At the start of a new year, it is critical to reevaluate your financial status and strategies as well as consider the changes in rules and regulations that may impact your financial well-being. In this blog, we’re sharing information and updates to help you navigate your 2024 financial planning.
Changes in Contribution Limits
The new year is the perfect time to review your employer benefits to make sure you are taking full advantage of everything offered to save for retirement. It is also crucial to review and understand any changes to contribution limits for the year. The following are changes for 2024 and should be factored into your 2024 financial planning:
- The contribution limit for employees who participate in 401(k), 403(b), and most 457 plans, as well as the federal government’s Thrift Savings Plan, increased to $23,000, up from $22,500.
- The limit on annual contributions to an IRA increased to $7,000, up from $6,500.
- The IRA catch‑up contribution limit for individuals aged 50 and over was amended under the SECURE 2.0 Act of 2022 (SECURE 2.0) to include an annual cost‑of‑living adjustment but remains $1,000 for 2024.
- The catch-up contribution limit for employees aged 50 and over who participate in 401(k), 403(b), and most 457 plans, as well as the federal government’s Thrift Savings Plan, remains $7,500 for 2024.
- There were also increases for SIMPLE and SEP contributions.
Social Security
In 2024, Social Security recipients will see their monthly payments rise by 3.2 percent. The maximum amount of earnings subject to the Social Security tax will increase to $168,600. The earnings limit for workers younger than full retirement age will increase to $22,320 and the earnings limit for people reaching their full retirement age will increase to $59,520.
Financial Planning as a Family Affair
Our concerns often extend beyond our immediate financial well-being to that of our family. Instilling financial responsibility and planning in our children to ensure they have a solid financial foundation is invaluable. Are your adult children entering the workforce and beginning to build their careers? If so, are they planning for their financial future? Encouraging your children to focus on financial planning is critical in promoting their financial security. A conversation with a financial advisor can help equip them with the knowledge necessary to make informed financial decisions to align with their objectives.
Additionally, it is essential to review your estate documents with your most current financial situation and goals in mind. Many things can change over the course of a year. Sit down with your financial advisor and review documents including wills, trusts, and beneficiaries. Do they still align with your current needs, wants, and wishes? If not, update your documents to prevent future complications and ensure a secure financial future and financial legacy for you and your family.
The Blakely Financial team is here to guide you through the financial planning process. Contact us today to get started. Together we can begin paving your path to a financially prosperous year.