Strategies and Saving for Retirement

Have you envisioned what your retirement will or could be like? Retirement planning is a crucial aspect of financial wellness. We all must pay attention to this step and avoid postponing it until it's too late. You may not be able to work for the rest of your life, but you’ll still need funds for food, rent or mortgage, and other expenses. While government programs can provide some support, a robust retirement savings strategy can be key for individuals who want to enjoy their retirement. Do you want to travel? Take up new hobbies? Simply relax and enjoy your time? Let’s discuss how to save for retirement and make the most of that savings when the time comes to retire.

Do I Need to Save for Retirement?

Retirement should be a time to enjoy the fruits of your hard work. A robust savings account can help you maintain your lifestyle without making significant cutbacks or relying solely on family or government assistance. On top of that, having savings gives you more control over your retirement years. You can choose how and where you’ll live and the care you’ll receive without being overly dependent on others.

When to Save for Retirement

The best time to start saving for retirement is as soon as you can! As you may hear from the financial pros, the sooner you start saving, the more time your money has the opportunity to grow. That’s why it’s important to prioritize saving for retirement within your budget. Remind yourself that even small contributions can add up over time. Whether you're in your early twenties or late fifties, it's never too early to start planning for your retirement.

Starting a Retirement Plan with Your Employer

Many jobs across the United States offer employees some sort of retirement savings plan. These usually consist of a 401(k), various forms of IRAs, and other custom contribution plans, which are all generally quite beneficial to the employee. Integrating a retirement plan with your employer into your retirement savings strategy is helpful because many employers offer a match to your retirement plan. This benefit can significantly boost your retirement savings, and not taking advantage of it is leaving money on the table.

Accessing Your Retirement Savings

While it may be tempting to tap into your retirement savings early (perhaps for a significant purchase or during times of crisis), it is often in your best interest to leave those funds alone. One of the main benefits of saving for retirement, especially in tax-advantaged accounts like 401(k)s and IRAs are tax advantaged. Withdrawing funds early can also interrupt the opportunity for growth, significantly reducing the amount of money you'll have at retirement. Furthermore, if a person withdraws money before retirement, they may incur penalties with some retirement accounts. Instead, try to make budget adjustments and build a small emergency fund to avoid tapping into your retirement savings.

Seek Professional Advice

A financial professional can help you create a personalized retirement plan that aligns with your goals and financial situation. At any point in your savings journey, a licensed agent from World Financial Group can review your retirement strategy and highlight some available opportunities. In addition to personalized recommendations, a financial professional can provide an objective perspective, helping you make decisions based on facts and long-term strategies rather than short-term emotions.