8 Essential Tips for Retirement Saving

Regardless of whether you're 25 or 55, saving for retirement is a wise financial strategy. Everyone will face retirement at some point, either by choice or necessity. Whether you are on track for retirement savings or need to play catch up, or you're a financial advisor who wants to give clients a leg up on preparing for their later years, these eight essential tips for retirement savings will put more money in your account.

1. Grab the 401(k) or 403(b) Company Match

If your workplace offers a retirement plan and a company match, you should contribute up to the amount that the company kicks in. For the greatest retirement benefit, contribute up to the maximum amount allowed by law to your retirement savings plans. Start now for the greatest financial benefit.

Here's an example to show how it works. Let’s say José earns $50,000 per year. His company contributes up to 5% of his salary, matching every dollar he puts into his workplace retirement account. By investing at least $2,500 into his 401(k), he automatically gets a $2,500 bonus from his employer, along with important tax benefits. If José doesn’t add his 5% to the pool, he misses out on free money.

2. Claim Double Retirement Plan Contributions

A little-known retirement savings opportunity allows some teachers, healthcare workers, public sector, and nonprofit employees the opportunity to contribute twice as much to retirement plans, due to certain catch-up provisions. These provisions apply to certain 457(b) and 403(b) plan participants. Details are provided on the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) website.

These workers can add $22,500 in 2023 and $23,000 in 2024 to 403(b) or 457 retirement plan accounts.

3. File for Uncle Sam’s Retirement Savings Credit

If you are a lower- or middle-income taxpayer, you may claim a tax credit for up to 50% of your retirement plan contribution. If you are married and filing jointly with an adjusted gross income (AGI) of below $73,000 for 2023 ($76,500 for 2024), and you contribute to a qualified retirement plan, you may be eligible for a tax credit.

The income limit for heads of household is $54,750 for 2023 ($57,375 for 2024) and for single filers and married persons filing separately is $36,500 for 2023 ($38,250 for 2024).

The maximum credit is $2,000 for married couples filing jointly and $1,000 for single filers (applied against the maximum contribution amounts: $4,000 for married couples filing jointly and $2,000 for single filers).

4. Use the?Backdoor Roth IRA to Increase Savings

Contributions phase out for Roth IRAs based on your income and filing status. The table below outlines these limits.

If your current income is too high and makes you ineligible to contribute to a Roth IRA, there’s another way in. First, contribute to a traditional IRA. There is no income ceiling for contributions to a non-deductible traditional IRA, although there is a limit to what can be contributed.

The IRS caps the contribution limit to $6,500 for 2023 and $7,000 for 2024. If you are 50 years or older, you're eligible to make a $1,000 catch-up contribution in either year.

After the funds clear, convert the traditional IRA to a Roth IRA. That way the funds can compound for the future and be withdrawn tax-free, as long as you meet the withdrawal guidelines.

5. Retire in the Right State

Alaska, Florida, South Dakota, New Hampshire, Tennessee, Wyoming, Texas, Nevada, and Washington all boast the fact that they have no state income taxes. Be aware that New Hampshire doesn't tax earned income, but it does tax dividends and interest.

Fortunately for retirees, most states don’t tax Social Security. Before packing up and moving, evaluate all of the taxes in your proposed new home state.

6. Self-Employed Retirement Savings

Even if it’s just a side job, self-employment income allows you to contribute to a solo 401(k) and a Simplified Employee Pension (SEP) plan. You can contribute up to 25% of your net self-employment income, up to $66,000 in 2023 and $69,000 in 2024. If you’re under age 50, you can invest up to $22,500 in 2023 ($23,000 in 2024) in a Solo 401(k) in the role of employee.

The catch-up contribution for employees age 50 or older is $7,500 in both 2023 and 2024. There’s also an opportunity to contribute more to the solo 401(k) in the role of the employer.

7. The Health Savings Account (HSA)

With healthcare costs growing and the proliferation of high-deductible health plans (HDHP), the health savings account (HSA) is a golden retirement planning opportunity. This tool can not only be used to pay for healthcare expenses but can also be used to squirrel away additional funds for retirement.

The individual or employer contributes up to $7,750 for a family or $3,850 for an individual in 2023. In 2024, the contribution limits have increased up to $8,300 for a family or $4,150 for an individual.

The contributions are 100% tax-deductible, and funds unused for medical expenses may continue to be invested and grow over time. Not only that, but distributions made on qualified medical expenses are tax-exempt. Those over age 55 can sock away an additional $1,000 per year. When you reach age 65, any assets inside the HSA account may potentially be used for anything, not just healthcare-related expenses.

8. Benefit From Getting Older

If you’re over age 50, the tax system is your friend. Retirement plan contribution limits are raised, giving the older investor a chance to accelerate their retirement savings. You’re allowed to increase contributions to both traditional and Roth IRAs to $7,500 for 2023 and $8,000 for 2024.

The government rewards you with the opportunity to contribute an additional $7,500 to the employer-sponsored retirement plan (e.g., 401(k), 403(b), 457) for a maximum amount of $30,000 in 2023. This contribution limit remains the same for 2024, increasing the total contribution amount up to $30,500.

The Bottom Line

Automate your retirement savings and have the money transferred from your paycheck to any and all of your retirement accounts. The cash you can’t get your hands on is more money for your retirement nest egg. Take advantage of the tax-saving retirement opportunities for which you qualify. By starting now and maximizing your retirement account dollars, you secure your financial future.