6 steps that will strengthen your retirement savings this year

A well-known benefit of a 401(k) program is that the money contributed from your paycheck isn’t taxed as income until you withdraw it after age 59-1/2.

So, if you get paid $40,000 yearly after taxes and contribute $5,000 of that for your 401(k), you’re only on the hook to pay taxes on the remaining $35,000 this year. The plans also let investors contribute toward their retirements automatically via direct deduction from their paychecks. That way, the money is squirreled away before it hits your bank account, so you won’t have to think about it—or be tempted to spend it.

Perhaps the biggest bonus to 401(k) plans is that some full-time employers offer matches to employee contributions, at least up to a certain level. But nearly a quarter of all employees eligible for that free money from their employer don’t set aside enough money to maximize the employer contribution.

In December 2022, President Biden signed an appropriations bill into law that includes a set of provisions—known as SECURE 2.0—that will impact retirement savings plans. One of the provisions requires employers to automatically enroll workers into new company retirement plans at no lower than a 3% rate starting in 2025.

Take some time this year to review how your plan is set up. If you’re expecting a raise, consider applying most or all of it toward your retirement savings. You may not even notice a missing increase in your regular paycheck, and you’ll be setting yourself up for a more relaxing retirement.