How to Future-Proof Your Finances for Retirement

Summary: A comfortable retirement is possible, but only with a comprehensive action plan in place.

Everyone deserves to ride easy into their golden years. As you work hard on your job and business, you want to make sure that when the time comes, you can kick back, relax and enjoy the fruits of your labor.

The key to achieving this dream is thoughtful retirement planning. Statistics reveal that 33% of American adults have little or nothing saved for retirement. You can act now by planning early so you can rest easy later.

This article will explore effective strategies to help future-proof your finances for retirement starting today.

What is retirement planning?

Retirement planning involves a series of strategic steps to help ensure financial security and a comfortable lifestyle after you stop working.

While the common notion is that retirement planning is all about saving money, it is, but it’s also about making smart decisions with your finances to meet your retirement goals. Let’s explore some essential aspects of retirement planning to help you secure a worry-free future.

How to future-proof your finances for retirement

1. Set clear retirement goals

The first step in future-proofing your finances is to define your retirement goals. What kind of lifestyle do you envision? Consider factors like travel, hobbies and healthcare.

Setting clear and realistic goals will guide your financial decisions and help you determine how much you need to save and invest.

2. Build a robust savings plan

Savings are the foundation of any successful retirement plan. To begin the process, create an emergency fund to cover unexpected expenses. Aim to save at least three to six months’ worth of living expenses, ideally in a separate savings account.

Once your emergency fund is established, channel your savings towards retirement. Contribute regularly to retirement accounts like 401(k)s, IRAs or other pension plans offered by your employer.

3. Diversify your investments

Investments play a vital role in retirement planning. While saving is essential, investing gives  your money the potential to grow over time, especially if your investment account leverages compound interest.

Diversify your investment portfolio to help spread risk and maximize returns. Consider a mix of stocks, bonds and other assets that align with your risk tolerance and timeline until retirement. Regularly review and adjust your investment strategy as your goals and market conditions evolve.  All investing involves risk, including the possible loss of principal, and there can be no assurance that any investment strategy will be successful.

4. Stay informed about retirement strategies

Retirement strategies are not one-size-fits-all. Stay informed about various approaches to retirement planning and identify what works best for you. Remember to regularly evaluate and adjust your strategies over time to ensure they align with your changing financial goals and circumstances.

Some strategies involve gradually reducing work hours before full retirement, while others focus on aggressive saving in the early years. Explore different retirement income sources, such as Social Security, pensions and personal savings, to create a well-rounded financial safety net.

5. Assess your retirement income

Understanding your expected retirement income is vital for future-proofing your finances.

Here’s how to do it — calculate your potential income from various sources (e.g. social security benefits, retirement accounts, investments and pension plans) and compare it against your estimated expenses. If there’s a gap, consider adjusting your savings or exploring additional income streams, such as part-time work or passive income through investments.

6. Prioritize financial security

Financial security goes beyond having a substantial savings account. It involves managing debt, creating a budget, maximizing savings and making informed financial decisions. Prioritize paying off high-interest debts and avoid unnecessary expenses. A secure financial foundation may provide peace of mind as you approach retirement.

7. Review and adjust your plan regularly

Retirement planning is not a one-time task but an ongoing process. Life circumstances, economic conditions and personal goals can change over time.

With that in mind, review your financial plan regularly and make adjustments as needed. This may include boosting your savings, modifying your investment strategy or reassessing your retirement goals.

Build your dream retirement

Securing your financial future for retirement requires a proactive and well-rounded approach. By following all the right strategies, you can help future-proof your finances and enjoy a comfortable retirement.

Start today, and take the necessary steps to build a strong foundation for the retirement you truly deserve. Mutual of Omaha financial professionals offer comprehensive financial and retirement advice, as well as valuable resources to guide you through various stages of your retirement planning journey.

Don’t navigate this journey alone — reach out to Mutual of Omaha. We are committed to helping you achieve the retirement you’ve always envisioned.

DISCLOSURE:

Registered Representatives offer securities through Mutual of Omaha Investor Services, Inc., Member FINRA/SIPC. Investment Advisor Representatives offer advisory services through Mutual of Omaha Investor Services, Inc. Not all Mutual of Omaha Financial Representatives are Financial Advisors.

Mutual of Omaha Investor Services, Inc. and its representatives do not provide tax or legal advice; therefore, it is important to coordinate with your tax or legal advisor regarding your specific situation.