Balancing Your 401k: Smart Retirement Savings for Every Age
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How Much Should I Contribute To My 401(k) Or 403(b)?
Ever wondered if you're putting too much—or too little—into your retirement accounts? This question plagues nearly every working adult, but the answer isn't as straightforward as many financial advisors might suggest.
In this deeply insightful conversation, Cody Stansell reveals a revolutionary perspective on 401k and 403b contributions that challenges conventional wisdom. Rather than pushing the "max out your retirement" mantra, he explains why your age fundamentally changes how you should approach retirement savings. For those over 45, he unveils a mathematical tipping point where investment returns actually drive more growth than your contributions—potentially freeing up cash flow for other priorities like long-term care insurance, mortgage payoff, or enjoying life with family.
The discussion demystifies the pre-tax versus Roth contribution decision with a simple "two trees" analogy that clarifies exactly when each option makes sense for your tax situation. For younger savers, Cody provides practical guidance for balancing retirement savings with debt repayment and emergency funds, explaining why capturing your employer match might be sufficient during certain life stages.
What truly distinguishes this episode is how it weaves financial wisdom with faith-based stewardship principles. "The whole goal is not just to accumulate zeros and commas," Cody reminds us, emphasizing that moderation and balance should guide our financial decisions. This perspective transforms retirement planning from a numbers game into a thoughtful exercise in building a life that honors both present needs and future security.
Ready to apply these insights to your own financial journey? Visit Steadfastwealthplanning.com for a complimentary consultation or call 469-606-2040 to speak with an advisor who understands both financial wisdom and faith-based values.
To learn more about Steadfast Wealth Planning visit:
https://www.SteadfastWealthPlanning.com
Steadfast Wealth Planning
5550 Granite Pkwy, STE 270
Plano, TX 75024
469-606-2040
Chapters
1. Welcome to Steadfast Wealth Planning (00:00:00)
2. How Much for Retirement Savings? (00:01:00)
3. Investment Returns vs. Contributions (00:03:40)
4. Pre-Tax vs. Roth Explained (00:06:20)
5. Spiritual Balance in Financial Planning (00:09:30)
6. Recommendations for Younger Savers (00:11:42)
11 episodes