Introduction
Retirement savings form an important part of anybody’s financial planning. Knowing how much you should have saved by a certain point in life, e.g. 40 years of age, can mean the difference between a secure financial future and serious financial struggles. Research has shown that Americans between the ages of 40 and 49 have an average of $105,500 in their 401k savings accounts. This article will look at the retirement savings you should aim to have, including the average retirement savings by age as well as different categories of expenses you may need to bear in mind.
What is the Average Retirement Account Balance?
It should come as no surprise that average retirement savings vary according to certain demographic parameters. According to the Economic Policy Institute (EPI), the average retirement account balance for those aged 55-64 is around $172,000. It’s also interesting to note that the average retirement savings of pre-retirees aged 55-64 is 7 times the amount of young adults aged 32-37, which is around $24,000.
What Amount Should You Aim to Save?
So, you know what the average retirement savings balance looks like, but what should you do to get there? A good rule of thumb to follow is to aim to save one times your annual income by the age of 30, three times your annual income by 40, and so forth. This is displayed in the chart below.
Saving Early
The sooner you can start saving for your retirement, the better. Although the average retirement savings balance for those aged 55-64 is relatively high, this is also the age bracket closest to retirement. If you wait too long, or if you begin to save too late, this could be detrimental to the amount of money you will have tax-free in the long run.
Furthermore, there are a few particular types of expenses that you should be aware of. The most obvious expense is the annual contribution limit to your 401k account, which is currently set at $19,500 for those under 50, and $26,000 for those 50 and over. Additionally, the yearly cap on the catch-up contribution you can make to your 401k is $6,500. By understanding these two figures, you can plan ahead and save accordingly.
Putting Away More Money
Aside from the cap for regular contributions and catch-up contributions that you can make to your 401k, there are also other savings vehicles that you can take advantage of. If you want to pay less in taxes and have more money for retirement, you should consider making a Roth IRA contribution. With a Roth IRA, you are only taxed once on the amount you contribute, and those contributions are then grow tax-free. This can be a great way to boost your retirement savings in the long run.
If you are self-employed, or if you have an employer who does not offer a 401k plan, you can open a SEP IRA or a solo 401k. Both of these retirement saving accounts are tax-deferred, and allow you to contribute more per year than a traditional 401k.
Wrapping it Up
In conclusion, Americans aged 40-49 have an average retirement savings balance of $105,500 in their 401k accounts. Knowing what amount you should save by a certain age, and understanding different types of retirement accounts can help you get ahead and prepare for the future. The general rule of thumb is to have one and three times your annual income saved by the age of 30 and 40, respectively. Additionally, you should consider other types of retirement accounts, such as SEP IRAs or Roth IRAs, in order to boost your retirement savings.
Understanding 401k Balance by Age
A 401k plan is a retirement plan sponsored by employers and allowed under the Internal Revenue Code. It allows an employee to set money aside in the form of a qualified contribution and defer taxes on contributions, as well as on the earnings from investments held within the account. Knowing the average 401k balance by age allows investors to understand the amount of money they need to prepare for retirement.
401k balances vary based on several factors, including age. The General Account of Employee Benefit Retirement programs (EBRI) research shows that for the people aged 35 to 44, the average 401k balance is currently $97,020. For those 45 to 54 years old, the average balance is $179,200. For the age group from 55 to 64, the average balance is much higher – $256,244 and for those 65 and above, the average balance is as high as $279,997.
Growth of 401k Over Years
Year after year, the average 401k balance continues to rise. In 2017, the overall average 401k balance stood at $109,150 – a significant increase from $96,350 in 2013. According to the latest findings, in 2021 the average 401k balance rose to $141,542, representing a 4% increase from the previous year. These figures go to show the success of 401k plans that have made numerous individuals better equipped to face retirement.
The 401k account is an essential retirement vehicle for many Americans. However, it is important for individuals to be informed on the performance of their 401k plans. For instance, measuring the 401k savings average over time helps one identify important trends and understand the performance of their investments.
Tips for Optimizing 401k Savings
It is estimated that nearly half of all Americans do not have a 401k plan as part of their retirement plan. To start reaping the benefits of these plans, it is important to evaluate your current circumstances and find out how much you can afford to contribute. Additionally, it is always wise to invest in a 401k plan as early as possible to take advantage of tax benefits and compound interest.
Investors should create a plan to maximize their retirement savings. The plan should include setting specific goals, making consistent contributions, and understanding the company’s matching contributions. Moreover, it is essential to make sure that the funds are divested appropriately to account for life events. Finally, review the account regularly but make changes only when necessary.
401k plans offer ambitious investors an opportunity to save for retirement. Knowing the average 401k balance for different age groups, understanding growth over time, and optimizing savings are all important factors to consider when planning for retirement. With the help of the tips mentioned above, investors can make the most of their 401k savings and enjoy a sound financial future.