Maxing Out Retirement Contributions

You can stash the maximum amount each year in both your IRA and your 401(k) plan.

I can’t find any information on the total that I can contribute to a 401(k) and an IRA. Can I contribute the maximum to both of these plans? What happens the year that I turn 50?

Yes, you can max out both your 401(k) and your IRA in the same year, which is a great way to boost your savings.

In 2013, you can contribute up to $17,500 to a 401(k) and up to $5,500 to an IRA. And you can make catch-up contributions to both plans starting in the year you turn age 50 -- an extra $5,500 in your 401(k) and an extra $1,000 in your IRA, bringing the total to $23,000 for your 401(k) and $6,500 for your IRA.

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For more information, see our 401(k) special report and Smart Ways to Boost Your 401(k). For retirement-saving strategies after age 50, see How to Retire Rich: 6 Smart Steps at Ages 50-66.

Kimberly Lankford
Contributing Editor, Kiplinger's Personal Finance

As the "Ask Kim" columnist for Kiplinger's Personal Finance, Lankford receives hundreds of personal finance questions from readers every month. She is the author of Rescue Your Financial Life (McGraw-Hill, 2003), The Insurance Maze: How You Can Save Money on Insurance -- and Still Get the Coverage You Need (Kaplan, 2006), Kiplinger's Ask Kim for Money Smart Solutions (Kaplan, 2007) and The Kiplinger/BBB Personal Finance Guide for Military Families. She is frequently featured as a financial expert on television and radio, including NBC's Today Show, CNN, CNBC and National Public Radio.