Your 40s mark a pivotal decade in your financial journey. With an average retirement age being between 62-64, it’s a time to accelerate your wealth accumulation with an eye toward financial stability and retirement. However, navigating the complexities of financial planning in your 40s can be overwhelming.
So where do you start? Having a financial planning checklist can give you a starting point to help you begin your financial planning for retirement in your 40s.
This blog will explain several strategies you can use to maximize your financial growth and help secure your future. Let’s explore how to build wealth in your 40s and create financial empowerment.
1. Meet with a Financial Planner.
Whether you seek ongoing financial guidance or a one-time consultation, professional expertise can significantly impact your financial goals in your 40s and your well-being. As you enter your peak earning years and begin planning for retirement, consulting with a financial advisor is a good option.
A financial professional can provide a comprehensive overview of your financial landscape, including retirement goals, investment strategies, college savings, and more. By creating a tailored plan, they can help you achieve long-term financial security and peace of mind.
2. Start Saving for Retirement.
The earlier you can begin saving for retirement, the better. Because the younger you are, the more compounding power you can potentially harness. A $300 monthly investment in an account returning 7% will grow to $787,404 in 40 years. At the same rate of return, a $500 monthly investment will turn into $1.31 million four decades later.1 (This is a hypothetical example and is not representative of any specific situation. Your results will vary. The hypothetical rates of return used do not reflect the deduction of fees and charges inherent to investing.)
You have several options when you’re saving for retirement. Some employers offer 401ks or you can take the initiative and open an IRA. These retirement-specific accounts give you a tax break on your savings, either upfront or down the road when you withdraw funds.
3. Get the Match.
Most companies offer a retirement account match as part of their benefits. If your employer offers to match part of your 401(k) or 403(b) plan contribution, think about contributing at or above the level that will get you the match. Failing to do that is like turning down free money.
You also won’t miss the money since it’s taken directly from your paycheck. It’s an easy way to save for your retirement without the related stress of manually transferring between accounts.
Over time, compound interest and regular contributions make a big difference in the amount you accumulate.
4. Consider Investing in Equities.
If you want an opportunity for your money to potentially outpace inflation, equity investments (stocks, mutual funds) can give you that chance. Equity investing offers you the potential to grow your net worth over time. Keep in mind that equity investing does involve risk, including the loss of your principal value.
Before you invest any money, make sure to do your research into what you’re putting your money into and the risks associated with that investment. Knowing how much risk you’re willing to take on can help you determine what investments work best for you. You can also speak with a financial advisor to help you find the best investment fund.
5. Consider an Emergency Fund.
Big expenses can happen at any time, like a health issue or expensive home/auto repair. Having an emergency fund provides financial stability in a time of chaos.
Some people have no “rainy day” fund and live paycheck to paycheck. If your budget allows, start building a cash reserve. As time passes, it should ideally grow to the equivalent of six months of salary or more.
By making a concerted effort to create a fund in your 40s, or even earlier, you can help lessen the shock of these expenses. You can also avoid having to take money from your retirement account, which often costs you because of early withdrawal penalties and fees.
6. Consider Life Insurance.
If you have a spouse or a family, having a life insurance policy in place is important. Should you die prematurely, the policy’s death benefit could provide your family with economic stability at a trying time, easing their financial burdens. It could even help pay outstanding debts or future college costs.
The cost and availability of life insurance depend on many factors such as age, health, and amount of insurance purchased. In addition to premiums, there are contract limitations, fees, exclusions, reductions of benefits, and charges associated with a policy. And if a policy is surrendered prematurely, there may be surrender charges and income tax implications.
7. Create a Budget or Spending Plan.
A well-structured budget is essential for financial stability in your 40s. By carefully tracking income and expenses and having a financial planning checklist, you can live within your means, build an emergency fund, and significantly boost your retirement savings.
The income drop that can happen post-retirement can come as a surprise to people. By developing smart spending habits now, you can lessen the shock and be prepared.
Ignoring financial planning can lead to unexpected challenges in retirement. Embracing Warren Buffett’s wisdom to “spend what is left after saving” can develop disciplined saving habits that will pay off for your post-retirement future.
Remember…
Everyone has a different financial journey. If you’re sitting there asking yourself “Where should I be financially at 40” or “How to plan for retirement in your 40s,” know that you have options.
