One of the biggest concerns for people of working age is their ability to retire comfortably. This concern is present whether you’re just entering the workforce or nearing your departure. This is why it is so important to ease your fears about retirement planning with proper due diligence and preparation, namely starting to save no matter how small the amount.
Twenties
For most 20-somethings, retirement planning is typically not a top priority. While this sentiment is certainly understandable because 20-somethings are more focused on building their career, starting to prepare for your departure from the workforce couldn’t begin at a more perfect time. However, when it comes to 20-somethings, preparation doesn’t quite look anything like the preparation would for a person who in their 50s. Namely, they can set themselves up for a better financial future by paying off credit card debts and student loan debts. In addition, they can start making other smart financial choices like signing up for a 401k or Rollover IRA and sticking to a budget. It also helps to live well and stay healthy so that your departure from the workforce is as enjoyable as it can be.
Thirties
Retirement planning for 30-somethings is very similar to those in their 20s, with a few small differences. In your 30s, it is important to not only do things like setting up and implementing a budget, staying healthy and contributing to your employer 401k, but you should also maximize your contributions to your plans and have your savings automatically deducted. Specifically, you’ll want to try to live off of 50 percent of your income and save upwards of 10-20 percent in addition to avoiding taking on too much debt. Obviously, the last part is a little tricky since the 30s are typically the years in which property debt is amassed, but if you save adequately before buying a home you will decrease your debt owed on the property.
Forties
At this point in your retirement planning, you’ll want to seek out financial advice from the experts if you haven’t already done so. An expert will be able to give you specific pointers to help you stay on track to reaching your personal financial goals in preparation for your workforce withdrawal. Other recommendations include aggressive savings, including stashing away any bonuses and pay increases you may receive in addition to focusing on more conservative investment strategies.
Fifties and Beyond
For 50-somethings and older persons, retirement planning should be reaching its pinnacle. Two things are important during the years nearing withdrawal from the workforce: aggressive saving and conservative investing. You’ll want to do things like curtailing your spending so that you can save as much as possible, and that includes reducing your debt as well. Another important note is that those in their 50s and older will want to get into the habit of training themselves to live with a reduced income as this will help ease you into the next phase of your life.
The right approach is essential to making your golden years as comfortable as possible. It is never too early to start thinking about and preparing for your later years.
