Entrepreneurs or freelancers need to prioritize saving for retirement. Aside from tax-favored options like IRAs, there are other ways you can stash money away to help reach your financial objectives.
One way to start is by automating your contributions. This makes it effortless to build up a nest egg without even thinking about it.
1. Taxes
Entrepreneurs or freelancers must prioritize saving for retirement. Doing so will guarantee your financial security throughout life and enable you to reach long-term objectives such as purchasing a home, starting a family or traveling the world.
Saving for retirement as a freelancer or entrepreneur presents its own set of challenges and considerations. First, you’ll need to decide which type of retirement account works best for your needs.
Traditional and Roth IRAs are both great options for self-employed individuals with relatively low income levels. You could also look into opening a Solo 401(k) or SEP IRA.
These tax-advantaged accounts allow you to save for retirement while enjoying both tax benefits and compound interest. If you’re uncertain which one is best suited for you, consult a financial professional or visit the IRS website for further guidance.
2. Retirement
As a freelancer or entrepreneur, retirement should be your top financial priority. Planning ahead for these golden years can help ensure you enjoy them without worry or stress during retirement.
Many employers offer 401(k) or other retirement plans that automatically deduct money from your paycheck to save for retirement. But if you’re self-employed or don’t have employer-matched savings, it is up to you to create your own savings strategy for retirement.
Start saving for your future by opening a Solo 401(k) or SEP IRA, designed specifically with self-employed individuals in mind. These accounts allow you to set aside an impressive amount with tax benefits. Traditional or Roth IRAs as well as health savings accounts (HSAs) are great options to consider for self-employed workers looking to begin saving towards retirement goals. It’s essential that you select an account that best meets your long-term financial objectives.
3. Insurance
Entrepreneurs or freelancers without employer-sponsored pension plans like 401(ks) must save for retirement on their own. To do this effectively, they’ll need to be deliberate about it and start sooner than if they had a more traditional job.
Thankfully, there are various retirement plans that can help you save for your future as a freelancer or entrepreneur. While some of them are straightforward to set up and contribute to, others require more complex steps.
For instance, a SIMPLE IRA is an option available to sole proprietors and small businesses with less than 100 employees. It’s an easy way to save for retirement and can also be tax-deductible. A Keogh plan is another profit sharing retirement plan that may be more complex for freelancers to set up, yet can still provide good opportunities for savings growth. Consulting a financial professional before selecting the best plan is recommended when looking into this type of retirement strategy for yourself or your business.
4. Investments
Freelancers and entrepreneurs have several options for saving for retirement, such as traditional IRA or Roth IRA, SEP IRA and solo 401(k). But which plan is best suited to you depends on your individual circumstances.
Investments involve purchasing stocks, bonds or other securities and holding them. While they offer the potential for higher returns than a savings account, they also come with risks.
One way to reduce risk is by diversifying your investments. That means purchasing assets from different asset classes, such as stocks, bonds and real estate.
Income-generating investments can provide a reliable source of supplemental income in your spare time and help cover day-to-day expenses during retirement. Examples include fixed deposits and stocks that pay dividends regularly. Furthermore, some investments such as precious metals and art may appreciate in value over time, leading to capital gains when sold. These profits could be used to offset taxes or boost your overall income.
