The stock and bond markets go up and they go down. History tells us that its time in the market and not market timing that leads to long term results.
To help with that I like to look at investing in our retirement accounts as soon as possible each year. For 2022 the limits are as follows:
2022 retirement contribution limits and income restrictions: What to know
Putting away as much as possible for future you—in as many ways as possible—can have huge long-term value. The IRS’s changes to retirement contribution limits make this possible for more people in 2022.
2022 retirement contribution limits at a glance
First, the IRS increased the max contribution for 401(k)s and other plans you may have through your employer. Meaning your 401(k) can hold more money. IRA contribution limits didn’t increase, but you can still make good progress toward retirement.
If you’re 50 or older, you can continue to set aside more money in your employer’s plan (if allowed by the plan) to help reach your retirement goal. Learn how these catch-up contributions work (principal.com)
Not ready to max out your accounts? Learn how to gradually increase your contributions.
Updates to tax deduction limits and income limits for IRA contributions
If you’re already contributing to a retirement savings plan at work, such as a 401(k), you can also contribute to a traditional IRA. These aren’t subject to income limits, but there are restrictions on what you can deduct from your taxes, based on your income. For 2022, those income ranges increased; get all the details on the IRS website.
If you save outside of your workplace plan in a Roth IRA, income limits are a factor. But good news: They’ve increased for 2022.
What’s the difference between a traditional and Roth IRA?
Increased 2022 HSA contribution limits
If you’re already maxing out your 401(k) or other retirement contributions, consider putting pre-tax dollars toward an HSA (health savings account), if you have one. An HSA helps those with high-deductible health plans save taxes on money earmarked for medical expenses not covered by the plan.
Unlike a flexible spending account (FSA), which has a “use it or lose it” provision, the assets you contribute to an HSA are yours for the long term and can be rolled over each year. Plus, an HSA offers a triple tax advantage: Money put in isn’t taxed, it grows tax-free, and you’re not taxed when you take money out to pay for qualified medical expenses.
Taking advantage of the increased 2022 HSA contribution limits may help you pay for health-related expenses in retirement.
Additional contributions: Lump sum vs. dollar-cost averaging
If you want to save more for retirement, you can boost your contributions in one of two ways:
1. Lump sum: You make one deposit to an existing account or open a new account with a single amount. For example, say you receive a tax refund, and you deposit it in an IRA; this is a lump sum contribution.
2. Dollar-cost averaging: You add the same amount to an existing account or new account at regular intervals, typically monthly. If you receive a raise and choose to automatically increase your retirement savings by 1% of that amount every month, that’s called dollar-cost averaging, or DCA. “If your salary goes up 3%, taking 1% or 2% of that and putting it toward your retirement is money you likely won’t miss,” says Heather Winston, assistant director of financial advice and planning at Principal®.
Is either choice better? Not really; trying to time the market is less important than time in the market. This case study about the power of staying invested over the long run helps you see how.
Tip: If your employer offers a matching contribution in its 401(k) plan, aim to set aside enough to get that match. “The company can help to grow your nest egg, and that free money can flow from them to you,” Winston says.
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