Take steps now to create a plan

When thinking about saving for retirement, a good plan includes some important steps. We can help you get started by considering your income, budget, lifestyle, and goals. Begin with these steps, and you’ll be on your way. 

1. Create a Budget

Regardless of age, it’s a great idea to create a budget to manage your spending and increase your savings. When we have a good savings habit started, we can begin to think about saving for retirement.

2. Set a goal to save a percentage of your income every year

This includes matching contributions from your employer 401(k) if available, IRAs, and any other workplace retirement accounts. A good target: by the time you reach 30, try to have saved a total amount equal to your current salary.

3. Set targets based on your age

If you're in your 40s to early 50s, saving is especially crucial as you approach retirement age. Common recommendations include having at least 3 times your salary saved by age 40, and 6 times your salary saved by age 50. If you haven’t met these goals, it's okay, then try to increase the portion of your income you save in an amount that works for you.

4. Maximize your 401(k), especially with employer matching

If it’s available to you, your first place to put retirement savings should be the maximum allowed in a 401(k) with employer matching. The matching funds are essentially free money. Ask your employer what you’re currently contributing, and consider having more deducted from your paycheck (up to the maximum allowed) if you can. If your employer doesn’t offer it, or you are self-employed, other options are available, such as a SEP IRA, SIMPLE IRA, or Self-Employed 401(k).

5. Take advantage of IRAs

IRAs, both Traditional and Roth, offer tax breaks if you meet certain eligibility requirements based on your income. Each may have a place in your retirement savings mix. Learn more here, and ask us what may work for you.

6. Make your savings automatic

You won’t spend part of your income that you don’t see. We recommend setting up automatic withdrawals for retirement. Making automatic contributions to your retirement accounts with each paycheck makes it easier.

7. Check your progress regularly

It’s a good idea to evaluate your retirement plan once or twice a year, or whenever your income, expenses, or other factors change. We can help you evaluate your savings, your goals, and whether any changes are in order.

Retire Smarter

Whether you’re getting ready to retire or making plans for the future, we're here to help you with the retirement planning process. Once you have a plan in place, you can begin to work toward your goals, and take control of your future.

Call 315-735-8571 to talk about your options or make an appointment with one of our friendly and knowledgeable representatives today. Simply click on the button below, select “Advisory Services” from the menu and choose “Investment Services.”