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Retirement Fund Checkup: 5 Simple Steps

Saving for retirement is a long-term goal. As you progress through your working years, it’s essential to periodically review your nest egg to ensure you’re on track. This allows you to make necessary adjustments, setting the stage for a comfortable retirement. Here are five simple steps to take when conducting your retirement fund checkup.

1. Clarify Your Savings Target

There are several ways to estimate how much money you’ll need in retirement. In 2021, the average household headed by someone 65 or older spent $52,141 annually on basic expenses, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. That works out to $4,345 per month. Other retirement savings approaches are based on your age. One rule of thumb is to save 15% of your income for retirement when you’re in your 20s and 30s, then increase it to 20% in your 40s and beyond. Fidelity Investments offers these guidelines:

• By age 30: Have the equivalent of your current annual salary saved
• By age 40: Have three times your annual salary saved
• By age 50: Have six times your annual salary saved
• By age 60: Have eight times your annual salary saved
• By age 67: Have ten times your annual salary saved

Your retirement lifestyle and goals can also affect your savings target. For example, you may need more if you’re considering retiring abroad or early retirement.

2. Assess Your Retirement Savings

Once you have a general idea of how much you’ll need in retirement, take stock of your current savings. This includes money in retirement accounts like a 401(k) or individual retirement account (IRA). You can also factor in cash savings (minus your emergency fund). Now consider how many years you have until you retire. Is your nest egg prepared to go the distance, assuming you continue saving at the same rate? If not, you might choose to increase your monthly contributions.

3. Bump Up Your Contributions

Contributions to your 401(k) are typically made through automatic payroll deductions, making it easy to set aside pretax dollars for retirement. You can choose your contribution amount, which is a percentage of your earnings taken out of each paycheck. You’ll save even more if an employer match is available.

You can make IRA contributions on your own by transferring funds directly into your account. Individuals who are 50 and older can use catch-up contributions to put more money into a 401(k) or IRA. If you’ve maxed out your retirement accounts, a brokerage account can also be used for retirement income.

4. Consider Your Tax Burden

Saving through multiple accounts can provide tax benefits today and in retirement. For example, you might split your contributions between a 401(k) and a Roth IRA to secure different tax perks. Here’s a snapshot of how retirement accounts are taxed:

• 401(k): Contributions are tax-deductible, reducing your taxable income today. You won’t owe taxes until you make withdrawals, but your tax liability could be significant if a 401(k) is your sole source of retirement income.
• Traditional IRA: Similar to a 401(k), the money you put into a traditional IRA is generally tax-deductible. You’ll also be taxed on distributions you take in retirement.
• Roth IRA: Contributions are not tax-deductible, but you’ll enjoy tax-free withdrawals in retirement. This can help offset your tax liability when you’re no longer working and prevent you from being pushed into a higher tax bracket.

5. Rebalance if Necessary

Rebalancing your portfolio involves adjusting your holdings to align with your risk tolerance and goals. IRAs and 401(k)s are investment accounts that can hold various securities, including stocks, bonds, mutual funds, and exchange-traded funds (ETFs). These assets carry different levels of risk, making diversification crucial.

The general rule is to assume more risk when you’re younger because you have more time to recover from market volatility. As you age, you’ll likely want a more conservative approach. When reviewing your retirement accounts, check to see if your asset allocation still feels right. If not, rebalancing might be in order.

The Bottom Line

A retirement fund checkup allows you to assess your nest egg and savings strategy so you can adjust your approach as needed. Think of it as another form of financial maintenance. You probably check in with your budget and spending—your long-term goals need the same attention.

For any mortgage service needs, contact O1ne Mortgage at 213-732-3074. We’re here to help you achieve your financial goals and secure a comfortable retirement.

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