Retirement Planning: A Beginner’s Guide

Retirement is a time to relax, pursue your passions, and enjoy the fruits of your labor. But to do so, you’ll need to be financially prepared. Retirement planning during your working years could help you ensure that you have enough money to live comfortably as you chase that perfect golf game.

There are many different aspects to retirement planning. Here are a few of the most important things to consider:

• How much money will you need to retire? This depends on your lifestyle, your health, and your other financial obligations. A good rule of thumb is to aim to replace 70-80% of your pre-retirement income with retirement funds.
• When will you retire? This is another important decision that will play a part in your planning. The earlier you retire, the more money you’ll need to have saved. But if you wait too long, you may miss out on some of the great benefits of retirement.
• How will you pay for your retirement? There are a several different ways to fund your retirement, including saving money in a 401(k) or IRA or purchasing an annuity. You may also be eligible for Social Security benefits.

Retirement planning can seem daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. By taking the time to plan ahead, you could make the transition into your golden years that much easier. But where do you get started? Don’t worry – we’ve pulled together a few tips to help you take the first steps:

• Start saving early. The earlier you start saving, the more time your money has to grow. Even if you can only save a small amount each month, it will add up over time.
• Take advantage of tax-advantaged accounts. There are a number of tax-advantaged accounts that can help you save for retirement, such as 401(k)s and IRAs.
• Make a budget. A budget can help you track your income and expenses. This will help you see where your money is going and where you can cut back or move more into savings.
• Pay off debt. Keeping your debt low and paying off credit card balances, if possible, is another way to save money and prepare for your retirement years.
• Invest your money. Investing your money could help it grow faster, and there are many different investment options available to choose from. But, remember, it’s important to do your research and choose investments that are right for you and your stage of life.

Retirement Planning Tips for People Over 50

If you’re over 50, there are a few additional things you could do to prepare for retirement:

• Catch up on retirement savings. If you haven’t been able to save as much as you’d like for retirement, there are still ways to catch up. You could contribute more to your 401(k) or IRA, or you can make a lump-sum contribution to a Roth IRA. There are certain limits to how much you can contribute, so check with a tax professional to see what choices are available to you.
• Take advantage of Social Security benefits. Social Security benefits could provide a source of income in retirement. You could start collecting Social Security benefits starting at age 62, but you’ll receive a larger benefit if you wait until full retirement age, which will depend upon when you were born. It’s a good idea to check with the Social Security Administration to determine what benefits you may be eligible to receive and when.
• Plan for healthcare costs. Healthcare costs can be a major expense in retirement. Medicare may help cover some of your healthcare costs, but you’ll still need to factor in the cost of prescription drugs, dental and vision care, and those services or expenses Medicare doesn’t cover.

No matter where you are in the journey of life, retirement planning is worth building into your monthly budgeting of time and money. By making a plan, you could help ensure that your retirement is spent practicing the perfect shot for a hole-in-one.

This article is for educational purposes only and is not intended to provide financial, tax or legal advice. You should consult a professional for specific advice. Best Egg is not responsible for the information contained in third-party sites cited or hyperlinked in this article. Best Egg is not responsible for, and does not provide or endorse third party products, services or other third-party content.