|
 Whether
your retirement is 40 years away or on the horizon, it is important to
take stock of your savings situation and take charge. Experts estimate
that many Americans will spend nearly one third of their lives in
retirement. To make sure that your retirement is what it’s meant to be,
start planning now!
1.Take Control
Only you can ensure that you'll have enough money saved for your
retirement. Your best bet for taking control includes the AirTran 401(k)
plan.
2.
Know What You'll Need
Experts estimate that you'll need at least 70% of your pre-retirement
income to maintain the same standard of living once you stop working.
3.
Start Now
Time is on your side. The sooner you start, the longer your money has to
grow. It's never too early to start saving for a secure retirement.
Even small percentages of your income can grow significantly over time.
4.
Participate in a Tax Advantaged Account
The AirTran 401(k) plan is convenient, easy to use and is among the best
retirement savings deals out there. Your contributions are tax
deductible and your investments grow tax deferred.
5.
Receive Matching Contributions from AirTran
The more money you put in a 401(k) plan, the more you'll get out -
especially since AirTran matches your retirement contributions.
|
Years of Service |
Employee
Contribution |
Company Match |
|
More
than 6 m |
Up
to 15% |
10%
of Employee Contribution |
|
More
than 4 y |
Up
to 15% |
20%
of Employee Contribution |
|
More
than 7 y |
Up
to 15% |
30%
of Employee Contribution |
|
More
than 10 y |
Up
to 15% |
40%
of Employee Contribution |
6.
Invest Pre-Tax
Saving pre-tax gives you more money to invest. Because taxes take a
large bite out of each dollar you earn, you have to save more after-tax
dollars to get the same impact as pre-tax saving. PLUS, saving pre-tax
lowers your taxable income, which means that you'll pay less to the IRS
on April 15. For example, if you defer $1 into your 401(k), your
take-home pay is reduced between $.65 to $.85, depending on your tax
bracket. So, saving $1 could cost you as little at $.65.
7.
Pay Yourself First
Out of sight, out of mind. You won't miss the money you're saving if
it's deposited straight into your 401(k) plan or other retirement
account.
8.
Keep Your Hands Off
Don't touch your retirement savings. You'll not only avoid tax penalties
for using the money early, you'll also give your investments more time
to grow.
9.
Look Long-Term
"Low-risk" investments usually mean low returns and may put your
retirement finances in danger down the line. For successful saving,
choose investments that will beat inflation over the long haul.
10.
Be Flexible
As the years go by, life changes. So should your retirement savings
strategy. Review it annually to ensure it still meets your needs as
retirement approaches.
If you’d
like to know more about how to save to the AirTran 401(k) retirement
plan, contact the Financial Advisor for the plan, Steven B. Restifo
Senior Vice President
Financial Advisor
404.231.6227 Direct
404.231.6205 Fax
877.230.6200 Toll free
srestifo@stanfordeagle.com
Stanford Group Company
3424 Peachtree Rd N.E. Suite 700
Atlanta, Georgia 30326 USA
www.stanfordgroup.com
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Council 57
AirTran Airways
www.afaairtran.com
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