Whether you are 10 years from retirement or just starting in the workforce full-time, a financial advisor can help you maximize the use of your retirement plans in the most tax-friendly way.
Contribute to Tax-Deductible Plans
Contributing to a retirement plan such as a 401k or 403b allows you to delay paying taxes on any income generated until you reach a certain age. The concept behind taking advantage of this type of tax benefit is to pay taxes on income after you retire when your income falls under a lower tax bracket. You pay taxes at a lower rate, as well as receive the full amount of income that you can invest in a wide variety of options.
Maximize Your Employer’s Match
As of 2022, your employer can match your contributions to a 401k plan up to the first $61,000 of income. For example, your employer might offer to match one-quarter of your retirement contributions that cover up to $25,000 of the annual income generated. Taking advantage of an employer match gives you an investment tool that remains tax-free until your retirement years.
Step Outside Your Employer’s Plan
An employer-sponsored 401k plan is not the only option you have to save for retirement. Establishing an individual retirement account (IRA) builds your nest egg at a much faster rate. Saving for retirement by opening a traditional IRA works for you under certain circumstances. Another retirement fund plan called a Roth IRA permits you to invest for retirement by using after-tax income. A financial advisor can recommend the right retirement plan that matches your financial goals.
Invest in a Deferred Compensation Plan
Investing for your retirement years requires you to consider every option, including a deferred compensation plan. Under this type of retirement plan, you designate a percentage of your gross income to move into an account without having to pay taxes on the percentage of gross income. The IRS places restrictions on a deferred compensation retirement plan, which means you should consult with a certified financial planner before committing to this type of retirement strategy.
What You Should Consider
The key to maximizing the income you receive in retirement is to put your gross income to work now. Compound interest represents the most attractive reason to invest today for money that you get to spend and invest in retirement. Another point to consider is that tax-deferred does not mean you never have to pay taxes. It simply means the money you put away in a qualified retirement plan does not get taxed until you start taking out some of the money for personal use. You have to consider taxes when making withdrawals.
One of the most important elements of a retirement plan you should consider concerns how your employer invests your hard-earned money. A retirement that invests money in poor choices can leave you with considerably less money than you should earn in your retirement years.