13 Tricks to Treat Yourself to a Sweet Retirement
It’s never too early to start saving for retirement. The sooner you start, the more likely you are to be able to retire comfortably. If you’re just starting out in your career, or if you’re already retired, there are several things you can do to make sure your money lasts as long as you do. Here are 13 tricks to treat yourself to a sweet retirement.
1. The first step to a comfortable retirement is to focus on the things you can control.
Focus on what you can control, and the rest will take care of itself. You can’t control how the stock market will perform, but you can control how much money you save. Start by setting aside 10% of your income for retirement savings. If you’re just starting out, that may seem like a lot, but it’s important to start early and save as much as you can. You can always increase your contribution rate as your income goes up.
2. One of the best investments you can make is in yourself.
Invest in yourself. If you’re not sure how to invest your money, a good place to start is with a 401(k) or another retirement account. But don’t stop there. Consider investing in your education or taking courses that will make you more marketable. The more you invest in yourself, the more likely you are to achieve your financial goals.
3. One of the golden rules of personal finance is to live within your means.
Live within your means. In other words, don’t spend more money than you have. The point at which financial freedom is obtained is the point at which you can make life decisions without worrying about the financial impact they might have on you.
4. Set up automatic saving techniques.
One of the best ways to make sure you save enough for retirement is to have the money deducted from your paycheck automatically. That way, you won’t even see the money and you’ll be less likely to spend it. You can set up automatic deductions through your employer or a retirement account like a 401(k) or IRA.
5. Don’t make financial decisions based on emotions.
Emotions are temporary. They will pass in time. Poor financial decisions, which are often based on emotions, can have long-lasting and potentially negative impacts on your retirement.
6. It all starts with a financial goal.
When you set a financial goal that is trackable and attainable, followed by a stretch goal that is seemingly out of reach, you will find that hitting your goal was the easy part! Even if you do not hit your stretch goal you will most likely have surpassed the initial goal you set for yourself.
7. Pay attention to your money. Because if you don’t, who will?
The only way to truly find comfort in your finances is to over-familiarize yourself with them. Make an effort to pay deep attention to your money, like identifying where it is coming from, where it is going, and what it is or isn’t doing for you along the way. You might be surprised by what you find!
8. Make a budget.
A budget can help you get a handle on your finances and make sure you’re saving enough for retirement. When you’re making a budget, be sure to include your income, expenses, and savings goals.
9. Invest in tax-advantaged accounts.
Several retirement accounts offer tax breaks, such as 401(k)s and IRAs. If you can, invest in these accounts to save on taxes.
10. Consider a Roth IRA.
A Roth IRA is a retirement account that offers tax-free withdrawals. That means you’ll pay taxes on the money you contribute, but you won’t owe any taxes on the money you withdraw in retirement. If you think you’ll be in a higher tax bracket in retirement, a Roth IRA may be a good option for you.
11. Financial freedom doesn’t happen overnight.
It’s not a sprint. It’s a marathon. All financial success was a direct result of years of hard work and planning. Don’t praise the success of today without giving credit to the struggles of yesterday.
12. Don’t compare your financial situation to someone else’s.
Comparing your financial situation to someone else’s will only make you lose focus on what you have accomplished. No two clients have had the exact same situation in life, so instead of comparing your financial position to someone else’s, invest that mental energy in continuing to accomplish your goals.
13. Seek financial help if you need it.
If you’re having trouble saving for retirement, don’t be afraid to seek help. There are several resources available, including financial advisors, retirement planners, and online calculators.
Saving for retirement can be a challenge, but it’s important to start early and stay on track. By following these tips, you can make sure you have the nest egg you need for a comfortable retirement.
