In 2021, inflation reached a 40- year high from gas, lumber, the housing market, and even groceries. It was reported in October that the U.S. experienced an increase by 6% for the consumer price index. By November, a 7% increase was noted—the largest increase in such a short time since late 1982. Unfortunately, Americans, on average, brought more money home in their paychecks, but were not able to reap the benefits due to the inflation.

What does this mean for inflation in 2022? Economists have a gloomy outlook. With the unexpected, but impending price increases, it is important to allocate more in the budget for groceries and gas. To offset inflation, add more money to your emergency funds as you can. This will keep your retirement funds more secure.

Required minimum distributions, RMDs, had major changes in 2021 (and in 2020 when the Covid-19 pandemic started). As withdrawals for qualified retirement accounts—401(k)s, traditional IRAs, or 403(b)s—RMDS experienced a recent change that affects the age for when you can withdraw. Now it is 72 for those born after July 1st, 1949, and 70 ½ if born before then.

In 2020, RMDs were suspended under the CARES Act. This was in response to the 30% market drop that March. The hopes were to let the retirement money stay in the market and recover, but the 2020 change was short lived. RMDs resumed in 2021.

2022 Lookout:

Based on inflation rates, the IRS does make changes to tax brackets. Due to the 2021 inflation increase, the tax thresholds will drastically change. This means more money can be earned before an individual or couple is bumped into the next tax bracket. Using tax-planning tactics during your working years and having a retirement plan in place allows for this potential risk to be easily managed during retirement.

Another major change happening this 2022 year is 401(k) contributions. The IRS is changing the max contribution for taxpayers. The increase is $1000 to $20,500. If you are age 50+, you get an additional $6500 as catchup. Unfortunately, traditional and Roth IRAs contributions are staying the same as 2021. However, high-income earners may be able to contribute to a Roth IRA. Income phase-out ranges were increased by the IRS to allow this. Ranging from $129,000 to $144,000 for single taxpayers and $204,000 to $214,000 for married and jointly filing.

​**For more information on how is in store for 2022, please listen to Retirement Risk Show episode “The Know-How of Retirement Planning in 2022.” For all the challenges and changes 2022 will and may bring, register for our “Evolving Retirement Law: The Challenges, The Changes, and Your Choices” webinar.