Even if you’re juggling other financial goals, there are steps you can take to help you get back on track.
YOU’RE BUSY WITH YOUR CAREER, maybe buying a home, having kids, saving for college—even starting a business. It’s the stuff of life—and retirement often takes a back seat to all of those immediate financial priorities. Suddenly, you’re hitting your 40s or 50s, and you realize you’ve fallen behind on planning for your future.
So how can you catch up? Debra Greenberg, director, Retirement & Personal Wealth Solutions, Bank of America, has the following suggestions—each of which can help you get closer to your retirement goals. “Don't be discouraged," Greenberg says. “Even seemingly small amounts can add up over the years, and taking action now increases the likelihood you'll be better prepared to meet any unexpected challenges that come your way."
401(k): Be sure you’re getting your full company match, if one is offered, so that you’re not leaving money on the table. For more information on contribution limits, see our annual Contribution Limits and Tax Reference Guide.
Roth IRA or Traditional IRA: Want to save more? If you’re married and not working, you and your spouse may be able to make a contribution to a spousal IRA in your name. Additional catch-up contributions are allowed if you will be age 50 or older at any time during the year.
Health Savings Account: If you have a qualified high-deductible health plan, you may be able to contribute to an HSA, provided you do not have other disqualifying health coverage. And don’t forget to take advantage of any employer contributions. HSA funds can be used for qualified medical expenses, and if you are Medicare-eligible (age 65 or older) you may be able to pay Medicare premiums with tax-free distributions.
Paying off high-interest credit card debt should be a priority. Doing so will give you more money to direct toward your retirement. Greenberg says: “A financial advisor can help you figure out how to manage competing financial needs while still saving for retirement.
If you work past age 65, or consult as you phase into retirement, “that can potentially give your assets more time to grow before you start drawing upon them,” Greenberg notes. Working longer can help you defer Social Security. Each year you delay taking Social Security after full retirement age, your monthly benefits grow by 8% until age 70.1
By moving into a smaller home or to a different neighborhood, you may be able to:
- Reallocate equity you may have accumulated in your previous home.
- Reduce living costs (like transportation, housing, maintenance bills).
- Lower your mortgage, or if you can buy a new place outright, eliminate your mortgage.
- Aim for potential tax advantages by relocating to a town with lower property taxes or to a state with no personal income tax.
Many people tend to shift to more conservative investments as they near retirement; others simply have a conservative investing bias. But today’s longer life expectancies mean that your money has to last longer and work harder. “Talk to an advisor about adjusting your asset allocation to pursue more growth, without losing sight of your risk tolerance,” Greenberg says.
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1Social Security Administration
Merrill, its affiliates and financial advisors do not provide legal, tax or accounting advice. You should consult your legal and/or tax advisors before making any financial decisions.
