We are thrilled to announce that Prestige Accounting Services Group (previously Prestige Wealth Accounting Group) has joined forces with Bacchetta & Company in an exciting new partnership!
Worried You Don't Have Enough Saved for Retirement? You're Not Alone
According to one recent study, the average retirement age in the United States was 62 years old as of 2017. Currently, the minimum age necessary to collect Social Security is 62, while 66 is largely considered to be "full retirement age" in many industries. The vast majority of people who will retire this year will do so between those two birthdays.
Which, of course, is where the problems begin.
A lot of people don't realize just how "expensive" retirement can be until they're already there. Not only do you need to think about the funds necessary to maintain your lifestyle, but you also have considerations like healthcare costs, too. So when you learn that another recent survey revealed that 42% of Americans have less than $10,000 saved for retirement, you begin to get a better understanding of just how dire the situation can seem.
Every person’s savings requirements differ depending on their lifestyle, but here are just some of the areas you’ll want to consider saving for:
- Housing
- Medicare premiums
- Health care
- Personal insurance
- Taxes
- Food
- Transportation
- Emergencies
- Entertainment
- Travel
- Personal care
- Family care
- Charitable contributions
- Loans/credit cards
Planning in Your 20s and 30s
Whether you're a recent college graduate or you've been in the workforce for a few years, it can be common at this age to feel like you just don't make enough money to start saving for retirement. Indeed, about 40% of people chose this response in another retirement-related survey. If you're struggling to pay today's bills, how are you supposed to plan for tomorrow's retirement?
Thankfully, this is another one of those situations where small actions today can turn into big results down the road — particularly when it comes to investment opportunities like 401(k) plans and other retirement accounts. If your employer offers a match for your contributions, for example, it is absolutely in your own best interest to contribute at least that much every single year. Not only do you get the benefit of tax-deferred growth, but you're also looking at a very large period of growth because your retirement date is still far off.
Likewise, you should also be taking advantage of a health savings account if you qualify. You must be covered by a high-deductible health insurance plan, which most people these days already are. All of your contributions are tax-deductible and your earnings are tax-deferred. You can roll over funds from year to year, even when your retirement does arrive, so long as the money is actually going to medical expenses.
Planning in Your 40s and 50s
As you get older, you can start exploring some of the other investment opportunities that are available to you. IRAs are among them, and they can be a viable way for many people to build a nest egg.
A traditional IRA may be tax-deductible, and any earnings you make will grow tax-deferred until you start making those withdrawals during retirement. Depending on your income limits, Roth IRAs may also be a good choice. So long as you satisfy certain requirements, your earnings are federal tax free and may very well be state tax free, too.
Planning in Your 60s and Beyond
Even if that retirement date is arriving sooner rather than later, you STILL have a number of options available to you. As soon as you reach the age of 50, for example, you become eligible to go beyond the normal limits of contributions for your IRAs and 401(k) plans via what is known as "catch up contributions."
Let's say you haven't been able to save as much as you would have liked over the last ten years. That's okay — because as soon as you turn 50, your contribution limit for both traditional and Roth IRAs rises to $7,000. Catch up contribution limits for 401(k)s go even higher, climbing from $19,000 for people under 50 to $25,000 for people who are over that age.
Regardless of your age, it's still very possible to make sure you have the funds necessary to retire in the comfort you've always dreamed of. You just need to understand that this will not happen through inaction. It requires careful planning that begins not next week, not six months from now, but today.
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Get to Know Prestige Accounting Services Group (previously Prestige Wealth Accounting Group)
Offices in Flemington, NJ and Califon, NJ
Our Mission: At Prestige Accounting Services Group (previously Prestige Wealth Accounting Group), we are on a mission to redefine the tax experience for individuals and small businesses. With a focus on personalized service, strategic planning, and expert guidance, we aim to empower our clients to succeed financially with confidence and ease.
Expertise in Action: With a wealth of experience and a team of dedicated professionals, we specialize in individual and small business tax preparation. While we excel in all areas of taxation, our passion lies in serving the unique needs of small business owners in New Jersey. We understand that small business taxation requires specialized knowledge and attention to detail, which is why we go above and beyond to ensure our clients receive the guidance and support they deserve.
Tailored Solutions for Every Client: Whether you're a high-net-worth individual seeking comprehensive tax planning or a small business owner in need of accounting and bookkeeping assistance, we have the expertise to meet your needs. Our team takes the time to understand your specific situation and develop customized solutions that align with your goals and objectives.
Why Choose Us?: What sets us apart from other New Jersey tax firms is our commitment to excellence and innovation in the field of taxation. We don't just prepare tax returns; we provide strategic insights, proactive planning, and actionable advice to help our clients achieve their financial goals. With a team of two CPAs, an EA, and an ERO, we have the expertise and resources to deliver exceptional service and results.
Your Success is Our Priority: At Prestige Accounting Services Group (previously Prestige Wealth Accounting Group), we measure our success by the success of our clients. We are dedicated to building long-lasting relationships, providing unparalleled service, and helping our clients thrive in today's ever-changing tax landscape.
We can't wait for you to experience the Prestige Accounting Services Group (previously Prestige Wealth Accounting Group) difference.
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