With Q2 firmly in the rearview and Q3 of the 2016 calendar year off to a strong start, now is the perfect time to review your retirement savings goals and opportunities.
From contributions to spending and net worth, give your retirement investments a mid-year checkup to make sure your retirement plans are still on track. Here are three keys to any checkup worth its salt.
1. Adjust Your Annual Contributions.
Whether you contribute to a 401(k) or to Roth IRAs, you still have time to fine-tune your annual contributions to maximize your retirement savings. If you don’t already belong to your employer’s retirement plan, join as soon as you can. If the plan allows for contributions, review your contribution amount to take advantage of the opportunity to save for your retirement.
The maximum annual salary deferral contributions allowed for 2016 are $18,000 to 401(k) or 403(b) plans and $12,500 to SIMPLE plans. If you are 50 or older by the end of the year, your plan may allow you to make additional catch-up contributions of $6,000 to 401(k) or 403(b) plans and $3,000 to SIMPLE plans.
If an employer’s retirement plan is not an option, you can still contribute toward your retirement via a traditional or Roth IRA. For 2016, you can contribute a maximum of $5,500 ($6,500 if you are 50 or older) or your taxable compensation for the year, whichever is less.
2. Rebalance Your Net Worth.
From Brexit to the immanent presidential election, this year’s events have resulted in a volatile stock market. If you are near retirement and see a big fluctuation in your net worth in 2016, perhaps you have too much invested in stocks. While the bull has stampeded throughout the US stock market in recent months, an unstable economic climate could quickly curtail the bear’s hibernation.
3. Stick to Your Spending Budget.
Many of us overspend during the holiday season, resolve to be more frugal in the new year and successfully adhere to a stricter budget for the first several months. However, much like diet and exercise resolutions, summertime can throw a wrench in our plans and reset the cycle. Mid-year is a good time to check your budget and see if you are spending too much money. Consider increasing the salary deduction percentage if you aren’t maxed out on your 401(k) contributions yet. Less cash in the bank might take a little getting used to but it will help you achieve your budgetary goals.
Confused about which retirement plan is right for you? Ramsay & Associates can analyze your needs and help you understand which plan makes the most sense for your financial circumstances. Contact us today to learn more!