Key Ages for Financial Planning

You say it’s your birthday…happy birthday to you! If you’re old enough to have read those words to the tune of a popular Beatles song, you should be aware of key birthday milestones that hold financial significance.

Even if the words didn’t recall a familiar tune, listen up because some birthdays (and half-birthdays) represent financial opportunities and responsibilities — and a few give you only one opportunity to get it right. Miss the moment and the oversight could cost you in terms of financial penalties as well as missed opportunities.

Key age milestones in your financial life

• 50 — The action starts when you reach half a century of accumulated wisdom. This year you can begin making additional contributions to retirement accounts. These “catch-up contributions” are additional amounts taxpayers 50 and older can deposit in IRAs, 401(k) accounts and other qualified plans, over and above the standard limits. Catch-up contribution limits allow those who turn 50 or older in 2020 to contribute:
• $1,000 extra to an IRA
• $6,500 more to a 401(k), 403(b), 457 or Thrift Savings Plan
• $3K in catch-up contributions to a SIMPLE 401(k)
• 55 — The IRS has a special rule for taxpayers 55 and older who want to take a distribution from their 401(k) or 403(b)…