Maxing Out Retirement Contributions
You can stash the maximum amount each year in both your IRA and your 401(k) plan.
I can’t find any information on the total that I can contribute to a 401(k) and an IRA. Can I contribute the maximum to both of these plans? What happens the year that I turn 50?
Yes, you can max out both your 401(k) and your IRA in the same year, which is a great way to boost your savings.
In 2013, you can contribute up to $17,500 to a 401(k) and up to $5,500 to an IRA. And you can make catch-up contributions to both plans starting in the year you turn age 50 -- an extra $5,500 in your 401(k) and an extra $1,000 in your IRA, bringing the total to $23,000 for your 401(k) and $6,500 for your IRA.
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For more information, see our 401(k) special report and Smart Ways to Boost Your 401(k). For retirement-saving strategies after age 50, see How to Retire Rich: 6 Smart Steps at Ages 50-66.
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As the "Ask Kim" columnist for Kiplinger's Personal Finance, Lankford receives hundreds of personal finance questions from readers every month. She is the author of Rescue Your Financial Life (McGraw-Hill, 2003), The Insurance Maze: How You Can Save Money on Insurance -- and Still Get the Coverage You Need (Kaplan, 2006), Kiplinger's Ask Kim for Money Smart Solutions (Kaplan, 2007) and The Kiplinger/BBB Personal Finance Guide for Military Families. She is frequently featured as a financial expert on television and radio, including NBC's Today Show, CNN, CNBC and National Public Radio.
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