(Exercising Your Mind) By Camille Johnson

Thinking about your retirement in your 20s and 30s might seem premature. After all, you probably still have many years until you’ll be ready to retire. The good news is that it’s never too early to take action and begin planning for a secure future. In fact, your 20s and 30s are some of the most important years when it comes to saving for retirement. Setting up a plan now will help you achieve your future financial goals.

So today, Wealth Attraction Research suggests some key retirement and estate planning steps that folks in their 20s and 30s should be taking.

Create a Budget

Start by creating a budget and saving as much as you can each month. Even if you can only save a few hundred dollars a month, it will add up over time. Try to make saving money automatic by setting up a direct deposit from your paycheck into a savings account.

Think about Retirement Goals

Next, start thinking about your retirement goals. How much money do you want to have saved by the time you retire? What kind of lifestyle do you want to have in retirement? Do some research on different retirement options, such as traditional 401(k)s or Roth IRAs. Another pragmatic way to think about this – and one, sadly, that too few people consider – is calculating the amount you’ll need when you get older and might have to transition into assisted living, so that you have a rough idea of what you should save. A good place to start is by looking up the nursing home facilities in your area (there are many options in Los Angeles), find one that seems suitable to your future needs, and calculate the amount you’ll need to save for your future.

Invest

Once you have a solid understanding of your goals, you can start investing your money. If you’re not sure where to start, there are plenty of online tools and resources that can help.

Estate Planning

In addition to saving and investing for retirement, you should also make sure you have a basic estate plan in place. This includes things like a will or trust, as well as a power of attorney. These documents will ensure that your wishes are carried out in the event of your death or incapacity.

How to Calculate Your Assets Accurately

When it comes to estate planning, one of the most important things you need to do is calculate your assets accurately. This includes not only your savings and investments but also any property or other assets you may own. You’ll need to know the value of your assets in order to create an accurate estate plan. There are a few different ways to calculate the value of your assets. You can do it yourself by determining your equity (subtract the amount you owe on your mortgage from how much your house is worth on the market). Another option is to use an online calculator.

Be Sure to Take Advantage of Employee Benefits

If you’re in your 20s or 30s and employed, make sure you are taking advantage of all the employee benefits that are available to you. This includes things like 401(k) matching programs or health insurance. These benefits can help you save money and plan for retirement.

Don’t forget to sign up for a 401(k) if your employer offers one. This is one of the best ways to save for retirement. Employers will often match a certain percentage of your contributions, so it’s essentially free money. If you have a health insurance plan through your job, be sure to take advantage of it! Health insurance can be expensive, so this is a great way to save money. Some employers also offer other benefits like tuition reimbursement or discounts on gym memberships. These benefits can help you save money and stay healthy, both of which are important in retirement planning.

The Bottom Line

Taking some key retirement and estate planning steps in your 20s and 30s can help you achieve a secure future. Try to create a budget, invest, and take advantage of employee benefits. And don’t forget to calculate your assets accurately so that you can create an accurate estate plan. By taking these steps now, you’ll be on your way to a comfortable retirement.

Wealth Attraction Research offers free information on vocational and avocational motivation, as well as self-improvement through hypnosis, yoga, capoeira, and much more! If you have any questions, please email HAK@UniquilibriuM.com.

Header Image via Pexels