Now that we are in the last quarter of the year and approaching open enrollment season, we want to talk about an important topic that is oftentimes overlooked or misunderstood, retirement savings. If you were looking to increase your retirement savings last year, there is an opportunity for you in 2023. As we mentioned in a prior blog, the IRS increased retirement contribution limits for 2023, up $2000 from last year, from $20,500 to $22,500 and to $30,000 for individuals 50 years of age and older. So, another $2,000 you can save this year! We’ve found that many individuals who maxed out their 401(K) last year still have not raised their contribution to max out for this year. If you received a raise in salary from last year and want to save more for retirement, you will need to adjust your contribution as well!
Whether you are taking advantage of the entire contribution limit or just want to increase your contribution by a percent or two, this is a great opportunity to save more before the end of the year. If you have yet to increase your retirement contribution, work with a financial advisor or financial professional to calculate the amount you will need to increase in order to reach your retirement goal for the year.
So, let’s take a look at how individuals saved last year for their retirement. According to 2022 estimates from Vanguard, “in 2021, roughly 14% of investors maxed out employee deferrals”, based on 1,700 plans and nearly 5 million participants. We find that many individuals actually intended to max out their retirement contributions or save more than they did, but either forgot to adjust their contributions or were clouded with other goals. So, if you plan on saving more this year, log on to your 401(k) platform and make your appropriate adjustments.
Contributing to your workplace retirement plan and taking advantage of the company match is a great way to build your wealth and save for your future. When deciding how much you want to contribute to your retirement plan each payroll period, it’s important to think about your entire financial picture and your goals. Make sure you are being intentional about your saving, and accounting for all the goals you want to achieve and save for. Find a balance that works for you so you can save for both your short and long-term goals. No matter where you start with your retirement contribution, you can always change it throughout the year on your retirement platform if you feel necessary. If you have extra room in the budget from the first half of the year, now might be a great time to adjust your contributions!
While retirement is only one piece of your financial puzzle, we want to make sure you are taking advantages of the benefits it provides to you for your future. There is no clear or right answer when it comes to your retirement and goals, which is why we suggest working with a financial professional to prioritize your goals. As we approach open enrollment season, use this opportunity to review your benefits guide and familiarize yourself with all the benefits available to you so you can maximize your particular financial life. If you have any questions about adjusting your retirement contributions or about your 401(K) in general, please email us at info@shermanwealth.com and we are happy to help answer all and any questions. You can also schedule a 30-minute complimentary consultation here.
