At one point in life, retirement seemed like something in the distant future, something to plan for and have in the back of your mind, but not a pressing issue. As time has moved on, you have probably found yourself in a stage of life where retirement gets closer and more real with every passing day. Whenever you find yourself in a new situation, you need new strategies and skills to ensure your success, and it’s no different when it comes to retirement planning.
Think of your career and financial life as a marathon. You don’t just get up one morning and decide to run 26.2 miles. Success requires time, effort, and strategy. Many runners will tell you that a marathon is more like running two different races: the first 20 miles and the last 6.2. It’s the last 6.2 that will make or break you, the crucial time when all your training and preparation come together to carry you across the finish line.
In your financial life, you have already run the first 20 miles. Now you are entering the grueling final stretch, the 6.2 miles before retirement. Up until now, you could get by with just saving consistently and spending wisely, but now things are getting more complicated. There are a lot of decisions quickly approaching that can have a drastic impact on your income and quality of life in retirement. Are you equipped with the right resources to make these decisions?
Are You Confident About Your Retirement Prospects?
Only a third of Baby Boomers are confident that they will have enough money to live comfortably in retirement. Are you one of them? Working with a financial advisor may get you there.The percentage of Boomers working with a financial advisor who are highly confident in having sufficient savings to live well in retirement is more than double those who are planning for retirement on their own.
Even if you are sure that you have enough money, do you have a plan to maximize your savings so you can retire the way you want to and also leave a legacy? Do you know when to file for Social Security in order to make the most of your benefits? Do you know how to avoid paying Medicare penalties? Do you know when and how much to withdraw from your accounts as required minimum distributions? These questions can seem overwhelming, but you don’t have to figure it all out on your own.
The Proven Value of Partnering With a Skilled Professional
An experienced financial advisor can help you answers those questions and more, as well as put together a written financial plan to guide you into retirement and beyond. Current retirees say that some of the best financial advice they have ever received is to develop a financial plan for their future. The peace of mind that comes from having a plan in place will not only give you confidence in your financial future but reduce stress and help you sleep better at night.
Aside from the psychological benefits of having a financial plan, there are real, tangible monetary benefits as well. According to one study, those with financial plans accumulated nearly 250% more in retirement savings than those without. The study also found that 44% of them saved even more annually for retirement because of their plan.
No matter where you are financially, you can benefit from working with a financial advisor to develop a financial plan. The resulting knowledge, confidence and peace of mind alone will far outweigh the very real financial benefits.
Now is The Time To Take Control of Your Future
Don’t put it off any longer. Make 2017 the year that you gain a powerful edge on your finances with a comprehensive financial plan. You’ve come a long way, and the decisions you make over the next few years will be vital to the quality of your retirement. Let me come alongside you as a coach during the final miles of your financial marathon and help you make it across the finish line victorious. Set up an appointment with me today so we can work together to get you where you want to be in retirement. Contact me at 909-981-1720.
About Philip
Philip A. Board MSFS, CFS, is a retirement planning specialist and the founder of 1on1financial, an independent comprehensive investment firm serving individuals and businesses near Upland, California. Through educational workshops and a non-sales environment, 1on1financial specializes in working with employees of Southern California Edison, UPS, Esri and Verizon.