When you decide to become a real estate agent, you’re joining a group of non-traditional workers. The hours are odd, the pay isn’t set in stone, and you might be wondering how you’ll save for retirement.
There are many ways for real estate agents to save for retirement. However, it likely won’t be as simple as contributing to a 401K or counting on a pension when you retire.
If you’ve been an agent for a few years or you’re brand new to the career, learning how to save for retirement is a big step for your future. Let’s look at some of the best ways real estate agents can save for retirement.
4 Tips for Real Estate Agents to Save for Retirement
1. Take Financial Classes
One of the best things you can do as a real estate agent is take financial classes. Learn about money management, budgeting, investing, and retirement planning.
Many classes are offered from financial experts to help you learn how to save for retirement. Whether you attend a seminar or you take an online class, knowledge will help you make smart money decisions and plan for retirement.
2. An IRA is Your Best Friend
For most real estate agents, a set it and forget it strategy for retirement savings works best. With an IRA, you can set up a system where you don’t have to remember to save anymore.
Simply have a portion of each commission check sent directly to the IRA. This will allow you to pay yourself first and put the money into an account specifically for retirement.
Before you simply choose any IRA, you may want to take some time to compare a traditional IRA to a Roth IRA.
3. Use a Solo 401(k)
While you may not get the benefit of a 401(k) with a match from your employer, you can still use a Solo 401(k) for retirement savings. As a real estate agent, you can contribute to this type of retirement savings account only if you’re self-employed with no employees.
Contributions to this type of retirement savings do come with limits. As of 2019, you could contribute up to $56K per year to a Solo 401(k).
4. Invest in Rental Properties
You’re already in the real estate business, so why not invest in real estate? Not only do rental properties have the ability to help you build a nest egg for retirement, but they can also help you generate an income now.
By investing in rental properties, you’ll be able let someone else pay for the mortgage, insurance, and maintenance on the property. You gain the appreciation over time and when the property is paid off, you can cash out for retirement.
Summary
These four options provide excellent choices for real estate agents looking to save for retirement. You may need/want a combination of these strategies to help you save more for retirement each year.
Both IRA and 401(k) options come with limits. If you reach a point where you’re maxing one out, you may be able to start the other to help you save more. Check with a tax professional first for more info on limitations. Of course, adding in a couple of rental properties can help balance out your portfolio, too.
Make sure you become well-educated in the options you choose for your retirement savings. Knowledge is power and you should only use retirement savings options you fully understand.
Disclaimer: this article is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be investment advice. Always check with an investment professional and a tax professional for guidance before investing.
