How to Plan a Retirement Timeline
By Saghir Aslam
Rawalpindi, Pakistan
(The following information is provided solely to educate the Muslim community about investing and financial planning. It is hoped that the Ummah will benefit from this effort through greater financial empowerment, enabling the community to live in security and dignity and fulfill their religious and moral obligations towards charitable activities)
Having a retirement plan is a great first step. Now you need to make sure it stays on schedule.
Retirement planning can be challenging, but creating a timeline can help ensure saving stay on track. Here are some expert tips for helping to ensure your plans are on schedule at every stage.
Set an income goal---and know that it could change
For younger workers, it can be difficult to determine how much income will be needed in retirement and how much their income will increase over their lifetime. Donna Peterson, a Retirement Income Strategist at Wells Fargo Advisors, says many people start out looking at an income replacement ratio of around 80%. That said, when you’re younger, “80% of your income is not going to be close to 80% of your income at retirement. That will change over time.”
What is means: it’s important to set goals early in your retirement planning process. But be prepared to revisit them frequently as you get closer to retirement-and work with your financial advisor to make your goals as realistic as possible.
Plan to increase your savings rate
If you’re 20 years old, a saving goal of 10% of your current salary per year is a good start. By age 30 you should be putting away at least 15% per year. If you have access to a qualified employer-sponsored retirement plan (QRP), such as a 401(k) or 403 (b), start there. If your employer offers matching contributions, consider contributing at least as much as the match. This is free money you don’t want to pass up, and it can help you get to the right percentage.
At the same time, consider a Roth IRA or, if available, the designated Roth account option in your 401(k) for their potential tax-free distributions. Peterson says,
“When you take income out of your retirement accounts, having that Roth money coming out tax-free can help you save on taxes. So consider whether a mix of before-tax and after-tax money would make sense for you.”
What it means: Your saving rate should increase as you age; at the same time, you should explore additional investment options so you’re getting the most benefit now and when you’re in retirement.
An aggressive retirement date on your timeline can help you be prepared for unforeseen events as you get closer to retirement age.
Sketch out how long you could be in retirement
When creating a retirement timeline, one of the most difficult factors is estimating how long you can expect to be in retirement. Planning for 20 to 30 years but strongly recommends a contingency plan in case something forces you into an unexpected early retirement, such as health problems, perhaps, or an unforeseen layoff.
One way of thinking than can help you get there: Plan to retire at age 55. This will allow you to be prepared for unanticipated events, and any money you make by working past that age will be a bonus.
What it means: An aggressive retirement date on your timeline can help you be prepared for unforeseen events as you get closer to retirement age.
Set the steps to reach your goals
If you’re gotten a late start on retirement planning, or if you’re rethinking your timeline around a plan to retire at age 55, there are effective actions you can take now to help pursue your goals. Keeping a budget, is essential. As part of that budgeting, be sure to look at your discretionary spending. If you’re supporting adult children at the expense of your own financial future, see where you can cut back. If you’ve been supporting children through college, once they become independent, it might be tempting to reallocate that money to exotic travel or home renovations---but it’s your retirement fund that should get the first deposit.
What it means: No matter when you start, planning a retirement timeline is effective only if you budget for saving---and stick with that budget. Your financial advisor can help guide this conversation.
Final tip for those in those in their 60s: You may want to withdraw money earlier than you think. If the bulk of your money is in qualified retirement plans or IRAs, most of the money you’ll receive in retirement is taxable---you can even bump yourself into a higher tax bracket. At age 70 ½ , retired minimum distributions (RMDs) kick in , so if you’re retired at age 62, for example, take some money out then-this will lessen the impact of larger distributions later on.
(Saghir A. Aslam only explains strategies and formulas that he has been using. He is merely providing information, and NO ADVICE is given. Mr. Aslam does not endorse or recommend any broker, brokerage firm, or any investment at all, nor does he suggest that anyone will earn a profit when or if they purchase stocks, bonds or any other investments. All stocks or investment vehicles mentioned are for illustrative purposes only. Mr. Aslam is not an attorney, accountant, real estate broker, stockbroker, investment advisor, or certified financial planner. Mr. Aslam does not have anything for sale.)
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