Reminder for Intel employees: this week marks the deadline to elect changes to your investments and contributions related to Intel's overhaul of your 401k plan.

If you're a participant in the Intel 401k plan and don't make an election by Friday, September 9, your existing funds and future contributions will default to a target-date fund that corresponds to your date of birth. This shift will actually take place effective September 30.

The target-date approach may be a good option for you; regardless, it makes sense to review all of the options, ensure you've got complete information regarding expenses, and make a deliberate decision. Consider it an opportunity to put structured decision-making skills to work.

This is a big change. Some of the potential options will cost a lot more than they used to, and that will impact your returns. There have been so many options within the Intel 401k that the impact will be different for everybody. Several of the employees with whom I've spoken have been vaguely aware of a change, but haven't had an appreciation of its significance. If you're not sure what to do, feel free to drop me a line.