For the new year boost your retirement accounts with these 10 simple tips
Jan 14, 2022, 9:49 AM | Updated: Jan 4, 2023, 2:43 pm
Photo: Adobe Stock
This article about boosting your retirement accounts is presented by Teton Wealth Group. Take their retirement mistakes quiz to see where you stand.
The new year and resolutions go hand in hand. Here are some ways to give your retirement accounts a financial workout.
1. Boost your retirement accounts by understanding your lifestyle expenses
Photo: Adobe Stock
First, you’ll want to track your spending for a few years prior to retirement to know what it really takes to financially fund your lifestyle. And don’t forget those non-monthly expenses like real estate taxes or insurance premiums.
2. Be aware of financial costs that will change in retirement
Photo: Adobe Stock
In retirement, some of your costs can decrease. Things like health insurance for those over age 65, or vehicle expenses since you may no longer be making a daily commute will start to decrease. But pay attention, because just as often, other expenses can increase. Know the types of expenses you’ll be looking at.
3. Understand how taxes impact your money
Photo: Adobe Stock
Retirees often scale down their work lives from full-time to part-time to not working at all. This can create planning opportunities, like lower tax brackets.
4. Create your retirement paycheck
Photo: Adobe Stock
Many retirees have multiple investment accounts such as IRAs, Roth IRAs, and joint or individual accounts. How you take money from each account to provide your needed income may impact your taxes differently. Don’t overlook how you withdraw from your accounts.
5. Decide when to start social security
Photo: Adobe Stock
You become eligible to start your Social Security benefit at age 62, and if you delay, your benefits continue to increase through age 70. After 70, your monthly benefit stops increasing. And that’s even if you continue to delay taking benefits.
6. Consider your spouse’s retirement income after your death
Photo: Adobe Stock
If you are married, you will also want to evaluate how your Social Security strategy may impact your spouse’s retirement income after your death.
7. Understand How Your Investments Support Your Income Needs
Photo: Adobe Stock
Stock and bond markets can easily go up and down. You need to take this into consideration when you determine how much you will need from your investments to support your new retired lifestyle.
8. Budget for unexpected expenses
Photo: Adobe Stock
Use savings buckets to set aside money in savings accounts for a variety of needs, including an emergency fund. Having extra money is never going to hurt you in retirement. Making sure you are looking ahead and not just spending is going to leave you in a better place.
9. Required minimum distributions
Photo: Adobe Stock
At age 70.5, you are required to take a certain amount of money from your tax-deferred accounts such as IRAs and 401(k)s.
10. Be aware of how expenses change over time
Photo: Adobe Stock
As you work through your retirement plan, consider the likelihood that your expenses will change over time.
Related articles:
- Your prepare for retirement checklist | 6 things you can do now to prepare for your retirement
- How to pick a financial advisor | What questions do you need to ask to make sure you are getting the best advice?
- Setting yourself up for a stress-free retirement | 5 tips to make your retired time more worth while
