Are you looking for some retirement planning tips? That comes as no surprise. Retirement can seem confusing and rather evasive when you’re looking at all the options and things to plan out. But when you are unsure of where to begin, it is hard for you to get to where you need to be. You’re about to figure out much more about this topic.
75 Percent
You need to figure out what exactly you think your retirement will cost you. Studies have shown that most Americans need about 75 percent of what they make in income to help them when they retire. That means 75 percent of what you’re earning at this time. People who don’t earn that much right now will need closer to 90 percent.
Get to contributing to your 401k regularly and make sure your employer match is maximized if you have that option. With a 401(K) you can save money before taxes so you will not notice it being taken from your paycheck quite so much. With an employer match, you are basically getting free money.
Examine what your employer offers in the way of a retirement savings plan. Take advantage of any retirement plans that your employer offers. Read all of the detail regarding it before you make a decision.
To make sure that you have enough money for retirement, you should think carefully about what type investments you really need to be making now. Try not to put all of your eggs into one basket. Diversify your portfolio. This way, you assume less risk.
Wait as long as you can to take your Social Security income. This means you will get more each month when the checks finally do start arriving. If you can still work some during retirement or you have other fund sources to pull from, retirement will be easier.
Downsizing is the name of the retirement game. While you may think the future of your finances are already planned out, things can and will happen. Unexpected big expenses, such as medical bills, can crop up at any time, but they can be particularly problematic during retirement.
Many think they can do whatever they want once they retire. Time seems to go by more quickly as each year passes. Have a plan for what you want to accomplish during your retirement years so that you don’t leave anything on your bucket list.
Term Health
Think about exploring long term health plans. Often, vision and other physical challenges arise with age. Long term health care is very expensive. This is why opting for long-term care is a wise choice.
Create both short and long term goals. Goals are essential in life, and they can help save money. If you plan out the amount you need, you will be aware of what to save. Some simple math can help you plan goals for this week, month or year.
When thinking about your retirement needs, figure that you’re going to keep your current lifestyle. Going to work now comes with added expenses, but you can expect your retirement funds need to be about 80% of what you pay for things now. So it is important to plan wisely.
Find friends that are of the same age as you. It will help fill your free time if you have friends that have plenty of time to spend with you. Sharing activities with other retirees can be a lot of fun. They will also offer you an outlet should you need support.
Social Security Benefits
Do not assume that Social Security benefits will provide you with enough money to live on. Social Security benefits typically are not enough to live on. You will need at least 70 percent of your current salary to live comfortably.
No matter how much you might think you need the money, never dip into the money you’ve already set aside for retirement before you’ve actually reached that point. That action will cause you to lose both principal and interest. On top of that, you will pay fees for withdrawing. Instead, leave the money alone so you can enjoy your retirement.
Have you thought about a reverse mortgage? A reverse mortgage lets you stay in your home but take out a loan based on the equity in your home. You don’t have to repay it, but after you die, the loan is paid by your estate. This is a good way to raise additional funds if needed.
You should learn all about Medicare and how that plays into your health insurance. Understand the different implications of each plan. By increasing your knowledge, you can help ensure you have the money needed to pay for your medical bills once you retire.
That’s a good start, but you should always want to learn more. With this information you can start preparing for your retirement, ensuring that you can live comfortably. A fixed income is entirely feasible to live on with careful planning.