It’s a simple fact that the earlier you begin saving for retirement, the more time your money has to earn interest and grow. If you’ve put off saving until your 30s or later, make up for lost time now by stashing away 10 to 15 percent of your salary.
If you want to retire at 55 and travel the globe or work for as long as you can but stick close to home, how much money you need to retire is unique to you. Rather than relying on figures that suggest you’ll need 80 percent of your preretirement income to live comfortably later in life, talk with your spouse and financial advisor to settle on an amount to save that’s tailored to you.
If your employer offers a tax-sheltered plan, contribute at least enough to get the employer match. Your employer can provide you with a summary plan description, which recaps your plan and vesting eligibility, as well as an individual benefits statement.
If you don’t have access to an employer-based plan, contributing to a traditional or Roth IRA allows you to get similar tax benefits for your retirement savings. Even if you do contribute to an employer-based plan, an IRA can supplement those savings.
Eliminate the need to move money from one account to another by setting a monthly savings goal and automating a deposit to that amount. By making savings routine, you are more likely to see your retirement nest egg grow. To help boost your regular savings, funnel any extra cash windfalls, such as from a bonus or inheritance, directly to your retirement savings.
Your income will likely rise with age and experience, so it makes sense to save more as you earn more. After age 50, you will also be eligible for catch-up contributions, which allow you to contribute beyond the set limit. For 401(k)s, you can contribute an extra $6,500, while for IRAs you can contribute an extra $1,000.
Automating your retirement savings and amount doesn’t mean you should “set it and forget it.” Examine your quarterly statements to ensure you are on track to meet your goals. Can you afford to contribute more? Are your investments still appropriate? Do you need to lower your exposure to risk? By taking active control now, you take control of creating the best retirement lifestyle possible.
Social Security benefits may be available at age 62, but up until age 70, your retirement benefit will increase by a fixed rate (based on your year of birth) each year you delay retirement. Waiting means you may be able to take advantage of some extra cash. If you are married, you may also be able to receive spousal benefits, which boost the amount you and your spouse receive in Social Security as a couple. To learn more, visit www.socialsecurity.gov.
It’s important to be smart about not only the amount you save but also how you save. To help insulate against market swings, diversify your investments within sectors and across asset classes and geographic regions. The more intentional you are about where your assets are invested, the more secure you can feel about them.
Dipping into your retirement savings is a last resort. In addition to harsh penalties, you lose principal, which in turn depletes interest earnings and tax benefits. Also, if you switch jobs, rollover your retirement account rather than “cashing out.” Preserving your retirement savings may be difficult when funds are tight, but will benefit you when you truly need it most.
This article was written by Advicent Solutions, an entity unrelated to Prudential. ©2019 Advicent Solutions. All rights reserved.
White Rose Wealth Management
Peter Kelly
White Rose Wealth Management is not an affiliate of Prudential Financial. Pete Kelly sells insurance products of Prudential Financial's affiliated insurance companies in addition to products of non-affiliated insurance companies. White Rose Wealth Management and its representatives do not render tax or legal advice. Please consult with your own advisors regarding your particular situation.
Peter Kelly offers financial planning, Aaron Trinh offers investment advisory services through Pruco Securities, LLC(Pruco), under the marketing name Prudential Financial Planning Services (PFPS), pursuant to separate client agreement. offering insurance and securities products and services as a registered representative of Pruco and an agent of issuing insurance companies. 1-800-778-2255.
White Rose Wealth Management, LLC is not affiliated with The Prudential Insurance Company of America and its affiliates, including Pruco. Other products and services may be offered through a non-Pruco entity. Peter Kelly, Aaron Trinh, nor White Rose Wealth Management, LLC do not render tax or legal advice. You should consult with your own advisors regarding your particular situation.
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