1. Not creating a retirement roadmap
Retiring is so much scarier when you don’t have a plan. Where are you going to stay? Are you downsizing? Using your money to travel? WIll you want to pursue a hobby that costs money? A great way to map your retirement plan is to visualise what your retired years will look like. If you have a carefully crafted plan that you made years ago, it may need to be adjusted to suit your current lifestyle. Inflation, GDP growth, income, and expenses – this might not be the same as it was five or ten years ago.
2. Not saving enough
Don’t wait to start saving for retirement. The sooner you start, the sooner you can reach your goal. The interest earned in a year will generate additional interest in the next year – that’s the power of compounding. There’s nothing sadder than retiring and realising you don’t have enough money to maintain your lifestyle. The key is to make saving for retirement a priority and start saving any amount you can each month. If you need help, get advice from a financial planner.
3. Underestimating healthcare costs
Healthcare should definitely be factored in when planning for retirement. Even if you have medical aid, you need to remember that it doesn’t cover all health-related costs. Healthcare costs pose one of the most serious risks to retirement security – just one medical bill can exhaust your savings. Medical aid costs are increasing each year, so it’s important to know what to expect. Unfortunately, as we get older we inevitably have more health conditions to deal with. Make sure you’re prepared by getting a good medical plan or saving up for any contingencies.
4. Underestimate your future cost of living
Before you retire, make sure you can afford the lifestyle you’re currently living.
A majority of current retirees say they seriously underestimated what they’d need to live on. Check your retirement roadmap and factor in the costs for everything you plan on doing. Check your retirement roadmap to get an idea of what you’ll be spending your money on. The more specific you can be in anticipating what your future life might look like – and cost – the better you can plan.
5. Not making smart investment decisions
Inflation, taxes, and certain fees can overwhelm the benefits of certain investment products. Many people keep a large percentage of their savings in fixed accounts such as savings and certificates of deposit. Thanks to inflation, this can quickly lose value over time. Furthermore, investing in variable annuities can easily cost you 50%–100% more than comparable mutual funds. The worst part is that these costs pay for benefits that are of dubious value once you examine the fine print. If you’re unsure of where to invest your money, speak to a professional.
If travel is in your plans, make sure you factor in all the necessary the costs. Long-stay holidays can work out quite cheap, especially when you’re travelling with a motorhome or caravan. Marjal Costa Blanca Camping and resort is a popular destination for retirees. It has modern facilities, endless entertainment for all ages, comfortable bungalow and caravan accommodation, and beautiful weather – plus it gives you something to look forward to when planning for retirement.
