Retirement looks different to everyone. Maybe you’ll want to travel the world, enjoy more time with family or finally pursue your passion project. Making the list of what you want to do is the easy part, however trying to figure out how to afford and maintain your future lifestyle has become much more complex.
How much do you need to save? What age do you want to retire? And, perhaps one of the biggest questions, how will you set yourself up for a comfortable retirement?
Whether you’re near retirement, want to ensure you’re on track or simply want to get started, Shelley Smith, a financial planner with TD Wealth, offers the following tips to feel confident about your future:
Goal-setting and planning. Before you can decide whether you’re meeting your retirement goals, it’s important to determine what they are – for example, do you want to retire and never work again, or would you prefer to find opportunities to work throughout retirement? When thinking about your goals, be sure to consider your personal circumstances – both financial and lifestyle.
Invest wisely. There are various savings and investment strategies to make the most of your money, but certain options like a Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP) are specifically designed to support long-term savings and retirement. Contributions are typically tax-deductible and will only be taxed once that money is withdrawn. Or perhaps a Tax-Free Savings Account (TFSA) is a better option if you need to access your money sooner than retirement. Speak with a financial planner to understand what option is best for you.
Prepare for the unexpected. Even with a plan in place, life can get in the way. Big milestones, like buying your first home, or an unexpected event like losing your job or needing to care for a sick family member, can have an impact on your savings. Revisit your retirement plan often to ensure that you are making any necessary adjustments if the unexpected happens. NC
