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TOP 10 WAYS TO
PREPARE FOR
RETIREMENT
Managing your money doesn't have to be an enormous task. By planning ahead for important life-events (like retirement), your finances will stay within your control.
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From the U.S. Department of Labor
Employee Benefits Security Administration
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Retirement is expensive. Experts estimate that you’ll need about 70
percent of your preretirement income – lower earners, 90 percent or more
– to maintain your standard of living when you stop working. Take charge
of your financial future.
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Social Security pays the average retiree about 40 percent of preretirement
earnings. Call the Social Security Administration at 1.800.772.1213 for a
free Social Security Statement and find out more about your benefits at
www.socialsecurity.gov.
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If your employer offers a plan, check to see what your benefit is worth. Most employers will provide an
individual benefit statement if you request one. Before you change jobs, find out what will happen to your pension. Learn what benefits you may have from
previous employment. Find out if you will be entitled to benefits from your spouse’s plan. For a free booklet about protecting your pension, request
What You Should Know about Your Retirement Plan.
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If your employer offers a tax-sheltered savings plan, such as a 401(k), sign
up and contribute all you can. Your taxes will be lower, your company may
kick in more, and automatic deductions make it easy. Over time, compound
interest and tax deferrals make a big difference in the amount you will
accumulate.
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If your employer doesn’t offer a retirement plan, suggest that it start
one. Simplified plans can be set up by certain employers. For information on
simplified employment pensions, order Internal Revenue Service Publication
590 by calling 1.800.829.3676. Or you can view a copy on the IRS
Web site. You
may also want to request a copy of Choosing a Retirement Plan for Your Small
Business
You can put up to $3,000 a year into an Individual Retirement Account (IRA)
and gain tax advantages. The chart below illustrates the way your account
can grow in an IRA.
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When you open an IRA, you have two options -- a traditional IRA or the newer Roth IRA. The tax treatment of your contributions and withdrawals will depend on which option you select. Also, you should know that the after-tax value of your withdrawal will depend on inflation and the type of IRA you choose.
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Don't dip into your retirement savings. You'll lose principal and interest, and you may lose tax benefits. If you change jobs, roll over your savings directly into an IRA or your new employer's retirement plan.
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Start early. The sooner you start saving, the more time your money has to
grow. Put time on your side. Make retirement savings a high priority. Devise
a plan, stick to it, and set goals for yourself. Remember, it’s never too
early or too late to start saving. So start now, whatever your age!
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How you save can be as important as how much you save. Inflation and the type of investments you make play important roles in how much yo'lll have saved at retirement. Know how your pension or savings plan is invested. Financial security and knowledge go hand in hand.
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These tips point you in the right direction. But you'll need more information. Talk to your employer, your bank, your union, or a financial advisor. Ask questions and make sure the answers make sense to you. Get practical advice and act now. Financial security doesn't just happen. It takes planning and commitment and, yes, money.
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