Remember the three P's: planning, prioritizing and persistence!
Planning
Planning for the future can seem abstract, almost like fantasizing. Visualizing what retirement looks like for you is an important but often overlooked step. In addition to answering the questions, “When can I retire?” and, “Will I have enough money?” planning includes defining specific goals – what do you need and want in retirement? Make it real.
Tracking expenses is a must, both to understand your basic needs and to make sure your money is spent where it matters most. Balancing wants with available resources inevitably requires tradeoffs.
Prioritizing
This is where prioritizing comes in. When you have established the importance of savings and understand the need for additional income (beyond Social Security) it becomes easier to make tradeoffs because you know what is most valuable and necessary for a more secure future. By prioritizing, you get in touch with your values. These are really your beacons when it comes to decisions about how to spend your money and allocate resources for retirement.
You could simply forego dining out a few times a month in order to save more for retirement. Or the tradeoff may involve a larger purchase – long-term care insurance – in lieu of that ski boat. It really depends on your values and clarifying the difference between wants and needs.
Persistence
Persistence is where the rubber meets the road. Retirement is not a destination, but a process that depends on a commitment to living a financially sustainable life. That means spending less than you earn. The sooner you start, the better. But no matter when you start, it is vital that you do. People who haven’t started tend to ask, “What’s the use? I’ll have to work until I die.” Beginning with the basic steps will help to define your needs and allow you to direct your money in the ways that matter. Remember that even small changes can make a world of difference. Persistence pays off.
Planning identifies your needs and values. You create a compelling vision of what retirement might be like, one that motivates you to bring it to fruition. By tracking spending, you prioritize putting your money where it matters most. Aligning your spending with your values is as close as you get to money “buying happiness.” Persistence keeps you on task. You periodically monitor your progress and make adjustments while continuing to live within your means. Small adjustments can have a profound impact on your future. Take these actions and keep at it. Result: retirement success!
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