RETIREMENT PLANNING: LAST-MINUTE PREPARATION

The road to comfortable and enjoyable retirement is not an easy road. You will experience some challenges along the way as you save up for your golden years, making retirement planning more complicated. Fortunately, there is a solution to every problem.

Starting with retirement planning late? Work double time to catch up. The first thing you need to do is to create a budget for your current expenses in order to maximize monthly contributions to your retirement fund. Save as much as you can and delay gratification.

Some people prefer semi-employment during their golden years. So, if you are an active person, you may also consider having a part-time job during retirement. If you can earn a decent income to sustain daily living, your financial picture can change drastically.

If you own a house, you may consider renting out a room to reduce your living expense. Converting a portion of your home into an income-generating asset can augment your retirement fund.

Unable to make monthly contributions? Set up automatic payments from your checking account into the investment account you are establishing your nest egg with. Automatic savings help you avoid the tendency to spend too much on things you can live without and miss out on contributions unnecessarily. Plus, if serious financial problems arise and your need to use your investment funds, you can access those deposited to an after-tax account without incurring penalties.

Maximize the salary deferral contribution allowed in your 401(k) plan if you can. At the very least, try to contribute enough to make sure you receive the maximum matching contribution.

If you are stuck with a deep hole of credit card debt, it is imperative to contend with the problem the soonest possible. Come up with a workable budget to settle your debts and stick to it. You may opt to consolidate those debts into one account to lower interest rate and pay it off quicker.

Other financial difficulties or mishaps may surface. But as long you pay your monthly contributions, make a feasible budget, instill discipline, and learn to live within (or below) your means, you should be in good shape.