Helpful information for Oklahomans from wheat fields to city streets.
11/01/2023
When you’re in your 40s, you probably have potential to save more for your retirement. Your financial goals may shift, with saving for retirement taking precedence over building an emergency fund. The Federal Reserve averages savings for the middle age group at $27,900, with the median savings at $4,710. If you feel behind on your retirement planning, don’t worry! Keep reading for more tips for saving for retirement in your 40s.
As you approach retirement planning, it’s crucial to think about what life will look like when you’re retired. Your retirement intentions can significantly influence how you approach the last decade or so before retirement. Consider questions like: Where do you want to live? What hobbies and activities do you want to pursue? Are you thinking of downsizing your home?
By figuring out your retirement goals, you can better tailor your savings strategy to meet your unique aspirations.
Take a comprehensive look at all your potential sources of retirement income, including your 401(k), IRAs, and any other investments. Ensure that these income streams align with your anticipated retirement expenses. If there’s a gap between what you have and what you need, consider making adjustments. If you’re not sure where to start, consider checking out our financial services!
The government encourages retirement savings by offering tax advantages. Contributing to a traditional IRA, for example, allows you to defer tax deductions, reducing your taxable income for the year. Keep in mind that this income will be taxed when you withdraw it in retirement, but the tax benefits can be substantial in the short term.
(If you’re 50+, you may be able to use catch-up contributions on your 401(k)!)
While retirement accounts offer tax advantages, they come with contribution limits. Once you’ve maximized your tax-advantaged retirement savings, consider investing in non-retirement accounts. Diversify your investments to mitigate risk and potentially earn higher returns. Non-retirement accounts offer more flexibility, allowing you to access funds before retirement without penalties.
Life insurance is often overlooked when planning for retirement, but it can play a crucial role in ensuring financial security for you and your loved ones. Now is an excellent time to evaluate your life insurance coverage. Ensure that it’s sufficient to protect your spouse or partner’s quality of life through retirement if either of you were to pass away. Life insurance isn’t one-size-fits all; there’s several options to choose from, like Whole Life, Term Life and Universal. Talk to your local OKFB agent to determine which option is right for you.
Saving for retirement may feel like a daunting task, but with careful planning, you can take significant steps toward securing a comfortable and financially stable retirement. Remember that it’s never too late to start, and by following these steps, you can build a stronger financial foundation for your future!
Whether you’re a longtime policyholder or just starting to look for insurance options, we’re here to help. If you have questions or concerns that you want to discuss, connect with your local OKFB agent today. If you have any insurance-specific questions, we would love to help you find the coverage that best meets your home, auto, commercial and life insurance needs.
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The information on this website is not a contract, as it is provided for general information to explain potential types of insurance coverages. Further, descriptions do not refer to any specific contract of insurance and they do not modify any definitions, exclusions or any other provision expressly stated in any contracts of insurance. Please read actual policy documents for important details on coverages, exclusions, limits, conditions, and terms. If there is any conflict between the summary and/or information on this website versus the policy documents, the policy documents shall control. Please contact an Oklahoma Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance Company (OFBMIC) Agent to learn more about insurance coverages offered by and through OFBMIC.
Life insurance and annuity products are offered through Farm Bureau Life Insurance Company/West Des Moines, IA and are intended for residents of AZ, IA, ID, KS, MN, MT, ND, NE, NM, OK, SD, UT, WI and WY.