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Steps to take to become a 401k millionaire

Posted at 12:23 PM, Nov 09, 2018
and last updated 2018-11-09 13:23:52-05

What would it take to save $1 million for retirement? Right now, more people than ever are 401k millionaires.

Financial adviser Jonathan Duong says saving $1 million is not as impossible as it may seem.

"A million dollars is very achievable for folks who aren't necessarily making really large six-figure incomes," Duong says.   

The average 401k millionaire has been contributing to their retirement fund for over 30 years, according to MarketWatch.  

So, how do you get to $1 million in your 401k? Duong says there are a few easy ways.   

First, defer over 10 percent of your paycheck to your 401k. Fidelity Investments says it might seem like a lot, but in the end, it should leave you with an annual income that you're use to once you retire.   

Next, take advantage of your employer match.

"A match is free money," Duong says.   

MarketWatch found 28 percent of the contributions to the average 401k millionaire's account came from their employer.   

"Additional things you can do is working a little bit longer and delaying social security," suggests Duong.   

Delaying Social Security until you’re in your 70's will allow you to get more money opposed to taking it sooner.   

“It’s fairly good to say that if you've got 25 to 30 times your annual living expenses saved up, you might be in a position to retire, but there are a lot of other details that go into it," Duong explains.   

There's no rule of thumb for how much everyone should save, Duong says. It all depends on your living expenses and how much it takes for you to live comfortably.   

"In my mind, the ability to start today is really a reality for most people it's never too late," Duong says.