Planning for retirement is an essential goal to have in adulthood. It is a good idea to start thinking planning for retirement when you are younger instead of older. This can help you have an idea about the amount of money you’ll need to fulfill your retirement dreams. However, knowing your retirement goal is as important as the steps you’ll take to achieve it. It’s imperative to understand the things that you can control regarding your retirement plan and the things you can’t.
There are several things in your retirement plan that, despite your absolute best efforts, can’t be predicted and are out of your control. As much as we try to maintain complete control of our retirement planning, we just have to realize there are some things we cannot control and a few that we have at least much better control of as we make our retirement plans.
Some Things You Just Can’t Control In Your Retirement Planning
The Performance Of The Market
The performance of the stock market can’t be controlled. Historically, it’s important to note that stocks have always gone up in the long run. It takes a lot of patience through times when you are tempted to stop.
Unexpected Events And Things
It’s crucial to start saving for your retirement as early as possible. You never know the journey you will be on and the twists and turns your life will encounter. You could either retire sooner than expected or something wrong may come your way. It’s essential to plan for the unexpected and uncontrolled factors so you can be as prepared as possible.
Inflation
Inflation is another factor that you can’t control as things will continue to get expensive over time. You need to invest at a rate higher than the inflation so that your money can be worth as much in your retirement as well.
Social Security
As social security continues to change, it can’t be counted on as a base for your retirement. The ever-changing social security laws make it difficult to understand how much social security income you will be able to receive during retirement.
We’re In Control Of Some Of Our Golden Years
Amount You Save
While it may not feel like it at times due to circumstances and situations that occur, the amount you save for your retirement is still a fixed factor of retirement that you control. Based on your income, lifestyle, and expenses, you can save anywhere between 5% to 35% of your income every month.
Your Expenses
As you plan for retirement, remember the more you spend today, the less you are going to be able to save for tomorrow. Instead of a fancy coffee or a $300 pair of jeans, you can keep that money to live a better lifestyle during your retirement. It is wise to prioritize your spending and amount to save today as you make your retirement plans.
Investment Portfolio
You can manage your investment portfolio and decide whether you want to go for mutual funds or something else. You can even hire a professional who’ll handle your portfolio and help you achieve your retirement goals. While you don’t control the outcome, you can control the amount you invest knowing there will someday be a return.
The Time You Start Saving
When you begin saving becomes crucial to what you end up keeping for your golden retirement years. Many people start saving when they are in their thirties, or even when they get their first job. The earlier you start saving toward your golden years, the more money you can end up keeping for your future.
