RETIREMENT PLANNING

Retirement planning is the process of determining retirement income goals and the actions and decisions necessary to achieve those goals. Retirement planning includes identifying sources of income, estimating expenses, implementing a savings program, and managing assets and risk.

Planning for retirement starts with thinking about your retirement goals and how long you have to meet them. Then you need to look at the types of retirement accounts that can help you raise the money to fund your future. As you save that money, you have to invest it to enable it to grow. The surprise last part is taxes: If you’ve received tax deductions over the years for the money you’ve contributed to your retirement accounts, a significant tax bill awaits when you start withdrawing those savings. There are ways to minimize the retirement tax hit while you save for the future—and to continue the process when that day arrives and you actually do retire.

These Five Steps Will Help You Toward a Safe, Secure, and Fun Retirement

  • Understand Your Time Horizon

  • Determine Spending Needs

  • Calculate After-Tax Return Rate

  • Assess Risk Tolerance

  • Stay on Top of Estate Planning