailed copy, you can request duplicates by calling Fidelity's workplace customer service at 800-835-5095.
How to find out if my employer matches my 401(k) contributions on my statement?
Look under the "Transactions and Activity" section for separate line items showing your "Employee Contributions" and "Employer Contributions" or "Company Match."
How to track my 401(k) contributions on my Fidelity statement?
Under the "Transactions and Activity" section, you'll see a detailed breakdown of all contributions made during the statement period, typically on a per-paycheck basis.
How to contact Fidelity customer service for 401(k) statement issues?
For any issues or questions regarding your 401(k) statement, you can contact Fidelity's Workplace Investing customer service at 800-835-5095. They are typically available Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 8:30 p.m. ET.