Will I have enough?

February 4th, 2019 post featured image

‘Plan for retirement.’ This phrase is something many of us have heard since the time we landed our first full-time job. But even now, as it was back then, it is a pretty vague directive.

When we are younger it translates to putting money away, likely into a registered account. And for anyone under 25 that’s a great first step. Sock away money and let compound interest work for you. Perfect. Done and done.

However, as you get older this approach to retirement planning should evolve and become more formal, with defined goals and a clear plan. A plan that can grow and change as we do, adapting to our lives and goals. This is when the question ‘will I have enough’ begins to become part of the discussion.

If we peel everything away, each of us faces the fear of NOT having enough saved by the time we retire to live out our retirement years in relative financial comfort and provide enough income to meet our lifestyle goals. For some, this fear can stop us from working with an advisor to build a plan. Check out our blog ‘There is No Time Like Now’ to learn more on this topic.

The easiest way to face any fear you have about the retirement nest egg you are building is to learn the facts. Work with a financial advisor to build a retirement plan based on both your current reality and your future goals.

One of the first considerations is the type of retirement you want. Do you hope to travel? Will you move into a different home? Do you or will you have a vacation property? How many vehicles will you have? All choices have an impact on your income needs during retirement.

Any company-based pension plans or savings plans and their income during retirement need to be considered, in addition to RRSPs, non-registered and TFSA savings you are putting aside for retirement. Company-based pension plans are less common today than in the past, but if you have one, the income they will generate during your retirement need to be factored in to your retirement income planning.

In addition, any government income you will be eligible for during your retirement need to be taken into account for retirement income planning. Old Age Security (OAS) and Canadian Pension Plan (CPP) are two common government benefits many of us look forward to receiving. There are some options in terms of when you can begin receiving these benefits. Your specific situation should be reviewed to know what is in your best interest. There are strategies available to ensure you maximize your income options and minimize annual taxes.

For many of us, the concept of retirement planning feels like a distant concern; one that ‘future me’ will be better equipped to deal with. In fact, the earlier you can start, the better. There’s a Chinese proverb that says, “The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago, the next best time is right now”.

Find a financial advisor you trust and connect with them to help you build your retirement income plan.

A study of Canadians done by the Investment Fund Institute of Canada found households who worked with an advisor had as much as 2.73 times more assets after 15 years compared to identical non-advised households.

You will benefit in many ways from having a financial planner — an expert in your corner keeping your best interests as their priority. They will work with you on a customized plan, help you stay on track and modify as needed. To review your personal financial plan and projection for your retirement income, please feel free to connect with us.