Now is the time to maximize the contributions to your retirement accounts. The government is encouraging the conversion of qualified accounts to Roth accounts. Unless Americans become more responsible for their own retirement the government will take this over as well. Many are criticizing the over spending of the government, however perhaps we should look at the spending habits of all Americans. Individuals need a balanced budget and a saving strategy for the future.

With many Americans worried about potential tax increases coming next year if the “fiscal cliff” remains unresolved, the extra boost in potential savings could be coming at a good time, said Garth Scrivner, a certified financial planner with StanCorp Investment Advisers in Albuquerque.“It’s kind of nice with the potential increases in taxes next year to have the ability to defer a bit more money,” Scrivner said. “We’re encouraging people at the end of the year to take an inventory of tax changes that are happening next year and, to the extent that they can, maximize the 401(k) limits.”

For those over 50 years old, the additional “catch-up” amount allowed will remain the same at $5,500, meaning the overall limit for such workers will be rising to $23,000 from $22,500.

In addition to raising the contribution limits, the IRS has also expanded how many people are eligible to contribute to Roth IRAs. For married couples, the upper income limit will rise to $188,000 from $183,000. For singles, the limit will increase to $127,000 from $125,000. (All amounts are adjusted gross income.)

Monthly Social Security benefits are also set to rise 1.7 percent, another move meant to keep up with inflation.

There are two other tweaks to look out for: The IRS is raising the limit on tax-free gifts to $14,000 from $13,000. And Americans living abroad will be able to exclude up to $97,600 in foreign earned income starting next year, a modest increase from the current $95,100.

The higher contribution limits toward retirement plans come as many Americans look for ways to juice their returns after seeing their portfolios battered in recent years.

Investors have enjoyed a pretty strong year in 2012, with the Standard & Poor’s 500-stock index rising about 13 percent. Despite concerns about the fiscal cliff, some analysts see signs that next year could include even more stock gains, driven by an improving housing market and rising consumer confidence.

But many workers saving for retirement still have a lot of ground to make up.

More than half of working households run the risk of being unable to maintain their standard of living when they retire, according to a report released in October by the Center for Retirement Research at Boston College.

By building a globally diversified portfolio and remaining disciplined, investors can reach their long term financial goals without anxiety. Many Americans are not saving for retirement because they do not know how to invest. Plan sponsors can eliminate this concern by automatically enrolling employees in a age appropriate portfolio.

Please comment or call to discuss how this affects you and your family.