Retirement Savings - How Much and How to Save for Retirement from Merrill Edge
Balance Today's Needs, Save for Tomorrow  Open an IRALearn how to get up to $600 when you open a new IRA

There are some easy ways to start saving for retirement today:

  • Increase your contribution to your company retirement plan by 1% each year when you get a raise.
  • Use your next tax refund to open an IRA.
  • Look at your budget. You might be able to save on some expenses, freeing up cash to put towards your retirement. For example, you could save $1,750 a year by bringing your lunch to work.*
*Dollartimes.com, Bringing vs. Buying Lunch Calculator
Need to know more?
Don't think small increases in savings mean much? See how 1% can make a difference »
Saving even little over time can add up. See how contributing early can help »
Get a handle on expenses. View our budget worksheet »
How much you need to save depends on things unique to you:
  • Current income
  • Existing savings
  • How many years until you plan to retire
  • The lifestyle you want in retirement
  • What you can afford to put aside
Once you have a handle on these basics, you can calculate how much you may need to retire.
Watch and Learn - See how to save for tomorrow.
Did you know?
Did you know?
Trim $100 from your monthly grocery, entertainment and dining bills over 30 years and you could add $66,394 to your retirement savings.*
*MSN Money: Aim to Save calculator
1Start at Work
Maximize your contribution to your company retirement plan.
  • Contribute enough to get any employer matching contribution.
  • The amount you contribute could help lower your taxes.
2Open an IRA
An Individual Retirement Account (IRA) helps you invest for retirement beyond what you contribute to your company retirement plan.
  • Once you reach the maximum amount you can contribute to your company plan, consider an IRA.
Need to know more?
Learn how our Asset AllocatorTM tool can help you pursue your financial goals.
Read more about how to keep your retirement savings on track when you change jobs or retire.
Open an account and get access to the Merrill Edge Toolkit.
  • There are different types of IRAs. One might be right for you depending on your financial situation. Find the right IRA »
3Roll Over, Consolidate, Simplify and Save
  • Consolidating your IRAs and old 401(k) accounts could help you manage your asset allocation and diversification. Read about rollover IRAs »
  • Simplify your finances by having all of your investment accounts in one place, and potentially save on fees. Firms may charge fees if balances in idle accounts are too small.
  • Open a no-fee Merrill Edge IRA1 »
The Merrill Edge Solution
Merrill Edge provides the research, tools, and resources to help investors manage their finances and meet their financial goals. Learn more »
Access to Help: If you need guidance, a Merrill Edge Financial Solutions Advisor will help you choose your investments, and provide you with help rolling over and allocating your accounts.
Tools & Resources: Learn how our tools like the Retirement EvaluatorTM and Asset AllocatorTM can help you plan with confidence. Open an IRA »
Prefer to invest with guidance?
Open an Account with the Merrill Edge Advisory Center. A Financial Solutions Advisor can help. $20,000 to invest gets you started. Learn more » 

Schedule a consultation »
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1 Certain restrictions apply.

Individuals who contribute or transfer $5,000 or more in cash or securities to a qualifying Merrill Edge SEP, SIMPLE, Roth, traditional or rollover IRA by December 31, 2013, will have their annual custodial fee of up to $100 waived for the life of the account. Waiver of fees, including account fees, may not be used as an inducement to sell any kind of insurance, including life insurance or annuities. All other fees will still apply. For more detailed information about the fees associated with a Merrill Edge IRA, please refer to your IRA Disclosure & Custodial Agreement. Trust IRA, 529 accounts and Coverdell ESAs do not qualify for the IRA custodial fee waiver status. Contributions or transfers can be made in a lump sum or in several contributions or transfers totaling $5,000 or more to one account. Assets transferred from existing Merrill Lynch accounts and cumulative household account investments totaling $5,000 do not qualify for the fee waiver. Investment value is based solely on the asset valuation at the time of contribution or transfer and is not affected by subsequent market fluctuations. This offer is subject to change and/or termination without advance notice.