Don't Let Inflation Derail Your Retirement

Look for ways to earn more

One of the best ways to combat inflation without sacrificing your retirement savings is to look for opportunities to earn more. Whether you're a full-time employee, a freelancer, or an entrepreneur, there are many ways to increase your income.

If you're employed, consider asking for a raise. According to Salary.com, the median raise was 4% in 2022, and a quarter of employers plan on giving increases in the 5% to 7% range in 2023.2 If your compensation hasn't kept up, schedule time with your boss to discuss your accomplishments and make a case for why you need a raise. If that doesn't work out, consider looking for other employment opportunities or starting a side hustle.

If you're self-employed, raise your rates and market yourself to new clients. You can also look into ways to increase the value of your services or product offerings.

Cut expenses elsewhere

Cutting or reducing other spending categories can also help you deal with inflation without sacrificing your retirement savings. Start by tracking your spending, then find creative ways to reduce those costs without impacting your life too much.

For example, if grocery shopping is a considerable expense for you, try meal planning and bulk buying to get the most out of your budget. If you dine out several times per week, start cooking at home more.

If you were planning on making a big purchase this year — such as a new car — consider delaying it for a year. Prices for new vehicles are expected to go down by 2.5% to 5% in the coming year, while prices on used cars are expected to fall by 10% to 20%,3 so waiting could mean getting a better deal.

Look for tax-advantaged retirement savings options

Investing in a 401(k) or traditional IRA is another way to maximize your retirement savings and beat inflation. Contributions to a 401(k) or traditional IRA reduce your taxable income,4 so those tax breaks allow you to save more with the same out-of-pocket costs.

Additionally, if your 401(k) comes with matching employer contributions up to a certain percentage or dollar amount, you'll get an instant return on your investment.

If you're self-employed, keep in mind that you're not limited to just IRA contributions. Talk to your accountant about how a SIMPLE IRA, a SEP IRA, or an Individual 401(k) may help you reduce your taxable income — and also boost your retirement savings.

Regardless of your strategies, it's important to remember that saving for retirement should be your top priority. And if you need help dealing with inflation and its effects on your finances, consider seeking out the help of a financial advisor. They can offer advice and guidance on protecting your retirement savings and creating the comfortable retirement you deserve.