Did you know that the 401(k) retirement savings program turned 40 on Election Day? This provision from the 1978 Revenue Act has become the foundation of retirement planning. And the 401(k) continues to be the most common tool to save for retirement. Anyone who collects a paycheck should take advantage of 401(k) savings, and with the cost of living continuing to rise, saving early can make all the difference when it comes time to retire.
The 401(k) plan was created as a way for employees to set aside part of their paychecks for retirement. That money is tax deferred, meaning that it is not taxed until the money is actually withdrawn or the funds distributed. 401(k) plans are considered defined contribution plans, which means employees contribute to the fund and employers can match or add to the funds (although it is not required). Employers often use 401(k) matching funds as an incentive to attract new talent.
There are limits to how much you can put aside in a tax-deferred 401(k). For 2019, the amount has been raised $500 to a maximum of $19,000, although workers aged 50 and older can make catch-up contributions up to an additional $6,000. The maximum joint contribution by both employer and employee is $56,000 for 2019.
Critics complain that 401(k) plans were never designed to be the focal point of retirement planning and are a poor substitute for pension plans that offer a fixed payout at retirement. However, fewer Americans have pensions, partly because of the growing popularity of 401(k) plans. Because of 401(k) plans, it’s easier than ever to set aside retirement savings, which is why more people are saving—and you should too.
Very few young professionals entering the workforce think about retirement planning. When they start getting their first regular paycheck, they become concerned with other costs such as rent and student loans. However, the ideal time to start thinking about retirement planning is when you get your first paycheck.
A common trap that many recent graduates fall into is establishing a lifestyle that matches their paycheck—every month, they spend all their earnings. When establishing a budget, you should include retirement savings, as well as a little money set aside for emergencies. If you continue to live paycheck to paycheck, you won’t be able to get ahead, and you’ll be in real trouble if you lose your job.
It’s hard to think long-term when you are in your twenties, but you have to consider what life might be like when you are ready to retire. Social Security will probably be around in some form or another, but without a tidy nest egg, you will have to keep working to pay your bills. The earlier you start saving, the more you will have for retirement. In fact, if you start setting aside money when you are 25, you will have twice the savings at age 65 than if you started saving at age 40.
There are other reasons you want to start saving with a 401(k) as soon as possible:
When you are just starting out, money management can seem daunting. For example, is it better to try to pay off or refinance your student loans in order to save money or should you put money in investments? Although other types of financial strategies could pay off in the long run, be sure to start by taking advantage of the matching funds and tax benefits of a 401(k). Most people in their twenties have fewer family obligations and expenses, so they have more liquid cash—it’s the perfect time to start retirement planning. If you are not sure where to start, you can always confer with one of the financial advisors in Investment & Retirement Services, available through CFS* here at iQ Credit Union. We’re always here to help you plan for your future.