Beyond the 401K: Where High Earners Should Invest to Save for Retirement

Beyond the 401K: Where High Earners Should Invest to Save for Retirement

 

At the heart of it, saving for retirement isn’t terribly complicated. You know you need to max out your employer-sponsored 401K so you can receive your employer match and allow your investments the opportunity to grow tax-free. This is undoubtedly the best place to start. But if you’re a high earner, your 401K won’t be nearly enough to fund your retirement nest egg. So where do you invest next?

 

401K Limits Aren’t Enough

 

As we head into 2023, the elective deferral limit for anyone participating in a 401k plan will be $22,500 (an increase from $20,500 in 2022). With the catch-up contribution limit, that amount is $30,000 for those aged 50 and over. But for high earners, these annual limits won’t be enough to create the income you need to continue your current lifestyle in retirement.

 

So, to create that comfortable retirement you’ve always dreamed of, it’s time to put more of your money to work.

 

  • IRAs—Traditional and Roth

 

Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs) are the natural next place to save as they are also tax advantaged. But, there are two types—traditional IRAs and Roth IRAs. The main difference in these two types of accounts is when the tax savings are captured. Traditional IRAs utilize pre-tax money for contributions and are taxed upon withdrawal in retirement, whereas Roth contributions are funded with post-tax dollars, but retirement withdrawals are tax-free.

 

However, Roths have no Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs). This type of account allows you to begin withdrawing money on your timeline and not the one that is determined by the IRS.

 

In 2023, you’ll be able to contribute up to $6,500 to both types of IRAs – $7,500 for those over 50.

 

Keep in mind, though, that Roth IRAs do have income limits:

 

  • For single filers: $138,000 to $153,000
  • For married couples filing jointly: $218,000 to $228,000
  • For married and filing separately: up to $129,000

 

Chances are, you probably earn too much to open a Roth IRA, but don’t worry. You can still take advantage of the Roth account benefits by converting traditional IRA fund into a Roth through an annual Roth Conversion.

 

  • Health Savings Account

 

After you’ve maxed out your 401K contribution, funded a traditional IRA and perhaps performed a Roth IRA conversion, you should turn your sights toward Health Savings Accounts. Their name might be throwing you for a loop, but HSAs can be great retirement saving vehicles. Here’s why.

 

Health Savings Accounts are heralded for their triple-tax advantage: they are funded with pre-tax dollars, experience tax-free growth, and qualifying medical expenses are covered with tax-free withdrawals. Considering the average American couple will spend $315,000 in out-of-pocket medical expenses in retirement, HSAs provide a way to save for them while also generating tax-free retirement income. Or, you can withdraw the funds and use them as you need (for non-medical related expenses) once you have reached age 65 and simply pay regular income tax on those withdrawals.

 

Keep in mind, only folks with a high-deductible health plan are eligible to open an HSA. However, if you lose or change away from your high-deductible plan, your HSA remains in your possession and the money can remain invested.

 

  • Brokerage Accounts, Real Estate, & Business Ventures

 

Once you have maxed out your tax-advantaged options, there are several options to choose from when it comes to investing for the future. If you’re comfortable with a little more risk, the following have proven great ways to supplement retirement income.

 

Brokerage Accounts (Taxable): Taxable brokerage accounts remain the most flexible for high earners with a substantial capacity to save. There are no income limits, annual contribution limits, and the assets can be accessed at any time for any reason. While you won’t benefit from any tax breaks with this account, you are in complete control.

 

Real Estate: There are multiple ways to invest in real estate. You can invest in residential properties to rent out, buy and flip houses, invest in a company that buys and flips houses, purchase commercial property to lease, or even invest in a Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT). This type of investing is typically best for investors with large cash reserves and an understanding of the real estate market.

 

Business Ventures: Since 2015, investors have been able to invest in startups and small businesses through brokers or crowdfunded campaigns. This can be an exciting option, but typically quite risky. You’ll want to make sure you do your due diligence and to familiarize yourself with what your investment entails and what your compensation options look like. Or, if you want to keep things closer to home, you can choose to invest in a friend of family member’s business. But, like with any large transaction, be sure you have the proper legal paperwork in place before handing over your money. This type of investment is attractive to those passionate about entrepreneurship and comfortable with risk.

 

Fill One Bucket, Then the Next

 

If you want to maintain or enhance your quality of life in retirement, it’s important that you put your money to work as efficiently as possible to keep from overpaying in taxes or missing out on potential income. We can help. If you’re ready to put your money to work, let’s chat. We can help you determine which savings vehicles will enable the happy, comfortable, and stress-free retirement you need.

 

 

 

Are you on track for retirement?

 

Making sure you will be ready for retirement can be overwhelming. Funding your retirement accounts over the years is a critical part of your journey to the retirement of your dreams. An experienced Financial Advisor can help you navigate the complexities of investment management. Talk to a Financial Advisor>

Dream. Plan. Do.

Platt Wealth Management offers financial plans to answer your important financial questions. Where are you? Where do you want to be? How can you get there? Our four-step financial planning process is designed to be a road map to get you where you want to go while providing flexibility to adapt to changes along the route. We offer stand alone plans or full wealth management plans that include our investment management services. Give us a call today to set up a complimentary review. 619-255-9554.

2022 4th Quarter Review

SUPERBOWL LVII

The S&P 500 Index fell 18.1%
and the US Aggregate Bond
Index dropped 13% in 2022.

Developed International and
emerging markets declined by
double digits in 2022.

The Fed raised the federal
funds rate seven times in
2022. Once by .25%, twice
by .50% and four times by
0.75%, bringing it to a range
of 4.25%-4.50% at the end of
the year.

The annual inflation rate in
the U.S. slowed to 6.5% in
December and the
unemployment rate fell to
3.5%.

2022: YEAR OF THE BLACK SWAN

The new lunar year is the Year of the Rabbit and 2022 was the Year of the Tiger. For investors, however, 2022 was the Year of
the Black Swan. The stock market, as measured by the S&P 500 Index, fell 18.1% and the bond market, as measured by the Bloomberg Aggregate Bond Index, was down 13%.

The last time both stocks and bonds decreased in the same calendar year was 1969. The last time they both experienced double digit declines was 1931 during the Great Depression. Global diversification did not provide any ballast as developed international and emerging markets also suffered double digit loses. In 2022 the viciousness of the Tiger transformed into a Black Swan – a rare and unexpected outlier event.

2022: YEAR OF THE BLACK SWAN

The Fed is attempting to bring inflation down to a 2% annual rate. They likely need to get there by raising

the Fed funds rate to at least 5% and the Fed has already indicated rates could stay there or go higher in 2023, and also 2024. However, bond market expectations are primed for rates to top out at 4.75%- 5.00%, up from the current 4.25%-4.50%. As we’ve seen through the past few quarters, raising the federal funds rate makes new short-term bonds competitive with stocks and reduces demand for equities

The Fed believes the worst of inflation is past us. To be sure of this, they will keep raising rates and see how the economy reacts.In December, CPI was down to 6.5% on an annual basis, compared to 7.1% in November and a 9.1% peak in June 2022. However, the Fed has made it very clear that they will prioritize curbing inflation over growth in the markets.

2023: SOFT LANDING OR RECESSION?

The Fed is circling and looking for a “soft landing” spot. A location where the economy slows enough to bring down inflation, yet not too slow that the U.S. enters a recession. Minutes from last month’s policy meeting indicated the Fed is concerned that core inflation “would likely remain persistently elevated if the labor market remained very tight.” This is a valid worry given that GDP recovered in Q3 as total economic activity in the U.S. expanded a healthy 2.9%. Another troublesome issue for the Fed is that the unemployment rate fell to 3.5% in December. This historically low unemployment figure will be changing soon.

Our Contact Information

3838 Camino del Rio North
Suite 365
San Diego, CA 92108
619.255.9554

info@plattwm.com

www.plattwm.com

The beginning of the year saw layoffs announced by many companies: Amazon 18,000, Google 12,000, Microsoft 10,000, Salesforce 7,000, which is 10% of its workforce, and Goldman Sachs is laying off 3,200, about 7% of its employees, its largest reduction since the Great Recession. These layoffs and a slowing real estate market, as a result of mortgage rates exceeding 6%, do not bode well for the economy. While we prefer the Fed execute a soft landing our expectations are for a rougher and bumpier landing, but a landing nonetheless and not a crash. As a result, we will keep a short-leash on asset allocations and re-balance more often in 2023. Additionally, we will rotate equity allocations into consumer staples and healthcare, sectors of the economy where spending will not be reduced as they are necessities, not sectors of discretionary spending. Another area of increased equity allocation will be dividend paying stocks with a focus not just on current yields, but rather growth in dividend payments. In the fixed income arena, we continue to add to short- and intermediate-term U.S. Treasuries and government agencies for both safety and generous yields of 4.5% to 5%.

WE ARE HERE FOR YOU

The New Year provides many great opportunities to get a financial plan in place or reevaluate your risk profile. The Platt Wealth Management team is here for you to discuss any changes or new milestones in your life. We are always available to assist you with any financial matters and we look forward to continue to serve you along your financial journey.

Warmest regards,
Platt Wealth Management

2022 3rd Quarter Review

GREAT SEASON PADRES!

The S&P 500 and US
Aggregate Bond Indexes fell
nearly 5% each in the third
quarter. YTD, the indexes are
down 24% and 15%
respectively.

The Fed raised the federal
funds rate by 0.75%, bringing
it to a range of 3%-3.25%.

The consumer-price index
rose by 8.2% over the past 12
months.

The U.S. economy added
263,000 new jobs in September, marking the 21st
straight monthly gain. The
unemployment rate was 3.5% at the end of the quarter.

MARKET STEERS INTO UNCHARTED WATERS

It was a disappointing third quarter for both stocks and bonds. The S&P 500 Index and the US Aggregate Bond Index each fell nearly 5% in Q3. For the first nine months of 2022 the indexes have declined about 24% and 15%, respectively. These are unchartered waters as both the stock and bond indexes experienced concurrent negative returns for three consecutive quarters. The last time this happened was 1931 during the Great Depression.

The stock market started the quarter with an unexpected rally lasting until mid-August, climbing 18% from its mid-June lows. With hopes of inflation being passed its peak, bond yields were on their way down in anticipation of the Fed slowing its hawkish
stance on interest-rate hikes. However, consumer prices were unexpectedly higher in August, restoring fears that inflation is still a prominent force in the economy. This led to the Fed announcing further rate hikes throughout 2022 and into 2023.

FED CONTINUES TO FIGHT INFLATION

Inflation continues to be the primary worry of investors and the Fed. Inflation peaked at 9.1% year-over-year in June followed by unchanged numbers in July. While it declined in August to a yearover- year rate of 8.3%, this was higher than expected, causing the Fed to stay aggressive in its efforts to curb rising prices. As expected, the Fed in September raised the federal funds rate by 0.75%, bringing it to a range of 3%-3.25%. The Fed’s aggressive stance continues to put downward pressure on both the stock and bond markets. Rising rates have resulted in an increase in bond yields across the yield curve. It has also resulted in an inverted yield curve, with short-term treasury yields higher than long-term yields.

THE SUN IS SHINING, BUT WE’VE PREPARED FOR RAIN

Factors such as inflation and an inverted yield curve raise investors’ concerns regarding a potential recession. Real gross domestic product (GDP) was -1.6% in Q1 and -0.6% in Q2. A frequently used rule of thumb is that two consecutive quarters of decline in GDP constitute a recession. Officially, it is the National Bureau of Economic Research’s Business Cycle Dating Committee that makes said declaration and they have not done so at this point in time, as they use GDP along with other factors, too. One of those factors is unemployment, and today’s unemployment rate is at a historically low rate of 3.5%.

Given the Fed’s current position on interest rates, we continue to reduce the duration and average maturity of portfolios by decreasing exposure to bond funds and adding individual short-term fixed-income positions using CD’s, treasuries, agencies, and municipal bonds. On the equity side, we continue to re-balance and tax-loss harvest. When doing so, we are increasing exposure to large-cap value and small-cap value positions.

Our Contact Information

3838 Camino del Rio North
Suite 365
San Diego, CA 92108
619.255.9554

info@plattwm.com

www.plattwm.com

WE ARE HERE FOR YOU

The Platt Wealth Management team is here for you to discuss any changes to your financial situation or investment objectives. We are always available to assist you with any financial matters of concern to you and look forward to continuing to serve as your partner along your financial journey.

Warmest regards,
Platt Wealth Management

The Pros and Cons of Retiring at Different Ages

The Pros and Cons of Retiring at Different Ages

While retirement sounds like an absolute dream, getting there can often feel a little stressful. Are you saving enough? How much do you really need? Will the market be favorable when you do? And, the big one: When can you actually retire?

 

Narrowing down the best time, or really the best age, for you to retire comes with a lot of considerations, especially what sort of lifestyle you want to have in retirement. So, we’ve put together this list of the pros and cons of retiring at different ages to help guide you to your ideal retirement window.

Retire Before Age 65

 

Retiring before age 65 is traditionally “early” and is what most of us would like to do. However, the Center for Retirement Research data shows that most Americans retire before or at age 65 with men retiring at an average age of 65 and women at an average age of 62. But is an “early retirement” right for you?

Pros

The two biggest advantages are that you are likely to have more energy and better health at a younger age. Plus, shifting from a full workday to either a part-time job, monetizing a hobby, or finding volunteer opportunities can help make the retirement transition easier.

Cons

Your retirement funds will also have to last longer if you retire early. Leaving behind your career and what are probably your highest earning years early will mean you could be leaving however many years of potential retirement savings (and potentially an employee match) behind. Plus, while you are eligible for Social Security at age 62, your monthly amount will be less if you don’t wait until you are old enough for your full benefit. And, finally, you will need to have a plan for health insurance since you won’t be able to get Medicare until age 65.

Retire Between Ages 66 and 70

 

Sixty-five has been viewed at the age of retirement since Social Security was established. However, as of 2022, Social Security views the full retirement age at 66 for those born between 1943 and 1959 and at the age 66 plus a few months depending on your exact birth year if you were born between 1955 and 1959. For anyone born after 1960, the full retirement age is 67.

Pros

Getting a few more years of savings and investing on top of waiting until you are eligible for both Medicare and your full Social Security benefit can make a huge difference in your finances. Private insurance premiums and prescription co-pays are not cheap after all. Plus, you paid into Social Security all of those years. So even if you have a pension and other retirement savings accounts, waiting just a few more years to get your Social Security benefits will ensure you get the full amount you are eligible for.

Cons

Well, you saw the data above. Most Americans aren’t waiting to age 66 to retire and most don’t want to. So waiting those extra years could feel like you’re back in school waiting for that last month of school to get over.

Retire at Age 70 and Older

 

If you’re in the group of folks who have to wait until 67 to get their full Social Security benefits, waiting just another couple years may not seem too bad. But is there anything to gain or lose?

Pros

Some folks just love their work and feel like they would be lost without it. And that’s OK! So continuing to work longer may be better for you mentally and emotionally if you fall into that category. Plus, if you wait until age 70 or older to start taking your Social Security benefits, your payout will be the highest on top of the extra years of retirement savings and investing. You may never have to worry about having enough money in retirement.

Cons

You will not be able to predict what your energy level or overall health will look like as you get older. Your health could start declining before you retire or after. You could be giving up the opportunities to travel or do other things you enjoy that you always planned to do in retirement if you wait. Even if your nest egg is larger, you could end up not having enough time to use it.

 

Finding the Right Answer

 

There is not really a right or wrong answer to when you should retire. Each person and your unique circumstances can change and so can the financial landscape. Many of our clients even benefit from doing a “test run” on their retirement plan before they actually leave work to see if this changes their perception of their need. Either way, we encourage you to lean on an expert to help guide you to a retirement plan that works best for you.

 

At Platt Wealth Management, we empower our clients to lead their best lives by providing them with the financial expertise they need. We help our families think through their goals, and even dreams they never thought possible. Then, we work together to put in place financial options that give them peace of mind. Schedule a call with our team today to discuss your opportunities.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Are you on track for retirement?

 

Making sure you will be ready for retirement can be overwhelming. Funding your retirement accounts over the years is a critical part of your journey to the retirement of your dreams. An experienced Financial Advisor can help you navigate the complexities of investment management. Talk to a Financial Advisor>

Dream. Plan. Do.

Platt Wealth Management offers financial plans to answer your important financial questions. Where are you? Where do you want to be? How can you get there? Our four-step financial planning process is designed to be a road map to get you where you want to go while providing flexibility to adapt to changes along the route. We offer stand alone plans or full wealth management plans that include our investment management services. Give us a call today to set up a complimentary review. 619-255-9554.

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