When you’re ready to retire, what are your options? Do you want to continue working part-time or invest in retirement? Will you live independently or need help with daily living? These are all important factors to consider as you plan for your future.
Fortunately, financial independence and retirement don’t have to be out of reach for everyone. There are many ways to achieve FI and retire with a comfortable nest egg.
Here are 6 money-saving tips that will help all the seniors who are planning to retire early.
1) Stay plugged in and maintain current skills
Whether you work part-time or full-time, staying on top of your current skills is key to your financial future. When you’re nearing retirement, the skills you acquired during your working years can either serve you well or leave you stranded.
Therefore, it’s important to stay plugged into the current job market. Take advantage of training opportunities, update your resume, and search for new job opportunities. This will ensure you’re always in the know about the latest trends in the workplace.
Additionally, it’s important to maintain your current skill set as you age. This way, you’ll have a head start when it comes to finding a new job. Moreover, it will be easier for you to transition into a more passive role. So, when you’re ready to retire, you’ll have a better shot at landing a full-time position in your desired field.
2) Determine your monthly expenses
When you’re ready to retire, it’s helpful to know your monthly expenses. This way, you can make adjustments to your budget to account for the reduced cost of living. Moreover, it will be easier for you to make an accurate retirement plan.
For example, retirement can be significantly impacted by healthcare costs. This is especially true for those who aren’t yet covered by Medicare. Fortunately, there are several steps you can take to reduce the cost of health care as you age.
3) Set up an automated investment account
When you’re ready to retire, it’s helpful to have an automated investment account. This way, you can invest small amounts of money on a regular schedule. This can significantly improve your odds of achieving financial independence (FI) and retirement.
Countless online resources can help you achieve FI. For example, several investment platforms offer tools that can help you determine your monthly savings rate and track your investments. Moreover, many platforms offer tools that help you create a budget and track your spending. This way, you can make sure you’re saving money regularly toward your goal of FI.
4) Make use of employer-sponsored benefits
When you’re ready to retire, it’s helpful to know how to access your employer-sponsored benefits. For example, many employers offer their employees access to a company-sponsored retirement plan. Furthermore, many employers also offer a company-sponsored health insurance plan.
5) Negotiate a reduced pension package
If you’re in your 50s or early 60s, you may want to consider negotiating a reduced pension. This can enable you to significantly reduce your monthly retirement income. Moreover, you may be able to receive a lump-sum payment instead of a steady monthly pension check. This can provide an instant cash infusion and significant flexibility.
6) Use inheritance or other sources of cash
When you’re ready to retire, it’s helpful to know how to access sources of cash. This way, you can make use of inheritance, a recent windfall, or other money sources. For example, many retirement plans allow you to make one-time withdrawals.
Furthermore, some retirement plans also offer lump-sum distributions. This can help you make an immediate cash infusion. Depending on your age and the source of money, you may be able to access money from a retirement plan or an annuity. So, when you’re ready to retire, it’s helpful to know how to access cash.