Revive Your Retirement Strategy

Few people would argue about the wisdom of putting money away for retirement, yet many of us either don't start, take time off from contributing, or abandon this strategy altogether when financial obstacles hit. But most people can revive their retirement savings strategy at almost any age by making a few changes in how they deal with money.

That's Life

We often may know that time and compounding make a powerful combination, but we let other financial obstacles get in the way of saving. We buy first homes, have children, pay for their education, deal with parents' long-term care, and more, so we put saving for retirement on the back burner. So, let's say you let some time slip by. While it's difficult to catch up, every little bit helps.

For starters, consolidate your retirement plan assets if you have contributed to 401(k) plans from many jobs. Ask your current employer if that's doable, and benefit from the ease of having all your retirement assets in one place with potentially lower overall fees. Also, take advantage of any automatic tools your plan offers, including automatic contributions, rebalancing, and escalation. The latter feature increases your contribution when you earn a pay increase.

More Money

If you have a 401(k) plan, know that IRS contribution limits are generous. Effective in the 2025 tax year, active 401(k) participants who attain age 60 but are at least age 63 by the end of the calendar year can contribute the greater of $10,000 or 150% of the catch-up contribution. You might also consider opening a traditional IRA, which may help you put away a little more tax-deferred money for the future.

Looking for extra money to put toward retirement? Cut back on expenses, such as dining out, to find more money to invest. Consider gigging, where you can earn extra money in addition to your main income. And think about delaying retirement because even a couple of years of extra contributions and potential growth can make a difference.

Most importantly, talk to your financial professional to learn about these and other ways to help get your retirement savings back on track.