There’s something undeniably fulfilling about work. It’s not just the sense of accomplishment we get from completing a project or the satisfaction of solving a complex problem; there’s also that camaraderie we share with our colleagues that makes us want to return the next day and continue from where we stopped. These are all part of what makes our working lives so engaging and rewarding.
However, amidst these periods of busyness, meetings, and never-ending to-do lists, it’s important not to lose sight of our retirement or, worse, fail to plan for it.
Our golden years deserve just as much attention and planning as our working lives if not more. While our employers may acknowledge our contributions with retirement awards when we finally hang up our hats, our retirement plans will determine whether we’ll enjoy or struggle through those precious years.
So, if you’re looking to prepare for your retirement, here are six ways to start planning for it while rocking your 9-to-5!
Start Saving Now!
The sooner you create a savings plan for your golden years, the better your chances of actually enjoying it. It’s as simple as that: even if you can only afford to put away a small amount each month, every little bit counts.
Once you’ve started saving, resist the urge, no matter how tempting, to skip a few months or dip into your retirement savings for other expenses.
Make saving a habit and treat it like any other important bill you have to pay. As your income grows, try to increase the amount you save. Those small amounts will add up over the years, and you’ll be grateful for that consistent effort when you’re ready to retire.
Plan For Life after Retirement
Before making an effective retirement plan, you need a clear idea of how much money you’ll need to maintain your desired lifestyle.
Take some time to crunch the numbers and factor in essentials like housing, healthcare, day-to-day living expenses, and any travel or hobbies you’d like to pursue.
Don’t forget to account for inflation, too – the cost of living is likely to be higher in the future, so you’ll need to ensure your retirement savings can keep up. And while it’s impossible to predict exactly how long you’ll live, it’s better to err on the side of caution and plan for a longer retirement than a shorter one.
Try To Understand Your Employer’s Pension Plan
If your employer offers a pension plan, take the time to understand how it works and what benefits you’re entitled to. Pensions can provide a valuable source of income during retirement, but the rules and requirements can vary widely from one plan to another.
Find out how long you need to work for the company to become vested (meaning you’ll be eligible to receive benefits), what factors determine the amount of your pension, and whether you can take a lump-sum payment or receive monthly installments.
If your employer doesn’t offer a pension plan, don’t worry – other retirement savings options are available.
Leverage IRA
If you discover that your employer has no retirement plan, you may want to consider opening an individual retirement account (IRA). IRAs offer better tax advantages that can help your savings grow more quickly and give you greater control over how your money is invested.
There are two major types of IRAs: traditional and Roth. With a traditional IRA, your contributions are tax-deductible, but you’ll pay taxes on your retirement withdrawal. A Roth IRA works in reverse: you contribute after-tax dollars, but your retirement withdrawal is tax-free.
Which one is right for you? That depends on your current income level, tax situation, and your expected retirement tax rate. A financial advisor can help you weigh your options and choose the option that makes the most sense for your circumstances.
The beauty of IRAs is that you have more control over your money and can contribute even if you already have an employer-sponsored retirement plan.
Do Not Spend Your Retirement Savings
Please resist the urge to use your retirement accounts to make a major purchase or unexpected expense, as tempting as it may be.
Those funds are meant to support you in your later years, and every withdrawal you make now will compound over time, leaving you with less money when you actually need it.
Of course, life happens, and there may be times when you have no choice but to access your retirement savings. But before you do, explore all other options first, such as taking out a loan or tapping into your emergency fund. And if you must withdraw money, aim to replenish those funds as soon as possible to get your retirement savings back on track.
Know Your Social Security Benefits
Social Security is also a source of retirement income for many Americans, but the rules and regulations surrounding it can be complex. Take the time to understand how the program works and what benefits you’re likely to receive based on your work history and earnings.
Keep in mind that the government never designed Social Security to be the sole source of income for retirees – it’s meant to supplement your other retirement savings and pensions. So, while it’s an essential piece of the puzzle, you’ll still need a solid retirement plan to maintain your desired standard of living.
Wrapping Up
These tips may require some sacrifice and discipline now, but the payoff—a future filled with the freedom and flexibility to pursue your passions without the constraints of a traditional job—will be well worth it. So, start implementing these six retirement planning strategies today, and your future self will be forever grateful.
