How Stay-at-Home Spouses Can Better Prepare for Retirement
A Federal Reserve report on the economic well-being of U.S. households in 2015 found, among other things, that 31 percent of non-retirees reportedly “have no retirement savings or pension whatsoever.” Where households are supported by two incomes, some may only have one spouse contributing to the retirement fund. As they approach retirement age, many couples are left wondering how they can contribute to the nest egg.
Here are some ways stay-at-home spouses can begin preparing for their retirement.
Actively participate in retirement planning
The primary earner in a relationship typically takes charge on future retirement plans, often leaving the stay-at-home spouse in a supporting role. First, learn what you have saved so far and go from there. It’s not uncommon for baby boomers to be lost in retirement planning. A recent study by the U.S. Government Accountability Office found that 52 percent of households age 55 and older have no retirement savings in a
defined contribution plan or individual retirement account. Additionally, nearly 30 percent of households age 55 and older have no retirement savings and no defined pension plan. That said, stay-at-home spouses can take steps to ensure that they and their working partner are on the same page. Regular conversations about ideal retirement lifestyle and ways to reach saving goals are a perfect place to start.
If you’d like a more specific approach, consider creating a projected retirement budget with your spouse. Look over your current expenses and decide what funds will be needed to retire. Will your mortgage and other debts be paid off? Will you downsize and sell your house? Do you plan on traveling in your retirement? Discuss these topics with each other to determine your retirement financial plan.
Take advantage of a Spousal IRA
For single income households, a great way to save for retirement is by contributing to a spousal IRA. So long as a married couple files a joint tax return, and the working spouse has earned income that equals or exceeds the sum of the nonworking spouse’s contribution plus the working spouse’s contribution, a nonworking spouse can make a contribution of up to $5,500 or $6,500 if they are age 50 or older.
If neither spouse participates in an employer-sponsored retirement savings plan, such as a 401(k), you may deduct the full amount of your spousal IRA contribution. If the working spouse is covered by an employer-sponsored plan, the ability to deduct your spousal IRA contribution depends on your total gross income and tax filing status.
By actively having an open discussion with your spouse about retirement and taking advantage of a spousal IRA, you will be well on your way to being more prepared for your future.
