When it comes to retirement savings, most Americans have their trust placed firmly in their firm’s 401(k) plan. And why not? These investment vehicles offer ample contribution room and often come with the added perk of employer contributions. This duo of benefits often nudges individuals to prioritize their 401(k) as the cornerstone of their retirement nest egg.

However, the retirement finish line can sometimes seem a distant shore for many individuals. This sentiment is echoed in the average 401(k) balance of retirees aged 65 and above. But fear not, with a touch of financial acumen, you can vault past mediocrity and leverage the savings you’ve diligently gathered.

Peering into the Averages: 401(k) Balances for Retirees Aged 65 and Above

According to Vanguard data from the conclusion of 2022, the average 401(k) balance for individuals aged 65 and older stood at $232,710. While this number falls short of the retirement aspirations harbored by many, it might even overshoot the stark reality for the everyday retiree. The median account balance for this cohort, perched at 65 years and beyond, sat humbly at $70,620.

Crucially, the average retiree is likely harboring savings in other financial vessels. Typically, it’s a prudent move to transfer your 401(k) to an IRA upon bidding adieu to your employer to trim fees and expand your investment horizons. Furthermore, many individuals stash retirement savings into a regular brokerage account.

Post-retirement, the gradual depletion of your 401(k) kicks in. This drawdown can dip into your retirement reserves, especially noticeable during market downturns, much like the backdrop of 2022. Nevertheless, with a judicious withdrawal approach, you can anticipate an uptick in your account’s value despite these routine withdrawals.

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Delving deeper into the numbers, the Federal Reserve reveals that the median balance spanning all retirement accounts for the 65 to 74 age bracket is a modest $200,000. These individuals also clasp around $160,000 in stock holdings outside their retirement accounts. Thus, the comprehensive total still falls shy of the lofty retirement financial requirements set by many.

Even with the inclusion of an average monthly Social Security payout of $1,907, most individuals will grapple with realizing their retirement dreams with just median account balances.

Leveraging What’s in Your Financial Arsenal

If your 401(k) hoard appears lackluster as the retirement horizon looms, certain options beckon. While extending your working tenure and amassing greater savings top the list, postponing retirement isn’t palatable nor feasible for all.

The subsequent best course of action involves crafting a strategic withdrawal blueprint from your 401(k) to curtail tax obligations. Forestalling the initiation of Social Security by a year or two can significantly slash your overall tax bill during your later retirement years. Enlisting the counsel of a financial advisor to explore tailored strategies for your unique scenario might prove beneficial.

If retirement’s shore still lies a considerable sail away, it’s sensible to scrutinize your current saving regimen. Reverse-engineer your target sum using realistic return projections to gauge the monthly saving quota you should adhere to. If you’re missing out on your employer’s 401(k) match, initiating contributions at that level is a must-do starting point. Gradually amping up your contribution rate with each raise acts as a potent strategy to fatten your reserves.

To retire wielding a 401(k) balance that eclipses the norm, you must pepper your career journey with actions that outshine the ordinary. A smattering of tweaks can pave your path, while post-retirement shrewd tactics can extract maximum juice from your hard-earned savings.

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