Why You Should Each Have Retirement Accounts "Both partners in a marriage should fund for retirement," says investment specialist David Bach, whose California firm manages more than half a billion dollars of individual investors' money. Bach, author of the upcoming "Smart Couples Finish Rich," (Broadway Books, $25), says, "The single biggest mistake I see women make with money is never funding a retirement account because their husband has a 401(k)."
Women, especially, can benefit from having their own retirement account if they are widowed, Bach says. What's more, "if a couple gets divorced, the retirement assets in most states are split 50/50."
Bach says it's vital for both people in a marriage to fund for retirement because they are going to need the money in their mature years. "One IRA plan plus Social Security benefits won't be enough," he warns.
Another reason why both partners should fund for retirement is to take advantage of the tax write-off. "If both people fund a 401(k) plan in 2001," Bach explains, "they can each save $10,500 and this is a total tax write-off."
A similar situation prevails with deductible IRAs. If both spouses fund a $2,000 IRA, then they both get a $2,000 tax write-off. "That's huge," Bach says.
Attorney Peter Gellerman of Santa Monica, Calif., says, "You'll never regret funding an IRA." Gellerman, who specializes in estate and retirement planning, offers these suggestions for ensuring financial security.
Start putting aside $100 a month to fund a deductible $2,000 IRA.
Forgo costly vacations now and apply the savings to secure your future.
Consider doing some part-time work to fund a deductible IRA.
People in their prime earning years are best able to set aside money for the years ahead. Gellerman says, "It's a worthwhile sacrifice to work a little extra harder while you're still young and strong in order to save money for your retirement."
