6 Steps That Put You on the Path to a Successful Retirement

Peter Hafner | Oct 5, 2020

1. Regularly saving is critical

Once you begin an automatic payroll deduction into a retirement account, you won’t miss it. I promise.

Many worry about saving into thier company’s 401(k). A good goal is to put 10% of pretax income in your 401(k). But that may seem like a mighty big chunk of cash, at least in the beginning. So, start with 4%, raise it to 7% after three months, and bump it up to 10% three months later. Taking baby steps is much easier than attempting to summit the peak in one leap.

I can’t overly emphasize the importance of capturing your entire company’s match. It’s free money. Don’t leave free cash with your employer.

2. Start as early as you can

The savings we socked away when we were younger has paid big dividends.

Here’s a story of a friend of mine in his early 50s. He is semi-retired. Yet, he sometimes laments that he started saving when he was 26 and not 22. For many, he’s ahead of the game, even if he didn’t start right out of college. Still, his decision to start early and max out his contributions put him on the path to financial freedom.

Let’s illustrate by way of example. Tom is 28 years old and plans to save $500/month or $6,000 per year until he retires at 65. With an annual return of 7% (assuming annual compounding), Tom will have amassed $962,024 when he turns 65 years old. Total contributions: $222,000.

Kate decides to put away the same amount. Kate is 22 years old and will save for 43 years. While her time to contribute is only an additional six years, her decision to start early is rewarded with a portfolio of $1,486,659. Total contributions: $258,000.

Because Kate started sooner, the additional $36,000 amounted to an additional $524,635!
(Source: Investor.gov Compound Investment Calculator—Calculations assume a tax-deferred account.)

3. What plan best fits my need?

That question will depend on your personal circumstances. For many, your company’s 401(k) is tailormade to save for retirement. This is especially true if your firm has a matching contribution.

Whether to fund a traditional IRA or a Roth IRA depends on many factors, including your marginal tax rate today and expected rate in retirement.

A Roth offers tax advantages if you qualify. Generally speaking, withdrawals from a Roth IRA are tax-free in retirement if you are age 59½ or older and have held the account for five years. But you won’t capture a tax deduction on contributions.

Current tax law does not require minimum distributions, which can be a big advantage as you travel through retirement.

A Roth may also be advantageous if you do not believe your marginal tax rate will fall much in retirement or if you have outside assets that limit your need to withdraw on your retirement savings.

4. How much will I need at retirement?

Again, much will depend on your individual circumstances. Your retirement expenses and lifestyle will dictate your portfolio needs.

An old rule of thumb that you’ll need 70% of pre-retirement income may not suffice for many. For example, will you still be paying on a mortgage after you retire? Or, do you plan to downsize, which may reduce or eliminate monthly mortgage outlays?

One approach some folks consider is the 4% rule. It’s relatively simple. Withdraw 4% of your total investments in the first year and adjust each year for inflation. Keep in mind, however, that this is a rigid rule. It assumes a 30-year time horizon and minimizes the risk of running out of money.

Depending on Social Security and any pension you may have, a more generous “allowance” from your savings may be in order.

5. How do I find the right mix of investments?

What worked when you were 30 years old probably isn’t appropriate today.

While our advice will vary from investor to investor, we can offer broad guidelines. Furthermore, retirement may be broken into different stages, which may require adjustments to the plan.

Some investors decide its best to take a very conservative approach. You know, “I can’t lose what I’ve accumulated because I don’t have time to recoup losses.” But that has its drawbacks. For starters, you don’t want to outlast your money. Equities, which have historically offered more robust returns, may still be an important part of an investment strategy.

Others may be swept up by what might be called “the current of the day.” Stocks have surged, which may encourage investors to load up on risk. However, a comprehensive financial plan helps remove the emotional component that can creep into decisions.

6. I’ve saved all my life—how do I begin withdrawing from my savings?

It’s a complete shift in the paradigm. No longer are you socking away a percentage of each paycheck. Instead, you are living off your savings.

First, if you are required to take a minimum distribution from a tax deferred account, take it.

Next, consider interest, dividends and capital gains distributions from taxable investments, which continues to tax shelter assets in retirement accounts.

If additional funds are needed, consider withdrawals from your IRA or other tax-deferred accounts. If you are in a high tax bracket, you may consider pulling from your Roth. One who is in a lower tax bracket could leave the Roth alone and take funds from his/her traditional IRA.

Bottom line

Let me reiterate that many of these principles are simply guidelines. One size does not fit all. Plans we suggest are tailored to one’s specific needs and goals. If you have any questions, we would be happy to share our recommendations. We’re simply a phone call or email away!

6 Steps That Put You on the Path to a Successful Retirement