Over 25% of Americans contributed 3% or less to retirement plans

Americans’ retirement savings patterns made some shifts following a year marked by stubborn inflation and economic uncertainty, a study shows. 

More than a quarter of Americans (26%) saved 3% or less in their 401(k) plan, according to a study by Bank of America. The cohort with the greatest amount of people contributing 3% or less was the Baby Boomers (43%), the study said. And the average contribution rate across all age groups was 6.4%, down from 6.6% the previous year. 

The recommended contribution rate is 15%, according to a Fidelity Investment’s retirement roadmap. But while that may not be attainable for many, especially under turbulent economic conditions, experts say contributing any amount can help. 

"Saving for retirement may seem like a steep mountain to climb, but the climb doesn't have to be as steep as it looks," Fidelity Vice President Ann Dowd said in a post. "Small steps now can turn into big strides later."

And saving in a retirement account like a traditional 401(k) and individual retirement account (IRA) has distinct benefits. Contributions to these types of accounts are tax deductible. That means they could lower your tax bill. 

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RETIREES LOST 10% OF THEIR SAVINGS IN 2022, SURVEY SAYS

Hardship distributions decreased in Q4 2022

Although total savings rates are down, less Americans were making hardship withdrawals in the fourth quarter. The portion of 401(k) plan participants who made hardship withdrawals in the fourth quarter dropped to 0.4% from 0.5% in the third quarter, BofA found. A hardship withdrawal allows participants to take money from 401k(k)s and other employer-sponsored retirement plans to cover emergency needs. When Americans did make withdrawals, the average amount that Americans took in hardship withdrawals for the last quarter was $4,700, down 8% from the third quarter. 

While hardship withdrawals may sound like convenient ways to cover immediate expenses, these could have consequences. A hardship withdrawal permanently removes money from retirement savings that won’t benefit from any compound interest or investment gains. Plus, participants generally will owe income tax on the withdrawal and a 10% tax penalty if they took it before the age of 59.5. In addition, participants who make hardship distributions can’t make any deferrals six months afterward.

"Even though hardship withdrawals are done in undesirable but inevitable situations, an individual should evaluate the disadvantages thoroughly so that the long-lasting effects are fully understood," the Corporate Finance Institute (CFI) said in a post. 

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NEARLY HALF OF WORKERS DON'T HAVE A 401(K): HERE'S HOW YOU CAN START SAVING

SECURE 2.0 Act aims to reshape retirement planning industry

To make it easier for Americans to save for retirement and maximize their savings, Congress recently passed the Secure 2.0 Act. This legislation was designed to bring sweeping changes to the retirement plan space. Here are some of its highlights at a glance.

• Catch-up contributions will increase to $10,000 for older participants invested in workplace retirement plans.
• The required minimum distribution (RMD) age will increase to 73, giving participants more time to have their savings grow before they need to make withdrawals.
• Employers will be required to auto-enroll eligible employees into 401(k)s and other workplace plans.
• More part-time employees will have access to workplace retirement plans, opening the door for more people to enjoy the tax benefits of these accounts.
• Companies will be allowed to make retirement plan matches based on student loan payments.

"The passage of SECURE 2.0 is an important step in increasing Americans’ ability to improve their financial security," Maurice Perkins, Transamerica chief corporate affairs officer, said in a statement. "We have been long-time, strong advocates for policies that help American workers increase their retirement savings and financial health."

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SECURE 2.0 ACT: AMERICANS WILL BE ABLE TO MAKE TAX-FREE TRANSFERS OF 529 PLAN FUNDS TO ROTH IRAS

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