How to save for retirement (and how much you should be saving)
Wondering how to save for retirement? Start by making savings goals, choosing the right accounts, investing for long-term growth—and planning for the unexpected along the way.
Saving for retirement is a journey to financial stability that can be intimidating. Many people wonder when to start, how much to set aside, where to invest and how to know if you're saving enough.
In this deep-dive article, we'll cover everything about how to save for retirement: how to find the money to start saving, what retirement accounts and investment options you may have, how much to have saved by certain milestones, and moves to make if you're behind on your savings goals.
How to invest during a market downturn
Recessions are an inevitable part of the economic cycle, but they also present potential investment opportunities. Discover tips and strategies for investing during a recession.
Key Takeaways from This Article:
- Economic downturns, including recessions, are a natural part of the financial cycle. While they may cause short-term losses, a well-thought-out investment strategy can help mitigate risks and even create new opportunities.
- Spreading investments across different asset classes (such as stocks, bonds, real estate, and commodities) can help balance risk and protect against major losses.
- Investment strategies like dollar-cost averaging, investing in resilient assets (e.g., large-cap stocks, bonds, REITs), and maintaining liquidity with cash-equivalents can help navigate economic downturns while positioning for future growth.
How to 'pay yourself first': Save more money with the 80/20 budget
There are many different ways to budget. One popular method is the "pay yourself first" method, which incorporates 80/20 budgeting rules. Here's how to put this savings-first strategy into practice.
Key Takeaways from This Article
- The "pay yourself first" budget has you put a portion of your paycheck into your savings account before you spend any of it.
- The 80/20 rule breaks out putting 20% of your income toward savings (paying yourself) and 80% toward everything else.
- Once you've adjusted to that 20% or a number you're comfortable with saving, set up automatic payments to ensure you stick to it.
A guide to understanding 401(k) taxes
Your 401(k) is more than just a retirement account—it's a tax-advantaged tool designed to help you build the future you dream of having. Understand how your contributions, investment growth, rollovers and withdrawals are taxed, and unlock the full potential of your retirement savings.
Key takeaways from This Article:
- Contributions to a traditional 401(k) lower your taxable income in the year you contribute, but withdrawals are taxed later.
- Contributions to a Roth 401(k) are taxed upfront with no immediate tax benefit, but qualified withdrawals and earnings are tax-free later.
- Rolling over your 401(k) to an IRA can maintain its tax-advantaged status and offer more investment options.
Products and services. Aligned with your priorities.
What We Offer
Mutual Funds
Our fund options offer flexibility and choice to help you manage risk, build a diversified portfolio and pursue lifelong goals.
Financial Guidance
We work with you to create a personalized strategy and support you with ongoing guidance to help you reach your goals, no matter where you're starting from.
Charitable Giving Solutions
Thankful for all you've been given? We can help you give back.
Traditional and Roth IRAs
You can use these tax-advantaged accounts to help you save for retirement — and perhaps fund other needs, such as a home purchase or a child's education.
Investments
Our options help you balance performance and purpose.
Health Insurance
We can help you assess your options, including those available through your employer and government programs.
