How to Save Money While Living Paycheck to Paycheck?

Author:

Research shows that retirement planning is a hot topic. The Employee Benefits Research institute found that only 22% of workers are confident in their ability to save enough money to enjoy a comfortable retirement. 19% said that they aren’t sure if they will be able to pay their basic expenses when they retire.

A higher income can mean you have more money to save. But what if your income is just enough to get by? Even though you may need to start small, you can still build a solid nest egg even if you have a tight budget. These are some ways to save money on a low income even if your budget is tight.

1. Start with your employer’s program

Your 401(k), if you have a stable job with decent benefits, is a great place to save your retirement money. You should aim to contribute enough to your employer’s match, but if it doesn’t, you can save as much as you can to increase your salary. Adding up is amazing.

You’ll be able to retire with plenty of money if you save every day until you reach 65.

2. Bank your extra paychecks

If you get paid biweekly, there is an option to save money if you don’t receive a paycheck in a certain month. This money can be put in your retirement account to increase your savings over time.

You could be able to withdraw thousands of dollars tax-free by putting that extra pay into a Roth IRA.

3. You can use your HSA to pay for more than just medical expenses

If you don’t have a 401k or can’t store your extra checks in an IRA, a health savings account could be able to supplement your retirement savings. You can withdraw your HSA money for any reason, even if you are 65 or older. The money, however, is still subject to taxes. The money will still be subject to taxes, but the extra income could prove very useful.

4. Get credit for what you’re saving

You can set aside extra money for retirement if you receive a large tax refund. The Retirement Saver’s Credit can help you increase your refund.

This credit is for low-income workers. It effectively returns savings. The credit is available for single filers up to $2,000 and married couples jointly up to $4,000, as of 2016. This credit can be applied to your tax liability for the calendar year. It can help you save some money that can go towards your nest egg.

The final word

It can be difficult to save for retirement, especially if you don’t have much extra money. While trimming your budget is a good thing, you might need to look beyond the box if you have already reduced it to the essentials to save money.