6 Habits of Above Average Retirement Savers

Some exciting news to share with you today. Back in May, I was approached by US News & World Report to become a regular contributor to their On Retirement blog. Since then, I’ve been writing new content about retirement and money once or twice a month. 

As of today, I’ve written six articles for US News. These veer from my usual style of writing. The articles are more advice related and mostly in a listicle format for easy digestion. Less about inappropriate selfies and potty humor, and more about actually helping people. Because hey, it’s a legitimate news organization. Unlike this blog.

Below is a recent article I wrote for US News called 6 Habits of Above Average Retirement Savers. I’ll be republishing these from time to time on RBD. I’ve linked to all the articles on my Featured page.

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The average balance for retirement accounts is about $100,000, according to Fidelity. That’s low considering retirees may need their money to last 30 or more years past their retirement date. Retirement account balances certainly rise as years in the workforce increase, but other habits can help you achieve above average results. The earlier these retirement savings habits are implemented, the more likely it is that your portfolio can grow to levels that support your goals.

Here are six habits practiced by successful retirement savers to incorporate into your comprehensive plan.

1. Consistently save in tax-advantaged accounts

Among the most important savings habits is consistency. Savers who invest regularly and avoid withdrawals tend to have higher account balances. Tax-advantaged accounts are the best vehicles for optimizing savings. Make it a habit to always save for retirement first.

Put your savings on autopilot with your broker and keep investing through bull and bear markets. 401(k)s and other defined contribution plans are an easy way to implement this habit because they are automated for you before you receive your paycheck.

When you start a new job with a 401(k), enroll in the plan on day one. Contribute as much as your monthly budget allows, but aim for the $18,000 maximum if you can. Contribute at least the minimum amount required to receive the company match, if available.

If you’re eligible for a Roth IRA, make sure to invest the maximum of $5,500 every year on top of your 401(k). Maxing out your 401(k) and Roth IRA for just five years will put your account balances over the $100,000 mark.

Read More: Save More Money With These 15+ Tax-Friendly Accounts

2. Strive to earn more

It should come as no surprise that high earners are often above average retirement savers. When there’s more money, it’s easier to save. But not all high earners are good at saving. In fact, many are inept. But a recent study by Vanguard found that workers who earned $100,000 or more had account balances that averaged $237,061. That’s more than double the average of all savers.

Healthy salary growth from a successful corporate or professional career can make it more comfortable to max out a 401(k). Any excess cash can then be saved in other tax-advantaged accounts such as a Roth IRA, or be invested in taxable brokerage accounts or real estate. As your salary increases during your working years, so does your retirement security, as long as you consistently save and invest.

Read More: Start A Side Business To Empower The Future You

3. Remain loyal to your employer

The same Vanguard report indicates that defined contribution plan participants who stayed with the same employer for ten years or more had an average account balance of $188,744. Ten years is sufficient time for contributions and market returns to compound into significant savings. Longer employment periods also suggest higher salaries.

Though employer loyalty tends to help retirement savings, it can also be costly. If you’re stuck in a job with no promotion opportunities, you may be better off finding a new employer. When switching jobs, retirement saving is often neglected, so always consider the implications of a new job on your retirement nest egg.

Make sure to roll over balances from your old plan to an IRA and enroll in your new employer’s plan on the first day. Use any salary increase to bump up your contribution percentage.

Read More: This Blog Post Is Not Safe For Work (NSFW)

4. Think long term

Successful retirement savers have an eye on the future and are less inclined to splurge on short-term pleasures and shiny objects. Workers who max out their 401(k)s in lieu of luxury cars and frequent expensive dinners know that their sacrifice today will pay off many times years later.

Saving enough for retirement requires a long-term plan, but also short-to-mid-term action items along the way. Losing sight of the end goal by thinking short-term can lead to a savings shortfall.

Read More: The 2022 Project: A New Target Date

5. Ignore market fluctuations

Financial advisors recommend an annual retirement account checkup to make sure allocations are aligned with retirement goals. Aside from an annual adjustment, above average retirement savers mostly ignore their account balance and daily market fluctuations.

Trying to time the market is a losing strategy, especially for a typical worker with limited investing experience. If tempted by market timing, do so in your non-retirement accounts. Don’t put your retirement money at risk.

The best strategy for most everyone is to contribute to accounts regularly and keep your hands off. The more emotion involved, the more likely you are to make a mistake.

Read More: “As Long As The Stock Market Doesn’t Crash”

6. Avoid excessive fees

Index funds and ETFs have consistently outperformed most managed mutual funds over long periods of time. Managed mutual funds often carry larger fees which detract from returns.

Fund managers are challenged to consistently beat indexes year after year and often fail. Investing in broad index funds quickly diversifies your portfolio among many investments, spreading risk while participating in long-term market gains.

When choosing an IRA for your retirement savings, make sure you have access to a wide variety of funds, including various index funds and ETFs. If your 401(k) lacks low-cost index fund options, contact your human resources department to request more variety.

Read More: Revolt Against Fees!

Implement these six habits of above average retirement savers as early as possible to maximize your wealth and retirement security.

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This article was originally published on US News & World Report.