goalSaveRetirement Archives

Sep

2024

How to Open an IRA: Beginners Guide

By Rebecca Lake | Budgeting & Goals, Building Your Career, Growing Wealth, invest, Investing | No Comments

Saving for retirement may be the biggest financial goal many of us will ever set. So it makes sense to explore all retirement savings options, including an IRA, or individual retirement account. Individual retirement accounts are tax-advantaged tools that can be opened by virtually anyone with earned income, unlike employer-sponsored 401(k) plans. The sooner you open your first IRA, the more opportunity your savings have to grow over time, potentially leading to a nice nest egg upon retirement.

There are other benefits to opening an IRA. For one, it can deliver attractive tax perks — either up front or in retirement — and it can be especially attractive to individuals who don’t have an employer-sponsored 401(k) plan, or have maxed it out already.

This article will walk you through the steps of opening an IRA — whether a traditional, Roth, or SEP IRA.

How to Open an IRA in 5 Steps

Step 1: Choose Between an Online Broker or a Robo-Advisor

Step 2: Choose Where to Open Your IRA

Step 3: Open an account

Step 4: Fund Your Account

Step 5: Choose Your Investments

1. Choose Between an Online Broker or a Robo-Advisor

When setting up an IRA, you have the option to select the investing style that aligns with your preferences and goals. You can choose between two primary methods: using an online broker for self-directed investing or opting for a robo-advisor for automated investing.

• Consider a robo-advisor for a hands-off approach: If you find the array of investment choices daunting or you’re unsure where to begin, a robo-advisor might be the ideal solution. This option allows you to take a more hands-off approach and automate your investments. Simply share your retirement and investment objectives, and the robo-advisor will create and maintain a tailored portfolio specifically designed to meet your needs.

• Choose an online broker to take control of your investments: For those who prefer to be more involved and make their own investment decisions, using an online broker for self-directed investing is the way to go. This method allows you to directly manage your investments and typically comes with the benefit of commission-free trades. This is a great choice for individuals who want to actively participate in the management of their IRA investments.

2. Choose Where to Open Your IRA

You can open an IRA at a bank, a brokerage, mutual fund company, or other financial services provider. Typically, the more personal care and advice you get, the higher the account fees will be. A robo-advisor, for instance, might charge lower fees than a brokerage.

Boost your retirement contributions with a 1% match.

SoFi IRAs now get a 1% match on every dollar you deposit, up to the annual contribution limits. Open an account today and get started.

Only offers made via ACH are eligible for the match. ACATs, wires, and rollovers are not included.

3. Open an account

Once you decide where to open an IRA, you’ll need to follow through with doing so. The process to open an IRA can vary a bit from provider to provider, but it’s generally pretty straightforward.

What You’ll Need to Open an IRA

• A copy of your government-issued ID

• Personal information, including contact information and Social Security number

• Details on intended beneficiaries

IRA Types to Choose From

• Traditional IRA: If you have earned income, you can open a traditional IRA regardless of how much you make per year. An IRA can be a good next step if you’ve maxed out your 401(k), for instance.

One notable difference between traditional and Roth IRA accounts is that traditional IRAs allow you to deduct your contributions on your tax returns now, meaning you pay taxes on distributions when you retire. You’ll pay a 10% penalty tax (in addition to regular income tax) on any money you withdraw from a traditional IRA before age 59 ½, with a few exceptions.

It may be better to go with a traditional IRA if you think you’ll be in a lower tax bracket after retirement. This is because you’ll be saving on a higher tax rate now (vs. the lower rate you’d be paying later, since you’d be in a lower tax bracket in retirement).

• Roth IRA: Unlike traditional IRAs, there are income limits on who can open a Roth IRA. For 2024, individuals can only contribute the full amount — $7,000, with an additional $1,000 for people age 50 or over — to a Roth IRA if their income is below $146,000 for single filers. Those earning more than $146,000 but less than $161,000 can contribute a reduced amount. For married people who file taxes jointly, the limit is $230,000; those who earn up to $240,000 can contribute a reduced amount.

Roth IRA contributions are made with after-tax income. While that doesn’t offer any tax advantages now, it does mean that when you withdraw money upon retirement, you won’t have to pay taxes on it. As such, a Roth IRA may make sense for eligible individuals who typically get a tax refund and expect to be in a similar or higher tax bracket when they retire (for example, if they plan to have substantial income from a business, investments, or work).

• SEP IRA: A SEP IRA, or simplified employee pension, can be set up by either an employer at a small business or by someone who is self-employed.

Employers get a tax deduction when they contribute to their employees’ IRAs, and they’re also allowed to contribute on a “discretionary basis” (meaning the employer doesn’t have to contribute in years where it’s not as financially feasible for the company.) For employees, this option may allow you to contribute a greater amount than other IRAs, depending on your income.

Once your account is opened, you’ll receive guidance on funding an IRA. If you want to fund your account through an electronic transfer, you’ll be asked to provide banking information. It’s also possible to roll over existing retirement accounts — and yes, it is possible to open an IRA if you have a 401(k) already.

4. Fund Your Account

As of 2024, you can contribute up to $7,000 a year to a traditional or Roth IRA, or up to $8,000 if you’re 50 or older. If you take home more than the maximum earnings allowed for a Roth IRA but still prefer a Roth IRA over a traditional account, you might be able to contribute a reduced amount of Roth IRA contribution limits. Use the IRA contribution calculator below to help you get an idea of how much you can contribute this year.

In many cases, it’s a good idea to invest as much as you can up to that amount each year to take full advantage of the power of compound growth.

A retirement calculator can help you figure out whether you’re on track for retirement. A quick rule of thumb: By the time you’re 30, it’s typically good to have the equivalent of one year’s salary saved.

Rolling Over a 401(k) into an IRA

If you’re leaving a job with an employee-sponsored retirement plan, you can roll over your 401(k) into a traditional IRA. Additionally, funds can be transferred from an existing bank account into an IRA. Doing so can potentially allow you to access better investment options and lower fees.

When you roll money over from a 401(k), there’s no limit to how much you can add to an IRA at that time. Going forward, additional contributions will be capped at the typical IRA contribution limit.

💡 Recommended: IRA vs. 401(k)

5. Choose Your Investments

Investors can choose to invest in stocks, bonds, mutual funds, low-cost index funds, or exchange-traded funds (ETFs) — or a combination thereof – through a financial institution.

One popular type of investment fund geared toward retirement savings is a “target date fund.” A target date fund is calibrated to the year you plan to retire, and it’s meant to automatically update your mix of assets, like stocks and bonds, so they’re more aggressive earlier in life and more conservative as you approach retirement.

Ultimately, the mix of investments in your IRA should depend on your personal risk tolerance, lifestyle, and retirement goals.

Pros and Cons of IRAs

If you’re contemplating whether to open an IRA, it’s important to understand the pros and cons of this category of retirement account. Here’s a look at the pros and cons of traditional and Roth IRAs, two of the most common types of IRAs:

Pros	Cons
Tax-advantaged saving	Lower contributions limits than other types of retirement accounts
Anyone can open one	Income limits on contributions/ deductions
Wider array of investment options	No employer matching contributions
Easy to set up	Have to set it up yourself

Traditional IRA

Contributions to a traditional IRA are potentially tax deductible, which can lower your taxable income for the year. However, you will pay taxes on withdrawals in retirement.

Roth IRA

With a Roth IRA, contributions are made with after-tax dollars, but the growth and withdrawals in retirement can occur tax free. This can be a significant advantage if you expect to be in a higher tax bracket in retirement.

Investing in Your Retirement

Once you’re familiar with how to open an individual retirement account, the process itself is pretty straightforward — possibly the biggest lift involved is deciding which IRA suits your personal situation and retirement goals best: a traditional, Roth, or SEP IRA. From there, you’ll need to decide where to start a Roth IRA or other type or IRA, then go through the formal process of starting an IRA, which includes providing certain information, funding the account, selecting a contribution amount, and deciding where to invest your funds.

That can all sound like a lot, but getting started on saving for your retirement doesn’t have to be difficult. SoFi Invest makes opening an IRA simple — it’s possible to sign up in less than five minutes. You can be as involved in the investment process as you want to be — either with hands-on investing or our automated investing technology, in which our algorithm will recommend an appropriate mix of investments based on your age and retirement goals.

For a limited time, opening and funding an Active Invest account gives you the opportunity to get up to $1,000 in the stock of your choice.

FAQ

How much money is required to open an IRA?

There’s no universal minimum amount required to open an IRA. That being said, some providers will have minimum requirements.

Can you open an IRA all on your own?

Yes, it’s definitely possible to open an IRA on your own. The process is simple, similar to opening a bank account, and you can do so at most banks, brokerages, or other financial institutions. Often, it’s possible to start an IRA online.

Can you open an IRA at a bank?

Yes, many banks offer IRAs. You can also open an IRA at credit unions, brokerages, and investment companies.

About the author

Rebecca Lake

Rebecca Lake has been a finance writer for nearly a decade, specializing in personal finance, investing, and small business. She is a contributor at Forbes Advisor, SmartAsset, Investopedia, The Balance, MyBankTracker, MoneyRates and CreditCards.com. Read full bio.

You may also be interested in:

IRA vs 401(k): What Is the Difference?

What Is a Roth IRA and How Does It Work?

Retirement Planning: Step-by-Step Guide

Claw Promotion: Customer must fund their Active Invest account with at least $25 within 30 days of opening the account. Probability of customer receiving $1,000 is 0.028%. See full terms and conditions.

SoFi Invest®

INVESTMENTS ARE NOT FDIC INSURED • ARE NOT BANK GUARANTEED • MAY LOSE VALUE

Jun

2024

When Should You Start Saving for Retirement?

By Melanie Mannarino | Budgeting & Goals, Growing Wealth, invest, Preparing for Retirement | No Comments

If you ask any financial advisor when you should start saving for retirement, their answer would likely be simple: Now, or in your 20s if possible.

It’s not always easy to prioritize investing for retirement. If you’re in your 20s or 30s, you might have student loans or other goals that seem more “immediate,” such as a down payment on a house or your child’s tuition. But starting early is important because it can allow you to save much more. In fact, setting aside a little every year starting in your 20s could mean an additional hundreds of thousands of dollars of accumulated investment earnings by retirement age.

No matter what age you are, putting away money for the future is a good idea. Read on to learn more about when to start saving for retirement and how to do it.

This article is part of SoFi’s Retirement Planning Guide, our coverage of all the steps you need to create a successful retirement plan.

What Is the Ideal Age to Start Saving for Retirement?

Ideally, you should start saving for retirement in your 20s, if possible. By getting started early, you could reap the benefits of compound interest. That’s when money in savings accounts earns interest, that interest is added to the principal amount in the account, and then interest is earned on the new higher amount.

Starting to save for retirement in your 20s can allow you to save much more. In fact, setting aside a little every year starting in your 20s could mean an additional hundreds of thousands of dollars of accumulated investment earnings by retirement age.

That said, if you are older than your 20s, it’s not too late to start saving for retirement. The important thing is to get started, no matter what your age.

Boost your retirement contributions with a 1% match.

SoFi IRAs now get a 1% match on every dollar you deposit, up to the annual contribution limits. Open an account today and get started.

Only offers made via ACH are eligible for the match. ACATs, wires, and rollovers are not included.

The #1 Reason to Start Early: Compound Interest

If you start saving early, you could reap the benefits of compound interest.

CFP^®, Brian Walsh says, “Time can either be your best friend or your worst enemy. If you start saving early, you make it a habit, and you start building now, time becomes your best friend because of compounded growth. If you delay — say 5, 10, 15 years to save — then time becomes your worst enemy because you don’t have enough time to make up for the money that you didn’t save.”

Here’s how compound interest works and why it can be so valuable: The money in a savings account, money market account, or CD (certificate of deposit) earns interest. That interest is added to the balance or principle in the account, and then interest is earned on the new higher amount.

Depending on the type of account you have, interest might accrue daily, weekly, monthly, quarterly, twice a year, or annually. The more frequently interest compounds on your savings, the greater the benefit for you.

Investments — including investments in retirement plans, such as an employee-sponsored 401(k) plan or a traditional or Roth IRA — likewise benefit from compounding returns. Over time, you can see returns on both the principal as well as the returns on your contributions. Essentially, your money can work for you and potentially grow through the years, just through the power of compound returns.

The sooner you start saving and investing, the more time compounding has to do its work.

💡 Quick Tip: If you’re opening a brokerage account for the first time, consider starting with an amount of money you’re prepared to lose. Investing always includes the risk of loss, and until you’ve gained some experience, it’s probably wise to start small.

Saving Early vs Saving Later

To understand the power of compound returns, consider this:

If you start investing $7,000 a year at age 25, by the time you reach age 67, you’d have a total of $2,129,704.66. However, if you waited until age 35 to start investing the same amount, and got the same annual return, you’d have $939,494.76.

Age	Annual Return	Savings
25	8%	$2,129,704.66
35	8%	$939,494.76

As you can see, starting in your 20s means you may save double the amount you would have if you waited until your 30s.

Starting Retirement Savings During Different Life Stages

Retirement is often considered the single biggest expense in many peoples’ lives. Think about it: You may be living for 20 or more years with no active income.

Plus, while your parents or grandparents likely had a pension plan that kicked off right at the age of 65, that may not be the case for many workers in younger generations. Instead, the 401(k) model of retirement that’s more common these days requires employees to do their own saving.

As you get started on your savings journey, do a quick assessment of your current financial situation and goals. Be sure to factor in such considerations as:

• Age you are now

• Age you’d like to retire

• Your income

• Your expenses

• Where you’d like to live after retirement (location and type of home)

• The kind of lifestyle you envision in retirement (hobbies, travel, etc.)

To see where you’re heading with your savings you could use a retirement savings calculator. But here are more basics on how to get started on your retirement savings strategy, at any age.

Starting in Your 20s

Starting to save for retirement in your 20s is something you’ll later be thanking yourself for.

As discussed, the earlier you start investing, the better off you’re likely to be. No matter how much or little you start with, having a longer time horizon till retirement means you’ll be able to handle the typical ups and downs of the markets.

Plus, the sooner you start saving, the more time you’ll be able to benefit from compound returns, as noted.

Start by setting a goal: At what age would you like to retire? Based on current life expectancy, how many years do you expect to be retired? What do you imagine your retirement lifestyle will look like, and what might that cost?

Then, create a budget, if you haven’t already. Document your income, expenses, and debt. Once you do that, determine how much you can save for retirement, and start saving that amount right now.

💡 Learn more: Savings for Retirement in Your 20s

Starting in Your 30s

If your 20s have come and gone and you haven’t started investing in your retirement, your 30s is the next-best time to start. While there may be other expenses competing for your budget right now — saving for a house, planning for kids or their college educations — the truth remains that the sooner you start retirement savings, the more time they’ll have to grow.

If you’re employed full-time, one easy way to start is to open an employer-sponsored retirement savings plan, like a 401(k). We’ll get into details on that below, but one benefit to note is that your savings will come out of your paycheck each month before you get taxed on that money. Not only does this automate retirement savings, but it means after a while you won’t even miss that part of your paycheck that you never really “had” to begin with. (And yes, Future You will thank you.)

💡 Learn more: Savings for Retirement in Your 30s

Starting in Your 40s

When it comes to how much you should have saved for retirement by 40, one general guideline is to have the equivalent of your two to three times your annual salary saved in retirement money.

Once you have high-interest debt (like debt from credit cards) paid off, and have a good chunk of emergency savings set aside, take a good look at your monthly budget and figure out how to reallocate some money to start building a retirement savings fund.

Not only will regular contributions get you on a good path to savings, but one-off sources of money (from a bonus, an inheritance, or the sale of a car or other big-ticket item) are another way to help catch up on retirement savings faster.

Starting in Your 50s

In your 50s, a good ballpark goal is to have six times your annual salary in your retirement savings by the end of the decade. But don’t panic if you’re not there yet — there are a few ways you can catch up.

Specifically, the government allows individuals over age 50 to make “catch-up contributions” to 401(k), traditional IRA, and Roth IRA plans. That’s an additional $7,500 in 401(k) savings, and an additional $1,000 in IRA savings for 2024 and 2023.

The opportunity is there, but only you can manage your budget to make it happen. Once you’ve earmarked regular contributions to a retirement savings account, make sure to review your asset allocation on your own or with a professional. A general rule of thumb is, the closer you get to retirement age, the larger the ratio of less risky investments (like bonds or bond funds) to more volatile ones (like stocks, mutual funds, and ETFs) you should have.

Starting in Your 60s

It’s never too late to start investing, especially if you’re still working and can contribute to an employer-sponsored retirement plan that may have matching contributions. If you’re contributing to a 401(k), or a Roth or traditional IRA, don’t forget about catch-up contributions (see the information above).

In general, when you’re this close to retirement it makes sense for your investments to be largely made up of bonds, cash, or cash equivalents. Having more fixed-income securities in your portfolio helps lower the odds of suffering losses as you get closer to your target retirement date.

💡 Learn more: Savings for Retirement in Your 60s

The Takeaway

Investing in retirement and wealth accounts is a great way to jump-start saving and investing for your golden years, whether you invest $10,000 or just $100 to get started.

The first step is to open an account or use the one that’s already open. You could also increase your contribution. If you’re opening an account, you may want to consider one without fees, to help maximize your bottom line.

Ready to invest for your retirement? It’s easy to get started when you open a traditional or Roth IRA with SoFi. SoFi doesn’t charge commissions, but other fees apply (full fee disclosure here).

Easily manage your retirement savings with a SoFi IRA.

FAQ

Is 20 years enough to save for retirement?

It’s never too late to start investing for retirement. If you’re just starting in your 40s, consider contributing to an employer-sponsored plan if you can, so that you can take advantage of any employer matching contributions. In addition to regular bi-weekly or monthly contributions, make every effort to deposit any “windfall” lump sums (like a bonus, inheritance, or proceeds from the sale of a car or house) into a retirement savings vehicle in an effort to catch up faster.

Is 25 too late to start saving for retirement?

It’s not too late to start saving for retirement at 25. Take a look at your budget and determine the max you can contribute on a regular basis — whether through an employer-sponsored plan, an IRA, or a combination of them. Then start making contributions, and consider them as non-negotiable as rent, mortgage, or a utility bill.

Is 30 too old to start investing?

No age is too old to start investing for retirement, because the best time to start is today. The sooner you start investing, the more advantage you can take of compound returns, and potentially employer matching contributions if you open an employer-sponsored retirement plan.

Should I prioritize paying off debt over saving for retirement?

Whether you should prioritize paying off debt over saving for retirement depends on your personal situation and the type of debt you have. If your debt is the high-interest kind, such as credit card debt, for instance, it could make sense to pay off that debt first because the high interest is costing you extra money. The less you owe, the more you’ll be able to put into retirement savings.

And consider this: You may be able to pay off your debt and save simultaneously. For instance, if your employer offers a 401(k) with a match, enroll in the plan and contribute enough so that the employer match kicks in. Otherwise, you are essentially forfeiting free money. At the same time, put a dedicated amount each week or month to repaying your debt so that you continue to chip away at it. That way you will be reducing your debt and working toward saving for your retirement.

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INVESTMENTS ARE NOT FDIC INSURED • ARE NOT BANK GUARANTEED • MAY LOSE VALUE

SoFi Invest encompasses two distinct companies, with various products and services offered to investors as described below: Individual customer accounts may be subject to the terms applicable to one or more of these platforms.
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SOIN0623043

May

2024

What Is a Roth IRA and How Does It Work?

By AJ Smith | Budgeting & Goals, invest, Terminology | No Comments

Table of Contents

What Is a Roth IRA?
How to Open a Roth IRA
Roth IRA Eligibility
Roth IRA Annual Contribution Limits
Roth IRA Income Restrictions
Advantages of a Roth IRA
Disadvantages of a Roth IRA
Roth IRA Withdrawal Rules
Roth IRA vs Traditional IRA
Is a Roth IRA Right for You?
FAQ

A Roth IRA is an individual retirement account that allows you to contribute after-tax dollars, and then withdraw the money tax free in retirement. A Roth IRA is different from a traditional IRA, which is a tax-deferred account: meaning, you contribute pre-tax dollars — but you owe tax on the money you withdraw later.

Many people wonder what a Roth IRA is because, although it’s similar to a traditional IRA, the two accounts have many features and restrictions that are distinct from each other. Roth accounts can be more complicated, but for many investors the promise of having tax-free income in retirement is a strong incentive for understanding how Roth IRAs work.

Key Points

• A Roth IRA is a retirement savings account that offers tax-free growth and tax-free withdrawals in retirement.

• Contributions to a Roth IRA are made with after-tax dollars, but qualified withdrawals are not subject to income tax.

• Roth IRAs have income limits for eligibility, and contribution limits that vary based on age and income.

• Unlike traditional IRAs, Roth IRAs do not require minimum distributions during the account holder’s lifetime.

• Roth IRAs can be a valuable tool for long-term retirement savings, especially for individuals who expect to be in a higher tax bracket in the future.

What Is a Roth IRA?

A Roth IRA is a retirement account for people who want to make after-tax contributions. The trade-off for paying taxes upfront is that when you retire, all of your withdrawals will be tax free, including the earnings and other gains in your account.

That said, because you’re making after-tax contributions, you can’t deduct Roth deposits from your income tax the way you can with a traditional IRA.

Understanding Contributions vs Earnings

An interesting wrinkle with a Roth IRA is that you can withdraw your contributions tax and penalty-free at any time. That’s because you’ve already paid tax on that money before initially depositing or investing it.

Withdrawing investment earnings on your money, however, is a different story. Those gains need to stay in the Roth for a minimum of five years before you can withdraw them tax free — or you could owe tax on the earnings as well as a 10% penalty.

It’s important to know how the IRS treats Roth funds so you can strategize about the timing around contributions, Roth conversions, as well as withdrawals.

Boost your retirement contributions with a 1% match.

SoFi IRAs now get a 1% match on every dollar you deposit, up to the annual contribution limits. Open an account today and get started.

Only offers made via ACH are eligible for the match. ACATs, wires, and rollovers are not included.

Roth IRA Eligibility

Technically, anyone can open an IRA account, as long as they have earned income (i.e. taxable income). The IRS has specific criteria about what qualifies as earned income. Income from a rental property isn’t considered earned income, nor is child support, so be sure to check.

There are no age restrictions for contributing to a Roth IRA. There are age restrictions when contributing to a traditional IRA, however.

How to Open a Roth IRA

Roth IRA Annual Contribution Limits

For 2024, the annual limit is $7,000, and $8,000 for those 50 and up. The extra $1,000 is called a catch-up provision, for those closer to retirement.

For 2023, the annual contribution limits for both Roth and traditional IRAs was $6,500, or $7,500 for those 50 or older. So, there was a $500 increase in contribution limits between 2023 and 2024.

Remember that you can only contribute earned income. If you earn less than the contribution limit, you can only deposit up to the amount of money you made that year.

One exception is in the case of a spousal Roth IRA, where the working spouse can contribute to an IRA on behalf of a spouse who doesn’t have earned income.

Other Roth IRA Details

Since Roth IRAs are funded with after-tax income, contributions are not tax-deductible. One exception for low- and moderate-income individuals is something called the Saver’s Credit, which may give someone a partial tax credit for Roth contributions, assuming they meet certain income and other criteria.

Note that the deadline for IRA contributions is Tax Day of the following year. So for tax year 2023, the deadline for IRA contributions is April 15, 2024. But, if you file an extension, you cannot further postpone your IRA contribution until the extension date and have it apply to the prior year.

Calculate your IRA contributions.

Get a head start on retirement planning with SoFi’s 2024 IRA contribution calculator.

Roth IRA Income Restrictions

In addition, with a Roth there are important income restrictions to take into account. Higher-income individuals may not be able to contribute the full amount to a Roth IRA; some may not be eligible to contribute at all.

It’s important to know the rules and to make sure you don’t make an ineligible Roth contribution if your income is too high. Those funds would be subject to a 6% IRS penalty.

For 2023:

• You could contribute the full amount to a Roth as long as your modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) was less than $138,000 (for single filers) or less than $218,000 for those married, filing jointly.

• Single people who earned more than $138,000 but less than $153,000 could contribute a reduced amount.

• Married couples who earned between $218,000 and $228,000 could also contribute a reduced amount.

For 2024 the numbers have changed and the Roth IRA income limits have increased:

• For single and joint filers: in order to contribute the full amount to a Roth you must earn less than $146,000 or $230,000, respectively.

• Single filers earning more than $146,000 but less than $161,000 can contribute a reduced amount. (If your MAGI is over $161,000 you can’t contribute to a Roth.)

• Married couples who earn between $230,000 and $240,000 can contribute a reduced amount. (But if your MAGI is over $240,000 you’re not eligible.)

If your filing status is…	If your 2023 MAGI is…	If your 2024 MAGI is…	You may contribute:
Married filing jointly or qualifying widow(er)	Up to $218,000	Up to $230,000	For 2023 $6,500 or $7,500 for those 50 and up. For 2024 $7,000 or $8,000 for those 50 and up.
	$218,000 to $228,000	$230,000 to $240,000	A reduced amount^*
	Over $228,000	Over $240,000	Cannot contribute
Single, head of household, or married filing separately (and you didn’t live with your spouse in the past year)	Up to $138,000	Up to $146,000	For 2023 $6,500 or $7,500 for those 50 and up. For 2024 $7,000 or $8,000 for those 50 and up.
	From $138,000 to $153,000	From $146,000 to $161,000	Reduced amount
	Over $153,000	Over $161,000	Cannot contribute
Married filing separately^**	Less than $10,000	Less than $10,000	Reduced amount
	Over $10,000	Over $10,000	Cannot contribute

^*Consult IRS rules regarding reduced amounts.
^**You did live with your spouse at some point during the year.

Advantages of a Roth IRA

Depending on an individual’s income and circumstances, a Roth IRA has a number of advantages.

• No age restriction on contributions. With a traditional IRA, individuals must stop making contributions at age 72. A Roth IRA works differently: Account holders can make contributions at any age as long as they have earned income for the year.

^* You can fund a Roth and a 401(k). Funding a 401(k) and a traditional IRA can be tricky, because they’re both tax-deferred accounts. But a Roth is after-tax, so you can contribute to a Roth and a 401(k) at the same time (and stick to the contribution limits for each account).

• Early withdrawal option. With a Roth IRA, an individual can generally withdraw money they’ve contributed at any time, without penalty (but not earnings on those deposits). In contrast, withdrawals from a traditional IRA before age 59 ½ may be subject to a 10% penalty.

• Qualified Roth withdrawals are tax-free. Investors who have had the Roth for at least five years, and are at least 59 ½, are eligible to take tax- and penalty-free withdrawals of contributions + earnings.

• No required minimum distributions (RMDs). Unlike IRAs, which require account holders to start withdrawing money after age 73, Roth IRAs do not have RMDs. That means an individual can withdraw the money as needed, without fear of triggering a penalty.

Disadvantages of a Roth IRA

Despite the appeal of being able to take tax-free withdrawals in retirement, or when you qualify, Roth IRAs have some disadvantages.

• No tax deduction for contributions. The primary disadvantage of a Roth IRA is that your contributions are not tax deductible, as they are with a traditional IRA and other tax-deferred accounts (e.g. a SEP IRA, 401(k), 403(b)).

• Higher earners often can’t contribute to a Roth. Affluent investors are generally excluded from Roth IRA accounts, unless they do what’s known as a backdoor Roth or a Roth conversion. (There are no income limits for converting a traditional IRA to a Roth, but you’ll have to pay taxes on the money that goes into the Roth — though you won’t face a penalty.)

• The 5-year rule applies. The 5-year rule can make withdrawals more complicated for investors who open a Roth later in life. If you open a Roth or do a Roth conversion at age 60, for example, you must wait five years to take qualified withdrawals of contributions and earnings, or face a penalty (some exceptions to this rule apply; see below).

Last, the downside with both a traditional or a Roth IRA is that the contribution limit is low. Other retirement accounts, including a SEP-IRA or 401(k), allow you to contribute far more in retirement savings. But, as noted above, you can combine saving in a 401(k) with saving in a Roth IRA as well.

Roth IRA Withdrawal Rules

Because Roth IRA withdrawal rules can be complicated, let’s review some of the ins and outs.

Qualified Distributions

Since you have already paid tax on the money you deposit, you’re able to withdraw contributions at any time, without paying taxes or a 10% early withdrawal penalty.

For example, if you’ve contributed $25,000 to a Roth over the last five years, and your investments have seen a 10% gain (or $2,500), you would have $27,500 in the account. But you could only withdraw up to $25,000 of your actual deposits.

Withdrawing any of the $2,500 in earnings would depend on your age and the 5-year rule.

The 5-Year Rule

What is the 5-year rule? You can withdraw Roth account earnings without owing tax or a penalty, as long as it has been at least five years since you first funded the account, and you are at least 59 ½. So if you start funding a Roth when you’re 60, you still have to wait five years to take qualified withdrawals.

The 5-year rule applies to everyone, no matter how old they are when they want to withdraw earnings from a Roth.

There are some exceptions that might enable you to avoid owing tax or a penalty.

Non-Qualified Withdrawals

Non-qualified withdrawals of earnings from a Roth IRA depends on your age and how long you’ve been funding the account.

• If you meet the 5-year rule, but you’re under 59 ½, you’ll owe taxes and a 10% penalty on any earnings you withdraw, except in certain cases.

• If you don’t meet the 5-year criteria, meaning you haven’t had the account for five years, and if you’re less than 59 ½ years old, in most cases you will also owe taxes and a 10% penalty.

There are some exceptions that might help you avoid paying a penalty, but you’d still owe tax on the early withdrawal of earnings.

Exceptions

Again, these restrictions apply to the earnings on your Roth contributions. (You can withdraw direct contributions themselves at any time, for any reason, tax and penalty free.)

You can take an early or non-qualified withdrawal prior to 59 ½ without paying a penalty or taxes, as long you’ve been actively making contributions for at least five years, in certain circumstances, including:

• For a first home. You can take out up to $10,000 to pay for buying, building, or rebuilding your first home.

• Disability. You can withdraw money if you qualify as disabled.

• Death. Your heirs or estate can withdraw money if you die.

Additionally you can avoid the penalty, although you still have to pay income tax on the earnings, if you withdraw earnings for:

• Medical expenses. Specifically, those that exceed 7.5% of your adjusted gross income.

• Medical insurance premiums. During a time in which you’re unemployed.

• Qualified higher education expenses.

Not only are the early withdrawal restrictions looser than with a traditional IRA, the post-retirement withdrawal restrictions are lesser, as well. Whereas account holders are required to start taking distribution of funds from their IRA after age 73, there is no pressure to take distribution from a Roth IRA at any age.

Roth IRA vs Traditional IRA

There are certain things a Roth IRA and a traditional IRA have in common, and several ways that they differ:

• It’s an effective retirement savings plan: Though the plans differ in the tax benefits they offer, both are a smart way to save money for retirement.

• Not an employer-sponsored plan: Individuals can open either type of IRA through a financial institution, and select their own investments or choose an automated portfolio.

• Maximum yearly contribution: For 2023, the annual limit is $6,500, with an additional $1,000 allowed in catch-up contributions for individuals over age 50. For 2024 it’s $7,000, and $8,000 if you’re 50 and older.

There are also a number of differences between a Roth and a traditional IRA:

• Roth IRA has income limits, but a traditional IRA does not.

• Roth IRA contributions are not tax deductible, but contributions you make to a traditional, tax-deferred IRA are tax deductible.

• Roth IRA has no RMDs. Individuals can withdraw money when they want, without the age limit imposed by a traditional IRA.

• Roth IRA allows for penalty-free withdrawals before age 59 ½. While there are some restrictions, an account holder can typically withdraw contributions (if not earnings) before retirement.

Is a Roth IRA Right for You?

How do you know whether you should contribute to a Roth IRA or a traditional IRA? The quiz below or this checklist might help you decide.

• You might want to open a Roth IRA if you don’t have access to an employer-sponsored 401(k) plan, or if you do have a 401(k) plan but you’ve already maxed out your contribution there. You can fund a Roth IRA and an employer-sponsored plan.

• Because contributions are taxed immediately, rather than in retirement, using a Roth IRA can make sense if you are in a lower tax bracket or if you typically get a refund from the IRS. It may also make sense to open a Roth IRA if you expect your tax bracket to be higher in retirement than it is today.

• Individuals who are in the beginning of their careers and earning less might consider contributing to a Roth IRA now, since they might not qualify under the income limits later in life.

• A Roth IRA can be helpful if you think you’ll work past the traditional retirement age.

The Takeaway

A Roth IRA has many of the same benefits of a traditional IRA, with some unique aspects that can be attractive to some people saving for retirement. With a Roth IRA you don’t have to contend with required minimum distributions (RMDs); you can contribute to a Roth IRA at any age; and qualified withdrawals are tax free. With all that, a Roth IRA has a lot going for it.

That said, not everyone is eligible to fund a Roth IRA. You need to have earned income, and your annual household income cannot exceed certain limits. Also, even though you can withdraw your Roth IRA contributions at any time without owing a penalty, the same isn’t true of earnings.

You must have been funding your Roth for at least 5 years, and you must be at least 59 ½, in order to make qualified withdrawals of earnings. Otherwise, you would likely owe taxes on any earnings you withdraw — and possibly a penalty. Still, the primary advantage of a Roth IRA — being able to have an income stream in retirement that’s completely tax free — can outweigh some of the restrictions for certain investors.

Ready to invest in your goals? It’s easy to get started when you open an investment account with SoFi Invest. You can invest in stocks, exchange-traded funds (ETFs), mutual funds, alternative funds, and more. SoFi doesn’t charge commissions, but other fees apply (full fee disclosure here).

For a limited time, opening and funding an Active Invest account gives you the opportunity to get up to $1,000 in the stock of your choice.

FAQ

Are Roth IRAs insured?

If your Roth IRA is held at an FDIC-insured bank and is invested in bank products like certificates of deposit (CDs) or money market account, those deposits are insured up to $250,000 per depositor, per institution. On the other hand, if your Roth IRA is with a brokerage that’s a member of the Securities Investor Protection Corporation (SIPC), and the brokerage fails, the SIPC provides protection up to $500,000, which includes a $250,000 limit for cash. It’s important to note that neither FDIC or SIPC insurance protects against market losses; they only cover losses due to institutional failures or insolvency.

How much can I put in my Roth IRA monthly?

For tax year 2023, the maximum you can deposit in a Roth or traditional IRA is $6,500, or $7,500 if you’re over 50. How you divide that per month is up to you. You just can’t contribute more than the annual limit.

Who can open a Roth IRA?

Anyone with earned income (i.e. taxable income) can open a Roth IRA, but your income must be within certain limits in order to fund a Roth.

Tax Information: This article provides general background information only and is not intended to serve as legal or tax advice or as a substitute for legal counsel. You should consult your own attorney and/or tax advisor if you have a question requiring legal or tax advice.

SoFi Invest®

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May

2024

Retirement Plan Options for the Self-Employed

By MP Dunleavey | invest, Investing, Life & Career, Preparing for Retirement | No Comments

Being your own boss is great, and the retirement plan options when you’re self-employed — like a SEP-IRA or solo 401(k) — can be surprisingly robust.

Not only do you have more options in terms of self-employed retirement plans than you might think, some of these plans come with higher contribution limits and greater tax benefits than traditional plans. That’s especially true since the passage of the SECURE 2.0 Act, which has favorably adjusted the rules of many retirement plans.

Key Points

• Self-employed individuals have robust retirement plan options like SEP-IRA and solo 401(k) with high contribution limits and tax benefits.

• These plans are similar to traditional ones, allowing long-term contributions and investment selections.

• SEP-IRAs are ideal for business owners with employees, offering simplified contributions that are tax-deductible.

• Solo 401(k) plans suit owner-only businesses, allowing substantial contributions as both employer and employee.

• SIMPLE IRAs are designed for small businesses with fewer than 100 employees, enabling both employer and employee contributions.

What Are Self-Employed Retirement Plans?

In some ways, self-employed retirement plans aren’t so different from regular retirement plans. You can set aside money now, select investments within the account, and continue to contribute and invest for the long term.

Similar to traditional retirement plans, you have two main categories most self-employed plans fall into:

• Tax-deferred retirement accounts (e.g traditional, SEP, or SIMPLE IRAs and solo 401(k) plans). The amount you can save varies by the type of account. The money you set aside is deductible, and you don’t pay tax on that portion of your income. You do pay taxes on the funds you withdraw in retirement.

• After-tax retirement accounts (typically designated as Roth IRAs or Roth 401(k) accounts). Here you can also save up to the prescribed annual limit, but the money you save is after-tax income and cannot be deducted. That said, withdrawals in retirement are tax free.

A note about Roth eligibility: Roth IRAs come with income limits. If your income is higher than the prescribed limit, you may not be eligible. Roth 401(k) plans do not come with income restrictions. Details below.

Understanding Beneficiary Rules for Self-Employed Plans

The rules that apply to inherited retirement accounts are extremely complicated. If you’re the beneficiary of an IRA, solo 401(k) or other retirement account, you may want to consult a professional as terms vary widely, and penalties can apply.

Administrative Factors to Consider

When selecting a self-employed retirement plan, it’s important to weigh the set up, administrative, and IRS filing rules. Some plans are easier to establish and maintain than others.

Given that running a plan can add to your overall time and personnel costs, it’s important to do a cost-benefit analysis when choosing a retirement plan when you’re a freelancer, consultant, or small business owner.

💡 Quick Tip: Want to lower your taxable income? Start saving for retirement with a traditional IRA. The money you save each year is tax deductible (and you don’t owe any taxes until you withdraw the funds, usually in retirement).

Types of Self-Employed Retirement Plans

The IRS outlines a number of retirement plans for those who are freelance, self-employed, or who run their own businesses. Here are the basics.

Traditional and Roth IRAs

What they are: One of the most popular types of retirement plans is an IRA — or Individual Retirement Arrangement.

As noted above, there are traditional IRAs, which are tax deferred, as well as Roth IRAs, which are after-tax accounts.

Suited for: While anyone with earned income can open a traditional or Roth IRA, these accounts can also be used specifically as self-employed retirement plans. They are simple to set up; and most financial institutions offer IRAs.

That said, IRAs have the lowest contribution limits of any self-employed plans, and may be better suited to those who are starting out, or who have a side hustle, and can’t contribute large amounts to a retirement account.

Contribution limits. There is no age limit for contributing to a traditional or Roth IRA, but there are contribution limits (and for Roth IRAs there are income limits; see below).

For tax year 2024, you can contribute up to $7,000 annually to either type of IRA, with an additional $1,000 catch-up contribution allowed for people over 50 years old. (For tax year 2023, you may contribute $6,500 per year, $7,500 with the catch-up provision, until April 15, 2024.)

Note that your total annual combined contributions across all your IRA accounts cannot exceed those limits. So if you’re 35 and contribute $3,000 to a Roth IRA for 2024, you cannot contribute more than $4,000 to a traditional IRA in the same year, for a maximum total annual contribution of $7,000.

Income limits: There are no income limits for contributing to a traditional IRA, but Roth IRAs do come with income restrictions. In 2024, that limit is $146,000 for single people (people earning more than $146,000 but less than $161,000 can contribute a reduced amount). For those individuals who are married and file taxes jointly, the limit is $230,000 to make a full contribution, and between $230,000 to $240,000 for a reduced amount.

Tax benefits: The main difference between a traditional vs. Roth IRA is the tax treatment of the money you save.

• With a traditional IRA, the contributions you make are tax-deductible when you make them (unless you’re covered by a retirement plan at work, in which case conditions apply). Withdrawals are taxed at ordinary income rates.

• With a Roth IRA, there are no tax breaks for your contributions, but qualified withdrawals are tax free.

Withdrawal rules: You owe ordinary income tax on withdrawals from a traditional IRA after age 59 ½. You may owe a 10% penalty on early withdrawals, i.e. before age 59 ½. There are exceptions to this rule for medical and educational expenses, as well as other conditions, so be sure to check with a professional or on IRS.gov.

The rules and restrictions for taking withdrawals from a Roth are more complex. Although your contributions to a Roth IRA (i.e. your principal) can be withdrawn at any time, investment earnings on those contributions can only be withdrawn tax-free and without penalty once the investor reaches the age of 59½ — and as long as the account has been open for at least five years (a.k.a. the 5-year rule).

Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs): You are not required to take minimum distributions from a Roth IRA account. You are required to take minimum distributions from a traditional IRA starting at age 73. RMD rules can be complicated, so you may want to consult a professional to avoid making a mistake and potentially owing a penalty.

Solo 401(k)

What it is: A solo 401(k) is a self-employed retirement plan that the IRS also refers to as a one-participant 401(k) plan. It works a bit like a regular employer-backed 401(k), except that in this instance you’re the employer and the employee. There are contribution rules for each role, but this dual structure enables freelancers and solo business owners to save more than a standard 401(k) would allow.

Suited for: A solo 401(k) covers a business owner who has no employees, or employs only their spouse.

Contribution limits:

• As the employee: For 2024, you can contribute up to $23,000 or 100% of compensation (whichever is less), with an additional $7,500 in catch-up contributions allowed if you’re over 50, for a total of $30,500.

• As the employer: You can contribute up to 25% of your net earnings, with separate rules for single-member LLCs or sole proprietors.

Total contributions cannot exceed a total of $69,000, or $76,500 if you’re 50 and over.

You can not use a solo 401(k) if you have any employees, though you can hire your spouse so they can also contribute to the plan (and you can match their contributions as the employer), further reducing your taxable income.

Note that 401(k) contribution limits are per person, not per plan (similar to IRA rules), so if either you or your spouse are enrolled in another 401(k) plan, then the $69,000 limit per person must take into account any contributions to that other 401(k) plan.

Income limits: There is a limit on the amount of compensation that’s allowed for use in determining your contributions. For tax year 2024 it’s $345,000.

Tax benefits: A solo 401(k) has a similar tax setup as a traditional 401(k). Contributions can be deducted, thus reducing your taxable income and potentially the amount of tax you owe for the year you contribute. But you owe ordinary income tax on any withdrawals.

Withdrawal rules: You can take withdrawals from a solo 401(k) without penalty at age 59 ½ or older. Distributions may be allowed before that time in the case of certain “triggering events,” such as a disability (you can find a list of exceptions at IRS.gov), but you may owe a 10% penalty as well as income tax on the withdrawal.

Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs): You are required to take minimum distributions from a solo 401(k) starting at age 73. RMD rules can be complicated, so you may want to consult a professional to avoid making a mistake and potentially owing a penalty.

Simplified Employee Pension (or a SEP-IRA)

What it is: A SEP-IRA, or Simplified Employee Pension plan, is similar to a traditional IRA with a streamlined way for an employer (in this case, you) to make contributions to their own and their employees’ retirement savings. Note that when using a SEP-IRA, the employer makes all contributions; employees do not contribute to the SEP.

Suited for: A key difference in a SEP-IRA vs. other self-employment retirement plans is that it’s designed for those who run a business with employees. Employers have to contribute an equal percentage of salary for every employee (and you are counted as an employee). Again, employees may not contribute to the SEP-IRA.

That means, as the employer, you can not contribute more to your retirement account than to your employees’ accounts (as a percentage, not in absolute dollars). On the plus side, it’s slightly simpler than a solo 401(k) to manage in terms of paperwork and annual reporting.

Contribution limits: For 2024, the SEP-IRA rules and limits are as follows: you can contribute up to $69,000 or 25% of an employee’s total compensation, whichever is less. Be sure to understand employee eligibility rules.

As the employer you can contribute up to 20% of your net compensation.

Note that SEP-IRAs are flexible: Contribution amounts can vary each year, and you can skip a year.

Income limits: For tax year 2024 there is an income cap of $345,000 on the compensation.

Tax benefits: Employer and employees can deduct contributions from their earnings, and withdrawals in retirement are taxed as income.

Withdrawal rules: You can take withdrawals from a SEP-IRA without penalty at age 59 ½ or older. Distributions may be allowed before that time in the case of certain “triggering events,” such as a disability (you can find a list of exceptions at IRS.gov), but you may owe a 10% penalty as well as income tax on the withdrawal.

Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs): You are required to take minimum distributions from a SEP-IRA starting at age 73. RMD rules can be complicated, so you may want to consult a professional to avoid making a mistake and potentially owing a penalty.

New rules under SECURE 2.0: Starting in 2024, SEP-IRA plans can now include a designated Roth option. But not all plan providers offer the Roth option at this time.

💡 Quick Tip: All investments come with some degree of risk — and some are riskier than others. Before investing online, decide on your investment goals and how much risk you want to take.

SIMPLE IRA

What it is: A SIMPLE IRA (which stands for Savings Incentive Match Plan for Employees) is similar to a SEP-IRA except it’s designed for larger businesses. Unlike a SEP plan, individual employees can also contribute to their own retirement as salary deferrals out of their paycheck.

Suited for: Small businesses that typically employ 100 people or less.

Contribution limits for employers: A small business owner who sets up a SIMPLE plan has two options.

• Matching contributions. The employer can match employee contributions dollar for dollar, up to 3%.

• Fixed contributions. The employer can contribute a fixed 2% of compensation for each employee.

Employer contributions are required every year (unlike a SEP-IRA plan), and similar to a SEP, contributions are based on a maximum compensation amount of $345,000 for 2024.

Contribution limits for employees: Employees can contribute up to $16,000 to a SIMPLE plan for 2023, and additional $3,500 for those 50 and up.

Tax benefits: Employer and employees can deduct contributions from their earnings, and withdrawals in retirement are taxed as income.

Withdrawal rules: Withdrawals are taxed as income. If you make an early withdrawal before the age of 59 ½ , you’ll likely incur a 10% penalty much like a regular 401(k); do so within the first two years of setting up the SIMPLE account and the penalty jumps to 25%.

New rules under SECURE 2.0: Starting in 2024, the federal law permits employers that provide a SIMPLE plan to make additional contributions on behalf of employees, as long as the amount doesn’t exceed 10% of compensation or $5,000, whichever is less. This amount will be indexed for inflation.

Under these new rules, student loan payments that employees make can be treated as elective deferrals (contributions) for the purpose of the employer’s matching contributions.

In addition, SIMPLE plans can now include a designated Roth option, but not all plan providers offer the Roth option at this time.

Defined-Benefit Retirement Plan

Another retirement option you’ve probably heard about is the defined-benefit plan, or pension plan. Typically, a defined benefit plan pays out set annual benefits upon retirement, usually based on salary and years of service.

Typically pension plans have been set up and run by very large entities, such as corporations and federal and local governments. But it is possible for a self-employed individual to set up a DB plan.

These plans do allow for very high contributions, but the downside of trying to set up and run your own pension plan is the cost and hassle. Because a pension provides fixed income payments in retirement (i.e. the defined benefit), actuarial oversight is required annually.

The Takeaway

When you’re an entrepreneur, freelance, or otherwise self-employed, it may feel as if you’re out on your own, and your options are limited in terms of retirement plans. But in fact there are a number of options to consider, including various types of IRAs and a solo 401(k).

Ready to invest for your retirement? It’s easy to get started when you open a traditional or Roth IRA with SoFi. SoFi doesn’t charge commissions, but other fees apply (full fee disclosure here).

Easily manage your retirement savings with a SoFi IRA.

SoFi Invest®

INVESTMENTS ARE NOT FDIC INSURED • ARE NOT BANK GUARANTEED • MAY LOSE VALUE

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Apr

2024

How to Save for Retirement

By Pam O’Brien | Budgeting & Goals, invest, Preparing for Retirement | No Comments

Between paying for your regular expenses including groceries, rent or mortgage, student loans, and bills, it can seem nearly impossible to find a few dollars left over for saving for retirement — especially when that might be decades away. However, building up a nest egg isn’t just important, it’s urgent. The sooner you start, the more financially secure you should be by the time retirement rolls around.

So, how to save for retirement? Finding a solid retirement plan to suit your needs may be easier than you think. Here are 10 ways to save for retirement to help make those golden years feel, well, golden.

This article is part of SoFi’s Retirement Planning Guide, our coverage of all the steps you need to create a successful retirement plan.

Assess Your Retirement Goals and Needs

When it comes to saving for retirement, first do an inventory of your current financial situation. This includes your income, savings, and investments, as well as your expenses and debts. That way you’ll know how much you have now.

Next, figure out what you want your retirement to look like. Are you wondering how to retire early? Do you plan to travel? Move to a different location? Pursue hobbies like tennis, golf, or biking? Go back to school? Start a business?

You may not be able to answer these questions quickly or easily, but it’s important to think about them to determine your retirement goals. Deciding what you want your lifestyle to look like is key because it will affect how much money you’ll need for retirement saving.

💡 Quick Tip: Before opening an investment account, know your investment objectives, time horizon, and risk tolerance. These fundamentals will help keep your strategy on track and with the aim of meeting your goals.

Boost your retirement contributions with a 1% match.

SoFi IRAs now get a 1% match on every dollar you deposit, up to the annual contribution limits. Open an account today and get started.

Only offers made via ACH are eligible for the match. ACATs, wires, and rollovers are not included.

Determine How Much You’ll Need to Retire

Now the big question: How much money will it take for you to retire comfortably? You may also be wondering, when can I retire? There are several retirement savings formulas that can help you estimate the amount of your nest egg. And there are various calculators that can help generate an estimate as well.

While using a ballpark figure may not sound scientific, it’s a good exercise that can help lay the foundation for the amount you want to save. And it may inspire you to save more, or rethink your investment strategy thus far.

As an example, you can use the following basic formula to gauge the amount you might need to save, assuming your retirement expenses are similar to your present ones. Start with your current annual income, subtract your estimated annual Social Security benefits, and divide by 0.04.

Example

Let’s say your income today is $100,000, and you went on the Social Security website using your MySSA account (the digital dashboard for benefits) to find out what your monthly benefits are likely to be when you retire: $2,000 per month, or $24,000 per year.

$100,000 – $24,000 = $76,000 / 0.04 = $1.9 million

That’s the target amount of retirement savings you would need, theoretically, to cover your expenses based on current levels. Bear in mind, however, that you may not need to replace 100% of your current income, as your expenses in retirement could be lower. And you may even be contemplating working after retirement. But this is one way to start doing the math.

10 Ways to Save For Retirement

So, how to save money for retirement? Consider the following 10 options part of your retirement savings toolkit.

1. Leverage the Power of Time

Giving your money as much time to grow as you possibly can is one of the most important ways to boost retirement savings. The reason: Compounding returns.

Let’s say you invest $500 in a mutual fund in your retirement account, and in a year the fund gained 5%. Now you would have $525 (minus any investment or account fees). While there are no guarantees that the money would continue to gain 5% every year — investments can also lose money — historically, the average stock market return of the S&P 500 is about 10% per year.

That might mean 0% one year, 10% another year, 3% the year after, and so on. But over time your principal would likely continue to grow, and the earnings on that principal would also grow. That’s compound growth.

2. Create and Stick to a Budget

Another important step in saving for retirement is to create a budget and stick to it. Calculating your own monthly budget can be simple — just follow these steps.

• Gather your documents. Gather up all your bills including credit cards, loans, mortgage or rent, so that you can document every penny coming out of your pocket each month.

• List all of your income. Find your pay stubs and add up any extra cash you make on the side using your after-tax take-home pay.

• List all of your current savings. From here, you can see how far you have to go until you reach your retirement goals.

• Calculate your retirement spending. Decide how much money you need to live comfortably in retirement so that you can establish a retirement budget. If you’re unsure of what your ideal retirement number is, plug your numbers into the formula mentioned above, or use a retirement calculator to get a better idea of what your retirement budget will be.

• Adjust accordingly. Every few months take a look at your budget and make sure you’re staying on track. If a new bill comes up, an expensive life event occurs, or if you gain new income, adjust your budgets and keep saving what you can.

3. Take Advantage of Employer-Sponsored Retirement Plans

Preparing for retirement should begin the moment you start your first job — or any job that offers a company retirement plan. There are many advantages to contributing to a 401(k) program (if you work at a for-profit company) or a 403(b) plan (if you work for a nonprofit), or a 457(b) plan (if you work for the government).

In many cases, your employer can automatically deduct your contributions from your paycheck, so you don’t have to think about it. This can help you save more, effortlessly. And in some cases your employer may offer a matching contribution: e.g. up to 3% of the amount you save.

Starting a 401(k) savings program early in life can really add up in the future thanks to compound growth over time. In addition, starting earlier can help your portfolio weather changes in the market.

On the other hand, if you happen to start your retirement savings plan later in life, you can always take advantage of catch-up contributions that go beyond the 2024 annual contribution limit of $23,000 and 2023 annual contribution limit of $22,500. Individuals 50 and older are allowed to contribute an additional $7,500 a year to a 401(k), to help them save a bit more before hitting retirement age.

If you have a 403(b) retirement plan, it’s similar to a 401(k) in terms of the contribution limit and automatic deductions from your paycheck. Your employer may or may not match your contributions. However, the range of investment options you have to choose from may be more limited than those offered in a 401(k).

With a 457(b) plan, the contribution limit is similar to that of a 403(b). But employers don’t have to provide matching contributions for a 457(b) plan, and again, the investment options may be narrower than the options in a 401(k).

4. Add an Individual Retirement Account (IRA) to the Mix

Another strategy for how to save for retirement, especially if you’re one of the many freelancers or contract workers in the American workforce, is to open an IRA account.

Like a 401(k), an IRA allows you to put away money for your retirement. However, for 2024 the maximum contribution you can put into your IRA caps at $7,000 ($8,000 for those 50 and older). For 2023 the maximum contribution you can put into your IRA caps at $6,500 ($7,500 for those 50 and older).

Both the traditional IRA and 401(k) offer tax-deductible contributions. Roth IRAs are another option: With a Roth IRA, your contributions are taxed, which means your withdrawals in retirement will be tax free.

You control your IRA, not a larger company, so you can decide which financial institution you want to go with, how much you want to contribute each month, how to invest your money, and if you want to go Roth or traditional.

For those who can afford to invest money in both an IRA and a 401(k), and who meet the necessary criteria, that’s also an option that can boost retirement savings.

5. Deal With Debt

Should you save for retirement or pay off debt? And, more specifically, if you’re dealing with student loans, you may be wondering, should I save for retirement or pay off student loans? That is a financial conundrum for modern times. A good solution to this problem is to do both.

Just as it can be helpful to create a budget and stick to it, it can be helpful to create a loan repayment plan as well. Add those payments to your monthly budgeting expenses and if you still have dollars left over after accounting for all your bills, start socking that away for retirement.

If your student loan debt feels out of control, as it does for many Americans, you may want to look into student loan refinancing. By refinancing your student loan, you could significantly lower your interest rate and potentially pay off your debt faster. Once the loan is paid off, you will be able to reallocate that money to save for retirement.

6. Add Income With a Side Hustle

Working a side gig in your spare time can seriously pay off in the future, especially when you consider that the average side hustle can bring in several hundred dollars a month, according to one survey.

There are several things to consider when thinking of adding an extra job to your résumé, including evaluating what you’re willing to give up in order to make time for more work. But, if you can put your skills to use — such as copy editing, photography, design, or consulting — you can think about this as less of a side hustle and more of a way to hone your client list.

A side hustle should be one way to save for retirement that you’ll enjoy doing. And it could help if you find yourself dealing with a higher cost of living and retirement at some point.

7. Consider Putting Your Money in the Market

There’s no one best way to save for retirement — sometimes a multi-pronged approach can work best. If you already have a budget and an emergency savings account, and you’re maxing out your contributions to your 401(k), 403(b), 457, or IRA, then investing in the market could be another way to diversify your portfolio and potentially help build your nest egg. For instance, historically, stocks have been proven to be one of the best ways to help build wealth.

Putting your money in the market means you’ll have a variety of options to choose from. There are stocks, of course, but also mutual funds, exchange-traded funds, and even real estate investment trusts (REITs), which pool investor assets to purchase or finance a portfolio of properties.

However, investing in any of these assets, and in the market in general, comes with risk. So you’ll want to keep that in mind as you choose what to invest in. Consider what your risk tolerance is, how much you’re investing, when you’ll need the money, and how you might diversify your portfolio. Carefully weighing your priorities, needs, and comfort level, can help you make informed selections.

Once you have your asset allocation, be sure to evaluate it, and possibly rebalance it, to stay in line with your goals each year.

8. Automate Your Savings

Setting up automated savings accounts takes the thought and effort out of saving your money because it happens automatically. It could also help you hit your financial goals faster, because you don’t have to decide to save (or agonize over giving in to a spending temptation) and then do the manual work of putting the money into an account. It just happens like clockwork.

Enrolling in a 401(k), 403(b), or 457 at work is one way to automate savings for retirement. Another way to do it is to set up direct deposit for your paychecks. You could even choose to have a portion of your pay deposited into a high-interest savings account to help increase your returns.

9. Downsize and Cut Costs

To help save more and spend less, pull out that monthly budget you created. When you look at your current bills vs. income, how much is left over for retirement savings? Are there areas you can be spending less, such as getting rid of an expensive gym membership or streaming service, dialing back your takeout habit, or shopping a bit less?

This is when you need to be very honest with yourself and decide what you’re willing to give up to help you hit that target retirement number. Finding little ways to save for retirement can have a big impact down the road.

10. Take Advantage of Catch-Up Contributions

If you’re getting closer to retirement and you haven’t started saving yet, it’s not too late! In fact, the government allows catch-up contributions for those age 50 and older.
A catch-up contribution is a contribution to a retirement savings account that is made beyond the regular contribution maximum. Catch-up contributions can be made on either a pre-tax or after-tax basis.

For 2023 and 2024, catch-up contributions of up to $7,500 are permitted on a 401(k), 403(b), or 457(b).

💡 Quick Tip: Look for an online brokerage with low trading commissions as well as no account minimum. Higher fees can cut into investment returns over time.

Common Retirement Savings Mistakes to Avoid

These are some of the biggest retirement pitfalls to watch out for.

• Not having a retirement plan in place. Neglecting to make any kind of plan means you’ll likely be unprepared for retirement and won’t have enough money for your golden years.

• Failing to take advantage of employer-sponsored plans. If you haven’t enrolled in one of these plans, you’re potentially leaving free money on the table. Sign up for a 401(k), 403(b), or 457(b) to tap into employer-matching contributions, when available.

• Underestimating how much money you’ll need for retirement. Financial specialists typically advise having enough savings to last you for 25 to 30 years after you retire.

• Accumulating too much debt. Try to avoid taking on too much debt as you get closer to retirement. And work on paying down the debt you do have so you won’t be saddled with it when you retire.

• Taking Social Security too early. It’s possible to file for Social Security at age 62, but the longer you wait (up until age 70), the higher your benefit will be — approximately 32% higher, in fact.

The Takeaway

It’s never too early to start planning for retirement. And there are many ways to start saving, and set up a system so that you’re saving steadily over time. You can contribute to a retirement plan that your employer offers; you can set up your own retirement plan (e.g. an IRA); and you can choose your own investments.

The most important thing to remember is that you have more control than you think. While your retirement vision may change over time, starting to save and invest your nest egg now will give you a head start.

Ready to invest for your retirement? It’s easy to get started when you open a traditional or Roth IRA with SoFi. SoFi doesn’t charge commissions, but other fees apply (full fee disclosure here).

Easily manage your retirement savings with a SoFi IRA.

FAQ

What is the fastest way to save for retirement?

Take a two-pronged approach: First, invest as much as you can in your employer-sponsored retirement account like a 401(k). You’ll likely get some matching contributions from your employer, as well as tax advantages. You can invest up to $23,000 in a 401(k) in 2024 and $22,500 in a 401(k) in 2023, plus an extra $7,500 if you are 50 or older.

Second, if you qualify you can also set up and invest in a Roth IRA. You can contribute $7,000 in a Roth IRA in 2024 and $6,500 in a Roth IRA in 2023 ($7,500 if you’re 50 or older).

Having these two accounts could really help you start building up your retirement savings.

How much do I need to save for retirement?

To estimate how much you need to save for retirement, use this retirement savings formula: Start with your current income, subtract your estimated Social Security benefits, and divide by 0.04. That’s the approximate amount of total retirement savings you’ll need, based on your current income and expenses. You can try other calculators or formulas that might indicate that you’ll need less in retirement. It all depends.

Financial professionals typically advise having enough savings for 25 to 30 years’ worth of retirement.

How do I save for retirement without a 401(k)?

If you don’t have a 401(k), you can set up another type of tax-advantaged account for retirement, such as a traditional IRA and/or a Roth IRA. With a traditional IRA, the money grows tax free and is taxed when you withdraw it during retirement.

A Roth IRA, on the other hand, doesn’t provide a tax break upfront, but the funds you withdraw after age 59 ½ are tax free, as long as you’ve had the Roth IRA account for at least five years. You can contribute up to $7,000 to both types of IRAs for 2024 and $6,500 to both types of IRAs for 2023 ($7,500 if you’re 50 or older).

What is the average monthly income for a person who is retired?

The average monthly retirement income for a person who is retired, adjusted for inflation, is $4,381, according to a 2022 U.S. Census report.

How do taxes affect retirement income?

You will need to pay taxes on any withdrawals you make from tax-deferred investments like a 401(k) or traditional IRA. You will also have to pay federal taxes on a pension, if you have one. At the state level, some states tax pensions and some don’t. Additionally, you might have to pay tax on a portion of your Social Security benefits, depending on your overall income.

How can I supplement my income in retirement?

In addition to any retirement plans and pensions you have plus Social Security, you can supplement your retirement income with such strategies as: making investments generally considered to be safe, like investing in CDs (certificate of deposit), getting a part-time job or starting a small business, or renting out any additional property you might own, such as a vacation cabin, to make some extra money.

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Tax Information: This article provides general background information only and is not intended to serve as legal or tax advice or as a substitute for legal counsel. You should consult your own attorney and/or tax advisor if you have a question requiring legal or tax advice.

Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.

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