Resolve to Save

Most financial professionals agree that you should save as much as you can, or at least 10 to 15 percent of your salary for your golden years. If you’re not saving that amount, or need more to achieve your ideal retirement, how can you add to your savings without drastically changing your lifestyle today? Here are eight ways to potentially make a positive difference for your retirement over the long term.

 
1. Commit to saving for retirement

If you’ve started putting money away for retirement, stick with it. You’ll likely face situations that can disrupt your steady stream of savings, such as taking a new job, moving or paying unexpected medical bills. Your expenses are bound to move up and down, but missing out on months or years of savings can have a significant impact on your total nest egg – especially if you’re far from retirement and time for compounding interest is on your side.

 2. Create a budget – and stick to it

Make retirement a priority in your monthly budget. Start by looking at your recent spending and identify ways to allocate more money to your retirement account. Do you have a recurring subscription, gym membership or cable package you don’t use? Consider eliminating one unnecessary expense and put that money aside instead. Next, establish a clear savings goal for future months. Having a goal could help you reign in impulse purchases because you’ll be focused on what the money could do for you down the road.

 3. Take advantage of your 401(k) match

Don’t miss out if your company provides matching contributions when you defer income into your workplace retirement plan. For example, if your employer offers to match the equivalent of three percent of your income, consider deferring at least three percent of your income into the plan. In effect, you’ll double your money even before it is invested.

4. Be smart about taxes

A high percentage of Americans receive a sizable tax refund each year. If that describes you, consider investing your refund in your workplace retirement plan or an Individual Retirement Account (IRA). If you’re tempted to spend the money on something today, think about how much further your refund will go in retirement once it’s given the chance to grow over time. On the flip side, if you pay a substantial amount at tax time, make sure you’re approaching your tax liability in the most strategic way possible. Talk with a professional about your situation in the upcoming tax season.  

 5. Increase savings once you’re an empty nester

Chances are that your expenses will decrease once your children are financially independent. Earmark the money you once spent on hockey gear, your kids’ health insurance or college tuition toward your golden years. While it can be tempting to remodel the kitchen or take a parents-only cruise with the additional cash, financial security in retirement should take priority.

 6. Review your insurance policies

Compare your auto and home insurance costs with other providers to see if you can get a better deal. And be sure to read the fine print before switching so that you don’t sacrifice important coverage in order to save a few dollars. Also, check to see if you qualify for discounts based on your lifestyle or habits. Possible discounts include loyalty savings if you’ve been with the same provider for a while, paying your premium annually or semiannually, or the good grades if you have school-aged dependents.

 7. Save salary increases

Make a commitment to your future self by allocating your year-end or performance bonus to retirement, if you’re fortunate enough to receive one. And the next time you earn a promotion or raise, think about increasing your workplace retirement savings accordingly. Even a one percent increase in the amount you defer to your 401(k) can make an impact on the size of your retirement nest egg.

 8. Enlist professional guidance

Meet with financial professionals in your local area to get their perspective on how you can increase your retirement savings. A financial advisor, tax planner or an estate planner can review your financial situation and help you make smart choices for your life today and in your golden years.

Implementing even a handful of these ideas may help you generate additional cash you can apply toward your retirement savings. This money can make a significant difference over time in both the amount you have saved and your confidence in having enough money to last in retirement.

Bob Bonfiglio is a private wealth advisor and managing director with Rise Private Wealth Management, a private wealth advisory practice of Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc. in Bedford.