Retirement Savings Essentials in your 30s
When you cross the threshold into your thirties, you have a sense of confidence and direction for the kind of life you want to live. After all, you likely spent your twenties surviving tough lessons about work and self-sufficiency. You may not have all the answers, but you do understand the importance of planning for the future. As you begin your thirties, you have more earning power than in your twenties, but you have more financial responsibilities too. Your thirties are the time for starting a family, starting a household, and just as importantly . . . starting to plan for your retirement.
According to the Employee Benefit Research Institute 2015 Retirement Confidence Survey, 59% of workers in their early thirties expect to retire by age 65 but 77% report less than $25,000 in retirement savings. Only 37% of workers in their early 30s had tried to calculate how much money they will need to save for retirement, while 26% felt very confident about having enough money to live comfortably throughout their retirement years.
Your 30s are the best time to set yourself up for long-term savings success. To get ahead, you’ve got to ‘know the ropes.’ Your learning curve doesn’t have to be steep. The key is to know what’s available to you and why you should get started today.
Time Is On Your Side
When you’re in your thirties, your biggest advantage in saving for your retirement is time. You have an investment horizon that extends about 35 years depending on your individual situation and retirement goals. Hypothetically, if you save $5,000 per year beginning at the age of 30 (invested at a 5% annual return), you’ll have nearly $500,000 (after taxes) by the age of 65. You will have invested only $175,000 over 35 years to generate nearly a half a million dollars.
If you wait until you’re 40 to begin saving, you’ll need to save twice that amount – nearly $10,000 per year – to reach the same end amount. Waiting until the age of 50 means you’ll need to save over $21,000 per year. Time gives your money the ability to grow, and depending on your situation you may be able to pursue a more aggressive blend of investments. A longer term time horizon also enables you to weather the ups and downs of the market with a greater sense of ease.
Savings Vehicles
If your employer offers a 401(k) retirement savings plan, now may be the time to increase or to max out your contributions. For 2015, the maximum contribution is $18,000 for those under 50. Be aware of any vesting schedules so that you can capture and retain the entire employer-paid match in your account. Remember, your workplace isn’t the only place to build retirement savings. An Individual Retirement Account (IRA) is another important component of your retirement savings plan. For those under 50, the maximum amount you can contribute to a traditional or a Roth IRA for 2015 is $5,500. Traditional IRA contributions may be tax deductible, pending certain income phase-outs and whether your spouse is already covered by a retirement savings plan at work. You should speak with your personal tax advisor for relevant information regarding income limitations and phase outs.
Protecting Your Assets
Your 30s are likely to be the first time that you’re struck with this new wisdom: It’s important to have protection in case something doesn’t go according to the plan. You’ve worked hard, and it’s important to protect your retirement savings. Disability insurance is an important safety net, particularly if your spouse or family depend on your income. While your employer may offer short-term disability coverage, a private policy can help ensure that coverage is there for as long as you need it. Disability insurance can help you cover your daily expenses while you are unable to work. Because it provides steady income, it can help you avoid tapping into your retirement savings.
Spend the time in your 30s wisely. It’s a great time to create a more structured budget for your household. As your income and expenditures take on regular patterns, you can begin to set your sights on long-term goals. As you advance in your career, remember that each increase in income doesn’t necessarily mean you should increase your lifestyle. Make it a prime opportunity to increase your retirement savings instead.
2019-87774 Exp. 10/21
Employee Benefit Research Institute, 2015 Retirement Confidence Survey
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