Student loans pose a perennial question for recent grads and those just starting out in their careers: Should I pay down my student debt before I start saving for retirement?
It can be tempting to postpone saving for things like an emergency fund or for goals like retirement, especially if you're young and aren't making a lot of money. However, thanks to the power of compounding, setting aside even small amounts when you're young could help you build significant savings by the time you're retired.
It's not impossible to tackle student debt while also saving for retirement. Consider prioritizing these steps:
1. Make the minimum loan payments
The cardinal rule for paying off student debt is: Don't miss payments. Make at least the minimum payment on every loan and ensure the amount fits your monthly budget. If you can't manage the minimum, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau has resources that can help you negotiate with federal and private lenders.
As you repay your loan, you're establishing credit history, and your student loan interest payments may be tax-deductible if your modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) in 2024 is less than $80,000 (or $165,000 for joint returns). If your MAGI is between $80,000-$95,000 (or $165,000-$195,000 for joint returns) you may still get some tax deductions, but the credit phases out based on your income. But, in sum, there's an upside to starting payments and making them on time.
2. Maximize 401(k) contributions to at least get the match
Your next priority is to consider your qualified workplace retirement plan, if one is available to you. You'll want to contribute as much as you can afford to your 401(k)—or 403(b) if you work for a nonprofit—up to your employer's match. Not contributing enough to receive the match (often 5% or 6%) is turning down what's effectively "free money."
3. Pay off high-interest-rate debt
Debt with a high interest rate, such as that held on a credit card, can quickly pile up—especially if you carry over your balance from month to month. Start by cutting back your credit card use and put extra money toward your balance. With less debt, you'll be able to save more for retirement and other financial goals.
4. Build an emergency fund
Life happens, and you should plan for the unexpected. Otherwise, you might find yourself relying on a credit card or on retirement savings during a financial setback. To give yourself a buffer, we recommend saving at least three to six months of living expenses. Keep the money in a high-interest savings or money market account where it can grow and where you can easily access it should you need to make a withdrawal. Even if you put away only a minimal amount each month, every little bit helps.
5. Consider a traditional or Roth IRA
In addition to or in lieu of a workplace retirement plan, you can make tax-advantaged contributions to other types of retirement accounts. In 2024, you can save up to $7,000 a year in a traditional IRA and potentially get an up-front tax deduction. Alternatively, you can save the same amount in a Roth IRA, if your income qualifies, and forgo the tax deduction today but enjoy potential tax-deferred growth and tax-free withdrawals on qualified distributions in the future.1
Also, if your income is less than $38,250 ($76,500 for joint returns), you might be eligible for a Saver's Credit—up to $1,000 ($2,000 for joint returns) for your IRA or 401(k) contributions.
6. Put additional funds to work
When you're fortunate enough to have leftover funds, use them wisely. After you've paid your debts—and yourself—consider saving and investing the rest for other goals you may have. While investing involves risks and you could lose money in the market, you may also gain more from investment returns over the long run.
The bottom line
Juggling student debt can be tricky but investing in your future is worth it. College graduates can successfully manage loan repayment while saving for retirement. You don't have to choose one over the other.
1 For 2024, individuals earning less than $146,000 and married couples earning less than $230,000 can contribute the full amount to a Roth IRA. After that, it is subject to a phase out. Income above $161,000 (for individuals) and $240,000 (for married couples) makes you ineligible to contribute to a Roth IRA. You need to be over the age of 59½ and have held the account for five years before tax-free withdrawals on earnings are permitted.
