If you have an IRA, or 401(k) retirement plan, you need to review your accounts and make sure it is in "top shape." Wallet Pop.com put together a list of spring tune-up tips for your IRA; you can check out a snippet from their article below or click here for the full list.
1. Total Up How Much You are Saving for Retirement, Then Figure out How to Add More
Get out the calculator and add up how much is going into your retirement accounts every month, including the amount that you are putting into your 401(k) at work and the interest that is growing on your IRA accounts from former employers or self employment. Then look for ways to up the ante. Here are some painless suggestions:
Payroll taxes are reduced by 2 percentage points in 2011. Put that 2% of your income into your savings instead of your pocket.
Save your tax refund.
Make sure you're getting the maximum match from your employer.
2. Consider What Happens When your Life Meets your Money
What would happen if you or your spouse left this life prematurely?
Update your will -- or make one.
Review your beneficiaries. Look at all your accounts, including ones you've had for awhile. You don't want to leave any money to your ex-spouse -- or even to your parents, even though you love them.
