5 Catch-Up Retirement Tips If You’re Behind in Your 40s

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1. Reinvest All Dividends to Boost Growth

If you’re playing catch-up, reinvesting dividends is like hitting the turbo button.

Every payout you reinvest buys more shares, which then earn more dividends. a true compounding snowball.

Here’s why this move works so well:

• Accelerates growth, since every dollar stays in motion.
  
• Builds momentum, increasing returns year after year.
  
• Requires no effort once you set it to auto-reinvest.
  

👉 Here's How You'll Do It: Log into your retirement account and turn on the “reinvest dividends” option. It’s a one-time setup with lifetime benefits.

2. Catch Up by Increasing Your Contributions

Being behind doesn’t mean you’re out of the game. It just means it’s time to turn up the volume.

Even small percentage bumps in your contributions can make a huge difference over a decade.

Here’s what this does for you:

• Maximizes growth, putting more money to work immediately.
  
• Takes advantage of compounding, even in your 40s.
  
• Closes the gap faster, helping you reach your retirement target.
  

👉 Here's How You'll Do It: Increase your 401(k) or IRA contribution by 1–2% this year and automate the change.

Make It Easy: Try Boldin to calculate how much an extra $100 a month adds to your retirement over time.

3. Open an IRA for Extra Retirement Savings

If your 401(k) alone won’t cut it, an IRA gives you another bucket to fill.

It’s flexible, easy to set up, and helps you save more tax-efficiently.

Here’s why it’s worth adding:

• Extra tax advantages, depending on whether you choose Roth or Traditional.
  
• More control, since you decide where to invest.
  
• Great backup plan, if your employer’s plan has limited options.
  

👉 Here's How You'll Do It: Open an IRA online and automate monthly deposits to grow alongside your 401(k).

Make It Easy: Try Boldin to compare your IRA vs. 401(k) growth potential.

4. Spend Less and Save the Difference

Catching up often means trimming what doesn’t matter to fund what does.

The trick? Redirect every dollar you cut straight into your retirement.

Here’s why this is powerful:

• Immediate impact, boosting your savings rate instantly.
  
• Mindful spending, helping you prioritize what truly adds value.
  
• Financial control, shifting from reactive to proactive habits.
  

👉 Here's How You'll Do It: Review your monthly expenses, cut a few nonessentials, and automate those savings into your account.

Make It Easy: Use Rocket Money to spot and cancel hidden subscriptions stealing from your retirement.

5. Delay Retirement to Grow Your Nest Egg

If you can, staying in the workforce just a few extra years can make a massive difference.

More time means more savings. and fewer years drawing from your nest egg.

Here’s how it helps:

• More contributions give your account more time to grow.
  
• Extra compounding boosts your total balance dramatically.
  
• Bigger Social Security checks, if you delay claiming them.
  

👉 Here's How You'll Do It: Work part-time or delay retirement by even 2–3 years to let your savings grow untouched.

Make It Easy: Use Boldin to see how each extra working year increases your future income.

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