While getting your health into shape tops many Americans’ New Year’s resolution list, getting your finances in shape should be another goal you make in the New Year. Why is this so important? A recent study showed that nearly 40 percent of Americans don’t have any retirement savings.* That’s a big deal. This year, consider making a Retirement Resolution.
Here are a few simple tips for helping you stay on track:
- Set short term goals. Do you feel overwhelmed by how much you need to save? Instead of thinking of a total amount you’ll need saved by the time you retire, start small. For example, set aside $30 a week rather than worrying about how you will manage to save $30,000.00 in a year. While it might not seem like a lot, a little can add up fast.
- Change your date night. Instead of going out to eat every Friday night, try making dinner at home twice a month instead. The money you save on going out to restaurants can be put directly into your retirement account.
- Set up Automatic Payments. It’s easy to say you’re going to diet, but following through with a diet is harder. It can be the same with savings. Here’s an easy tip: set up automatic transfers each month so you won’t be tempted to spend that savings on something else.
- Add to your retirement portfolio. While contributing to a 401(k) is a great start to a retirement portfolio, don’t put all your eggs into one basket. This New Year’s think about adding other options like a Fixed Indexed Annuity to balance your portfolio. Just make sure that you’re taking full advantage of any employer match that is offered in your 401(k) first.
*FINRA Investor Education Foundation – Financial Capability in the United States, May 2013.
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