Don’t neglect to
pay your older self
So you can thank your younger self later
Tips on building your retirement savings
- Look at what you’re spending: Cut down on things you don’t need. Save money by cooking at home, rather than going out. Try to get a little more life out of your clothes and shoes, before buying new ones.
- Figure out how much to save and invest: Have a financial planning conversation with a licensed financial advisor. Figure out how much you need to save and invest in order to retire.
- Understand risk: Sure, that new stock your uncle is raving about could make you rich. It could also make your investments disappear. A financial advisor can help you figure out the right balance.
- Put more in when you can: A work bonus or income from side work can sometimes be the key to growing your nest egg to where you want it.
- Downsize your home: If the kids have moved out, switching to a smaller home could save you a lot of money. It may even give you enough funds to purchase another property that you could rent.
- Don’t dip into this piggy bank: Nothing can devastate your retirement savings more; build a separate emergency fund instead.
- Talk to our experts: We’re here to help. Reaching your retirement goal starts with a plan. We can help you
Don’t put yourself last
It’s easy to put off saving for retirement; you have bills to pay, a family to take care, and maybe a monthly car payment. If retirement’s not on the horizon, it’s easy to make excuses for why you’re not investing in your future. You can always pay yourself when you have more money, right?
The problem is that “when” often turns into “never”. Life will always give you a reason to push retirement goals to the side.
Paying into retirement may sound difficult. But all you have to do is make a plan—and stick to it. You deserve to reap the benefits of your hard work. So, pay yourself first. As retirement gets closer, that nest egg will only get larger. Think about how great you’ll feel then.
What happens if you don’t save enough for retirement? Or, if you make the wrong investment choices?
Thinking about “worst-case” scenarios like this is never fun, but it’s important to understand the consequences.
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You may have to work longer than anticipated.
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A health issue or an unexpected situation could put you in serious financial trouble.
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You won’t have the cash to maintain your current lifestyle, or live out your retirement dreams.
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You won’t be able to capitalize on compound interest— one of the secret ingredients to building wealth.
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You could get lower than desired returns, or even lose money (if you choose the wrong investments).
By planning for retirement today, you can start to put these worries to rest. We are all getting older. But how you live then is up to what you do today.
By saving early and frequently for retirement, you can take on your “second act” the way you please. Whether that means ice cream in the morning or a spur-of-the-moment trip to the beach, it’s entirely up to you. That’s enjoying your golden years.
On pensions, nest eggs, and making money after retirement
Without a stable job, you might be nervous about where your money is coming from. Here are a few things to consider:
Pensions: Does your job offer you a pension? Ask your HR person, so you can plan ahead accordingly.
National Insurance Scheme (NIS): By law, every working person must pay into the NIS from 18-years-old. But this also serves as a source of funding for retirement.
Working during retirement: Having a part-time job can be a good way to pull in some extra money when you're retired.
Turning your home into a money maker: Everyone could use a little extra money. If you’ve got an extra bedroom, you can turn your home into a bed and breakfast or a long-term rental. Make sure you find the right tenants, though.
Creating a nest egg: As you make a plan for putting money into your nest egg, it doesn’t mean you have to stop enjoying life. The key is to establish a budget. Over time, you’ll get used to it, and you’ll learn how to live just like you did before. Only now, your money will be working for you; and your nest egg will be growing.
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