The real out-of-pocket cost of a retirement savings plan contribution is the amount of your savings plan contribution multiplied by your marginal tax bracket (see http://njaes.rutgers.edu/money/taxinfo/) subtracted from the amount of the contribution. For example, if you save $6,000 in a retirement savings plan, $6,000 - ($6,000 x 0.25 = $1,500) = an out-of-pocket cost of $4,500.
Your contribution could also be further reduced by government aid if you qualify for the income-based retirement savings tax credit (often referred to as the Saver's Credit), which helps offset part of the first $2,000 that eligible workers contribute to IRAs, 401(k)s, and other retirement plans. Additionally, over the long term, you will benefit from the tax-deferred growth of the contributions to your retirement account which will enhance your future retirement income.
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