Financial New Year’s Resolutions When You’re Near Retirement
The new year has begun, and that means—you guessed it—New Year’s resolutions! When it comes to financial New Year’s resolutions, a lot of people say something generic like “Save more for retirement” but don’t have an idea how to do it. Don’t worry—we’ve got you covered. Here are five resolutions to help build healthy retirement habits in 2021.
Resolution #1: Pay Down Debt
Debt can spoil the retirement you’ve been working so hard for. Whether it’s credit card debt, pricey car loans, or decades-old student loans, make 2021 the year you get a handle on your debt to meet your savings goals.
Start your debt assessment by getting your credit reports. You are entitled to one free credit report from each of the three major reporting agencies each year. Go to AnnualCreditReport.com to download yours.
From there, you can assess your credit situation and plan to pay down the highest-interest-rate debt first, such as credit cards. You can make extra payments or increase your payment amounts until you’ve paid off the balance and then tackle your next-in-line debt from there.
Resolution #2: Create a Budget
While you are determining the specifics of paying down your debt, you can set up a budget as well. The two go hand in hand.
A well-crafted budget will set parameters for spending and give you an accurate account of your expenditures. It provides structure for achieving your short- and long-term goals, such as retirement. You may even uncover expenses you’d forgotten about, like magazine subscriptions that are on auto-renewal.
You can work with a financial advisor to set up an ongoing budget and cash flow reviews. That’s something our Greenwood Village, Colorado retirement planning firm provides for clients as part of the comprehensive financial planning they receive. If you’d rather DIY your budget, there are online programs, such as Mint or Simplifi, that provide free or low-cost budgeting tools.
Resolution #3: Build an Emergency Fund
If you don’t have a six-month emergency fund, then make it a goal to start one this year. You don’t want to dip into your retirement savings for emergency home repairs or medical expenses, either now or in retirement.
We generally recommend that people have six months of expenses in their emergency fund, though you may need to adjust that number based on your personal finances and needs. Once you figure out how much you need in your emergency fund, work the savings into your budget, and set up monthly auto transfers into your savings account.
Resolution #4: Review Your Investment Portfolio
Your risk tolerance as a 40-year-old is not the same as a 60-year-old. Take a risk tolerance assessment quiz and figure out where you stand.
Your asset allocation should generally match your risk appetite. Otherwise, you could end up panicking and selling when markets drop—to your retirement’s detriment. Balancing your return needs with your risk tolerance can help you stay the course toward your long-term goals.
Resolution #5: Contribute to Retirement Accounts
Give priority to contributing to your retirement accounts—preferably the maximum allowed. Our advisory firm has seen many people who put off saving until “tomorrow.” It’s easy to feel that more immediate needs take precedence. But remember: You will need that money in retirement. The more you can save before then, the likelier it is you’ll be able to have the retirement you want.
If possible, contribute the maximum to your 401(k) and IRA accounts. In 2021, the contribution limit for a 401(k) is $19,500, plus an additional $6,500 if you are 50 and older. For IRAs and Roth IRAs, you can generally contribute up to $6,000 (or $7,000 for those 50 or older), but be aware of the income phase-outs and other rules that apply.
If you don’t already have a Roth IRA, consider opening one for the income and tax flexibility it can provide in retirement. You fund a Roth with after-tax income, but you won’t pay taxes on the account’s growth or withdrawals. There’s also no required minimum distribution for a Roth IRA.
If you believe that you’ll be in a higher tax bracket in retirement or that taxes may increase, a Roth’s tax-free distributions can prove beneficial. If the income limits mean you can’t contribute to one, you might consider converting a traditional IRA to a Roth.
Resolution #6: Don’t Forget Your Estate Plan
Many people put estate planning on the backburner, but it’s essential to protect your heirs and yourself. If you don’t already have an estate plan, make 2021 the year you get one set up. Talk with an estate planning attorney about the documents you need for your legacy goals. While you are at it, make sure to take care of powers of attorney for health care and finances, as well as advance directives.
If you already have an estate plan, then review it to make sure it is up to date. Did you get married in the past year? Do you have a new grandchild? Then you’ll want to update your will or trust, as well as account beneficiaries.
Keep Your Eyes on the Prize
Reaching your financial goals takes persistence. But keep your eyes on the prize of financial health in 2021. By paying down your debt, you will have more money to save toward your retirement accounts. Think about the big picture and remember to enjoy the journey.
If you need help or accountability, consider talking with a financial planner. As a fiduciary Registered Investment Advisor, we offer advice that always puts our clients first. Consider working with a fiduciary financial advisor—the peace of mind alone can be worth it.
Discuss your situation with a fee-only financial advisor. Schedule a complimentary discovery call.
This material was prepared by Kaleido Inc. from information derived from sources believed to be accurate. This information should not be construed as investment, tax or legal advice.
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