Saving for Retirement When You Don’t Have a Regular Job

Many people find themselves outside of the formal workforce from time to time. Some end up unemployed by choice while others find themselves without work because of layoffs. These individuals have several options available to them in order to keep the income flowing. For instance, some may join the gig economy while others try consulting, freelancing, or staying home to care for their family.

When people stop picking up a regular paycheck, they often stop contributing to their retirement savings. This is not wise. Keeping up those contributions, however small, can make a big difference in the income you have after retirement. This article looks at some of the ways to keep that retirement account growing even when you don’t have a steady source of income.

Saving for Retirement Without a Paycheck

Although it’s true that the majority of working people save for retirement via an employer-sponsored program, you can do it on your own. It’s easier than you think to save money without a regular paycheck. And you don’t need regular employment to get the tax advantages that come with many plans.

There are a number of ways to use existing retirement-savings vehicles to save independent of an employer, including a solo 401(k), spousal individual retirement account (IRA), and health savings account (HSA).

Solo 401(k)

The solo 401(k), also known as the independent 401(k), is designed for people who are self-employed as sole proprietors, independent contractors, or members of a partnership. It is for people who work on their own or with a spouse, and who do not have employees. The contributions combine deferred income and profit-sharing elements.

In 2021, you may contribute up to $19,500 to a solo 401(k); in 2022, $20,500. In 2022, individuals age 50 and older can contribute an additional catch-up contribution of $6,500.

Allowable Contributions for a Solo 401(k)

The profit-sharing component for a sole proprietor is 20% of self-employment income reduced by 50% of self-employment taxes. For incorporated businesses, the profit-sharing component increases to 25% of self-employment income with no deduction for self-employment taxes.

In 2021, that brings the total amount of allowable contributions in deferrals and profit-sharing to $58,000 a year, or $64,500 including catch-up contributions. That rises to $61,000 in 2022 ($67,500 for catch-up contributors).

Example of a Solo 401(k)

Let’s say that Mary, a 33-year-old marketing manager, left her full-time job when she had a baby. She does some consulting work and earns $20,000 in a year. As the owner of a sole proprietorship, she could put away up to $19,500 from her earnings in employee deferrals in 2021. In 2022, an individual with a sole proprietorship solo 401(k) plan may save up to $20,500.

Spousal IRA

A nonworking spouse who files jointly has the option of investing in either a traditional or a Roth spousal IRA as long as their spouse has taxable compensation. The maximum contribution for 2021 and 2022 for either IRA is $6,000, plus an additional $1,000 for individuals age 50 and older. This allows the family to double its IRA retirement savings.

Allowable Contributions for a Spousal IRA: Tax-Filing Status Matters

Keep in mind that your filing status can affect the level of allowable contributions. Let’s say Joe, 51, lost his job late in 2020 and hasn’t been able to find full-time work during 2021, but wants to continue contributing toward his retirement. His spouse has taxable compensation of $50,000 for 2021.

If Joe and his wife filed separately, he would be unable to contribute any amount to an IRA for 2021 because he had no taxable compensation that year. If they filed separately and he had taxable earnings of only $2,000 for 2021, his IRA contribution would be limited to $2,000.

Example of a Spousal IRA

Here’s what happens if Joe and his wife file jointly. With the wife’s $50,000 income, Joe could contribute a total of $7,000 to an IRA for 2021 and has until April 15, 2022, to do so. That’s the standard $6,000 contribution plus a $1,000 catch-up contribution for those age 50 or older. You can contribute to an IRA as late as April 15 of the following year.

Health Savings Account (HSA)

A health savings account (HSA) is another option. An HSA is a tax-advantaged account that allows you to pay non-covered medical expenses. HSAs are available to individuals with a high-deductible health plan (HDHP).

For people who are employed, both the employer and the employee may contribute to the account. Those who are not employed may contribute on their own behalf. And those contributions are eligible for a tax deduction.

Allowable Contributions for an HSA

The maximum contribution to an HSA for 2021 is $3,600 for an individual and $7,200 for a family. In 2022, it increases to $3,650 for an individual and $7,300 for a family. Additional catch-up contributions of $1,000 are allowed for people 55 years of age or older.

Can You Use an HSA for Retirement Savings?

Yes, you can. Distributions used for qualified medical expenses are tax-free at any age. Distributions that are not used for medical expenses are counted as income and are taxable. In addition, depending on your age, they can be subject to a 20% penalty.

But if you keep these funds in the HSA and begin withdrawing them at the age of 65 or older, you can use them for any purpose, just like a traditional IRA. Like a traditional IRA, you will owe income tax on the money, but no penalties. Penalty-free IRA withdrawals begin at age 59½.

Saving for Retirement via a Brokerage Account

You can always invest for your retirement through a brokerage account. The earnings won’t be tax-deferred, but you will be increasing the pot of money that can provide you with a source of income during your retirement.

This can be an excellent way to invest money once you exhaust your tax-deferred contribution amounts. In addition, since withdrawals of contributions from a taxable account aren’t taxable again (you’ve already paid), an investment account gives you added tax-planning flexibility that can be helpful. However, be aware that withdrawals of gains from a brokerage account are taxed at capital gains rates.

The Bottom Line

Saving for retirement without a regular paycheck is possible. You have several options to choose from that offer tax advantages.

For those who are eligible, solo 401(k)s, spousal IRAs, and HSAs can help build a retirement nest egg. Investments in a brokerage account, while not tax-deferred, can help grow retirement savings, too. Regardless of which route you choose, start saving for retirement as early as possible so your money has more time to grow.