Many Americans aspire to retire at some point in their lives, but the reality is that not many are suited to it. Retirement planning should go beyond just saving a portion of your paycheck for the future. But it also slaps people in the face once confronted with living on their 401k.
Liquidity can give you plenty of peace of mind that you may not get from having all your money tied up in investment accounts. If you’re unsure about the best way to plan for your retirement, speak with a professional who can help you chart everything. Retiring doesn’t have to be a new set of problems to solve if you plan accordingly and ahead of time. Instead, it can be an enjoyable experience to do what you want on your terms.
If you will be retiring soon, or are even looking for a change now in order to supplement your income and free up extra money while wanting to have the least amount of anxiety to enjoy your new-found freedom, consider these quick tips to help you mind the gap of your retirement income.
Liquidity is very important.
One of the things that makes retirement enjoyable is being able to do all the things you’ve postponed doing throughout your working years. Heading into your retirement with lots of liquidity gives you a sense of security to tackle these projects, no matter what it may be.
Liquidity allows you to set the stage for your future and do the things you want without worrying about it. Most advisors would want to put the money to work earning interest, but keeping funds liquid secures your happiness. If you’re struggling with liquidity in your retirement, then there are some options. A life insurance settlement may provide much needed liquidity.
Have a plan for your retirement income.
Pensions and social security payments can go a long way toward keeping you secure during retirement but always mind the gap. Make sure that your income is always more than your outgoing to avoid problems down the road. If your monthly income falls short, then you’ll need to focus on plans to help mind the gap.
Sometimes retirees find that their hobbies they enjoy can generate income. Teaching young adults, pet-sitting, and selling crafts online are all basic ideas for generating income while retired. None of these have full job commitment and can be done at your leisure. If you have investments, you can consult a professional who can help you find income-generating opportunities for retirees.
Preserve your income.
You may be tempted to go all-in on the stock market and try to generate max returns. That behavior should be reserved for young people trying to accumulate wealth. As a retiree, you’re preserving your wealth to maintain your current standard of living.
Minimizing volatility is often important for retirees’ peace of mind. Wide swings in a portfolio can lead to tense months when you rely on your investments for monthly income. A good mix of investments will weather the storm of the markets better than single market portfolios.