An expert suggests that now is the 'optimal moment' to reevaluate your retirement savings. Here are some tips to help you begin.

• In 2025, retirement savers can take advantage of a new opportunity to save money through their 401(k) plans and individual retirement accounts.
• Here's what experts say you should consider.

Surveys commonly suggest a significant amount of money should be saved for retirement to achieve a comfortable lifestyle.

Instead of solely focusing on retirement age, experts suggest concentrating on your savings rate to achieve your retirement goals.

It is recommended to reassess your retirement contributions and savings strategy early in the year to take advantage of employer matches, adjust your monthly budget, and stay ahead of market shifts, according to Douglas Boneparth, a certified financial planner and president and founder of Bone Fide Wealth, a wealth management firm based in New York City.

The 2025 tax season has commenced, according to the IRS. The Trump administration's impact on your finances is uncertain. House Republicans are advocating for an extension of the Trump tax cuts.

Increasing your retirement savings now can significantly impact your nest egg over the long term, as your money has more time to compound and earn interest on both your contributions and previously earned interest, according to Boneparth, a member of the CNBC FA Council.

Boost your 401(k) deferral rate

It is recommended to review your 401(k) plan contribution rate, according to Mike Shamrell, vice president of thought leadership at Fidelity.

He advised me to compare my savings rate with the company match offered by my employer.

According to Shamrell, it's the closest many individuals come to receiving money without any cost.

To determine the amount you need to contribute to receive the full match, contact your human resources department or 401(k) provider, advised Shamrell.

It is advised by Fidelity to save at least 15% of your pre-tax income annually, including any contributions and funds from your employer.

A small increase in deferral rate can significantly impact retirement savings in the long run, according to Shamrell.

Shamrell stated that it may not have the substantial effect on your take-home pay that you might anticipate.

Fund your IRA for 2025 — and 2024

This year, retirement savers have the chance to contribute to individual retirement accounts for both the current and previous years.

Contributions for tax year 2024 can be made up to April 15. To designate the deposit for that year, individuals can contribute $7,000 or $8,000 if they are age 50 and over.

Though the contribution limits for 2025 remain the same, savers have an extra year to make their contributions, up until April 15, 2026.

Depending on their income, savers may be able to deduct their IRA contributions.

Revisit your investment allocations

According to Shamrell, the average 401(k) balance increased by approximately 11% in 2024 due to the rising stock markets.

It is a good time to reassess your personal asset allocations as you approach the end of 2025.

Ensure that your allocation did not stray too far into equities and that you are not overexposed to equities, Shamrell advised.

Instead of worrying about picking the wrong investment, you can choose target date, asset allocation, or balanced funds, which automatically decide how your funds are allocated for you, according to Marguerita Cheng, a certified financial planner and CEO of Blue Ocean Global Wealth in Gaithersburg, Maryland.

Cheng, a member of the CNBC FA Council, advised considering both risk capacity and risk tolerance when making investment decisions.

Staying the course during market turbulence requires identifying personal limits ahead of time, she advised. Investors who leave during the market's worst days may miss the best days, research shows.

You may want to review your allocations to ensure they align with your long-term plans if you have recently experienced significant life events such as getting married, purchasing a house, or having a baby, advised Shamrell.