Planning for Retirement

No matter what your age or when you plan to retire, now is the time to begin saving for retirement. Saving becomes secondary when we prioritize other demands, such as marriage, buying a house, and/or raising children. Each month you delay impacts the total savings you will have when you begin retirement.

Ways to Prepare for Retirement
Financial security in retirement does not just happen. It takes planning and commitment to save enough money to meet your needs. Following are tips to help you become more financially secure as you prepare for retirement.

1. Start saving and stick to your goals.
If you are already saving, whether for retirement or another goal, keep going! You know that saving is a rewarding habit. If you are not saving, now is the time to get started. Start small then monthly or yearly increase the amount you save. The sooner you start saving, the more time your money has to grow. Make saving for retirement a priority by setting a goal, devising a plan, and sticking to it.

2. Know your retirement needs.
Experts estimate that for each year of retirement you will need about 70 percent of your preretirement income – lower earners, 90 percent or more – to maintain your standard of living Use a calculator to estimate the amount of money you need to save based on your current savings and age.

3. Consider basic investment principles.
Inflation and the type of investments you make play important roles in how much you will have saved at retirement. Diversify your savings by investing in different types of accounts. Diversification helps to reduce the risk and improve the return. Learn about your plan’s investment options and ask questions.

4. Contribute to your employer’s retirement savings plan.
If your employer offers a retirement savings plan, such as a 401(k) plan, contribute as much as you can. This type of plan is tax deferred, which means that you will pay taxes on the amount withdrawn at retirement. Companies who offer 401(k) plans usually match your deposit up to a certain percentage. This benefit helps you to increase your savings. Over time, compound interest and tax deferrals make a big difference in the amount you will accumulate.

5. Learn about your employer’s pension plan.
If your employer has a traditional pension plan, learn about the benefits you will receive. Review your benefit statement to track the savings. Before changing jobs, find out what will happen to your pension and when you would be entitled to the benefits.

6. Save with an Individual Retirement Account.
You can invest up to $5500 a year into an Individual Retirement Account (IRA). If you are 50 or older, the limit is $6500. When you open an IRA, you have two options – a traditional IRA or a Roth IRA. The tax treatment of your contributions and withdrawals will depend on which option you select. IRAs can provide an easy way to save when you set up automatic deposits from your checking or savings account.

7. Find out about your Social Security benefits.
Social Security pays benefits that are on average equal to about 40 percent of what you earned before retirement. You can estimate your benefit by using the retirement estimator on the Social Security administration website. For more information, visit their website or call 1-800-772-1213.

8. Do not touch your retirement savings.
If you withdraw your savings before retiring, you will lose principal, interest, and possible tax benefits, and may have to pay withdrawal penalties. If you change jobs, leave savings invested in your current retirement plan, or roll the funds over to an IRA or your new employer’s plan. Resist the urge to cash out and spend the money.

9. Ask questions.
While these tips intend to point you in the right direction, you will need more information so read publications, talk to your employer, your bank, your union, or a financial advisor. Ask questions and make sure you understand the answers. Get practical advice and act now.

Source: Lorna Saboe-Wounded Head, South Dakota State University