Maximize contributions

10-20 years from retirement

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Maximize Your Contributions

Make Increases While Time Is Still on Your Side

For investments to work efficiently, you need two things: money and time. That’s why it’s important for young people to start contributing as early in their careers as possible. But someone 10 to 20 years from retirement can also take advantage of time, especially if they are able to max out their investments.

MyFact
The average 401(k) contribution by age group shows a steady increase in contributions as a percent of income. 20-29 (7.4%), 30-39 (8.3%), 40-49 (8.9%), 50-59 (10.4%), 60-69 (11.4%).1
 

Meet the Match

If your employer matches a portion of your contributions to your retirement account, you should, at the very least, take advantage of that “free” money. For example, if your employer matches 50% of up to 6% of your salary, that means that if you can contribute 6%, you’re getting an additional 3% from your employer.

To refresh your memory, watch Pete the Planner’s Matching Contributions video.

Maximum Contibution Amounts

2022 Salary-Deferral 401(k) Contribution Limits

Individual plan participants can contribute up to $20,500 of their wages in 2022.

2022 Total Annual 401(k) Contribution Limits

Total contribution limits for 2022 are $61,000 total annual 401(k) if you are age 49 or younger

As you plan for retirement, it may be helpful to understand the current contribution limits. If you can, maximize your retirement plan contributions. Your contributions, employer contributions, if applicable, plus compound growth on these amounts, can help you to maximize the income you’re able to receive when you start taking distributions from your retirement account.

Catch-Up Contributions

Because not everyone is able to contribute the maximum amount to their retirement plan in their 20s and 30s, and even into their 50s, concessions have been made to the contribution rules. Catch-up contributions allow anyone age 50 and older to kick in an extra amount above and beyond the maximum levels. If you are age 50 or older and maximizing your retirement account contributions, you may want to consider making a catch-up contribution as you enter the homestretch of retirement preparation.

After You Max Out Your Contributions

You maxed out your retirement plan contributions, now what? There are additional retirement preparation tools available, such as an Individual Retirement Account (IRA), Roth IRAs, Health Savings Account (HSA), taxable account or insurance offerings. Consider working with a financial professional to determine which retirement preparation solutions may be best for your situation.

By maximizing your retirement plan contribution and taking advantage of catch-up contributions when eligible, you may sleep better knowing that you didn’t leave any money on the table when it’s time to retire.

 
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1. Average 401k Balance by Age, https://balancingeverything.com/average-401k-balance-by-age, (CNBC/Investopedia), July 5, 2021.

Note: OneAmerica® is the marketing name for the companies of OneAmerica. Products issued and underwritten by American United Life Insurance Company® (AUL), a OneAmerica company. Administrative and recordkeeping services provided by OneAmerica Retirement Services LLC, a OneAmerica company, which is not a broker/dealer or investment advisor.

Provided content is for overview and informational purposes only and is not intended and should not be relied upon as individualized tax, legal, fiduciary, or investment advice. These concepts were derived under current laws and regulations. Changes in the law or regulations may affect the information provided. For answers to specific questions, please consult a qualified attorney, tax advisor, or financial professional.

Investing involves risk, including potential loss of principal.

The views and opinions expressed by Peter Dunn (aka Pete the Planner) are solely his and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of the companies of OneAmerica. Pete the Planner’s content is for overview and informational purposes only and is not intended as tax, legal, fiduciary, or investment advice. Pete the Planner is not an affiliate of any OneAmerica company.