Are Your Clients Ready for the 2015 Retirement Account Changes?

The New Year is right around the corner, and it’s bringing with it some important changes to the retirement programs that countless Americans depend on. So whether you’re living out your retirement dreams now, or planning for your retirement future, the modifications will impact your benefits in one way or another.

Joshua Kadish, AIF, RFC of RPG Life Transition Specialists, a holistic wealth management firm in Chicago, explains that staying abreast of ongoing changes that impact your retirement accounts is paramount to protecting your benefits. “Too often I see people who haven’t been maximizing their contributions simply because they didn’t know that the limits had been adjusted,” says Kadish. “Our goal is ensure everyone knows what the fine print says so they can make educated decisions.”

If you’re saving for retirement, these are the four most important changes you need to know to enjoy a prosperous 2015.

There’s a New IRA Option: It’s called myRA and it’s a Roth IRA account that isn’t connected to your employer. Fully guaranteed by the federal government, this account will be available to those with an individual income of less than $129,000 annually and will allow workers to contribute after-tax dollars through payroll deduction.
Increased Limits on 401(k) Contributions: In 2015, you’ll be able to contribute $500 more toward your 401(k) account than you could in 2014. If you’re over 50, your catch-up contribution limit will also increase by $500. Maximizing your contributions allows your investments to grow more over time and decreases your income tax bill.
Higher Social Security Payments: Good news. Due to the standard increase for cost-of-living expenses, those receiving Social Security benefits will see their payments go up 1.7 percent in 2015. However, the portion of your income that is subject to Social Security tax will also raise $1,500, or about 1.3 percent.
Tax Credits for Savers: If you’re single and have an adjusted gross income of less than $30,500 per year, you can apply for a saver’s credit worth up to $1,000 in taxes (up from $500 in 2014) for contributing to your 401(k) or IRA. Just another incentive to put away money for your future.

According to Kadish, one thing is constant: change. “These programs are always changing and evolving, and we’re seeing this with the new myRA option,” says Kadish. “If there’s one New Year’s resolution you commit to this year, it should be to understand where your money is going so you can feel safe and secure about your retirement future.”