Balancing Work and Retirement Savings: What to Know About Saving in a Retirement Plan While Working in Retirement

Retirement doesn’t always mean complete withdrawal from the workforce. Many individuals choose to work during their retirement years, whether for financial reasons, personal fulfillment, or a combination of both. If you find yourself working in retirement, you may wonder whether you can continue saving in a retirement plan and how it might impact your financial future. In this article, we will explore the rules and options for saving in a retirement plan while working in retirement.

Types of Retirement Plans

The ability to save in a retirement plan while working in retirement depends on the type of retirement plan you have and your employment status. Here are some common types of retirement plans:

401(k): Employer-sponsored retirement plans that allow employees to contribute a portion of their salary, often with employer matches.

IRA (Individual Retirement Account): Personal retirement accounts that can be set up independently. There are Traditional IRAs, which offer tax-deductible contributions, and Roth IRAs, with tax-free qualified withdrawals.

SEP-IRA (Simplified Employee Pension Individual Retirement Account): Designed for self-employed individuals and small business owners, allowing contributions based on a percentage of income.

Solo 401(k): A retirement plan for self-employed individuals with no employees other than a spouse, offering both employer and employee contributions.

Working in Retirement and Contributing to a 401(k)

If you are still employed and have access to an employer-sponsored 401(k) plan, you can generally continue contributing to it while working in retirement. Your ability to contribute and receive employer matches will depend on your employer’s policy. Here are some key points to consider:

Contribution Limits: The IRS sets annual contribution limits for 401(k) plans. As of 2023, the maximum contribution limit for individuals under 50 is $20,500, while those aged 50 and over can make an additional catch-up contribution of $6,500.

Employer Matches: Some employers may continue to match contributions made by employees working in retirement, while others may stop matching after retirement. Check with your employer to understand their policy.

Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs): After reaching age 72 (or 70.5 if you turned 70.5 before January 1, 2020), you must begin taking RMDs from your 401(k). However, if you are still working in the same job and contributing to the employer’s 401(k) plan, you may delay RMDs until you fully retire.

Working in Retirement and Contributing to an IRA

Contributing to an IRA while working in retirement is also possible, but it depends on your age and the type of IRA:

Traditional IRA: You can contribute to a Traditional IRA at any age, even if you are working in retirement. However, the deductibility of your contributions may be affected by your income and participation in an employer-sponsored retirement plan.

Roth IRA: You can contribute to a Roth IRA at any age if you have earned income. Roth IRAs have income limits, and your contribution amount may be reduced or eliminated if your income exceeds certain thresholds.

Working in Retirement and Self-Employed Plans

If you are self-employed or operate a small business, you have the option of contributing to self-employed retirement plans while working in retirement. These plans include SEP-IRAs and Solo 401(k)s:

SEP-IRA: As a self-employed individual, you can contribute to a SEP-IRA while working in retirement. Contributions are based on a percentage of your self-employment income, up to annual limits set by the IRS.

Solo 401(k): A Solo 401(k) allows for both employer and employee contributions. You can continue to contribute to a Solo 401(k) while working in retirement, subject to IRS limits.

Balancing Work and Retirement Savings Goals

Working in retirement and contributing to retirement plans can be an effective strategy to boost your savings and potentially delay tapping into your retirement accounts. However, it’s essential to strike a balance between your retirement savings goals and your desire to enjoy retirement. Here are some considerations:

Budget and Lifestyle: Assess your financial needs, budget, and desired lifestyle in retirement. Consider whether working in retirement is driven by financial necessity or personal fulfillment.

Retirement Goals: Define your retirement goals and timeline. If you plan to retire fully in the near future, continue contributing to your retirement plans accordingly. If you expect to work in retirement for an extended period, adapt your savings strategy to your revised timeline.

Consult a Financial Advisor: Working with a financial advisor can help you create a retirement savings plan that aligns with your specific situation and objectives.

Working in retirement and saving in a retirement plan is a flexible option for those who wish to continue building their nest egg while enjoying the benefits of retirement. Whether you have access to an employer-sponsored plan, individual retirement accounts, or self-employed retirement plans, it’s essential to understand the rules, contribution limits, and potential tax implications. Consider your financial needs, retirement goals, and consult with financial professionals to create a strategy that ensures a secure and enjoyable retirement.