In the UK, 39% of adults don?t feel confident managing their money. With financial insecurity leading to several issues such as anxiety and depression, physical ailments, and social withdrawal, having the correct knowledge to become financially stable is integral to living a happy and healthy life.?
Our advice is to start preparing for your retirement now. By doing so, you can enjoy life after work relatively stress-free. Here?s how to go about it.
The importance of financial stability in retirement?
To ensure financial stability in retirement, it’s crucial to understand the costs involved in managing your SMSF. SMSF Accountants often provide detailed breakdowns of charges, guiding you on the path to securing your retirement funds.
The last thing you want on your mind is the stress of paying off your debts or carrying the guilt of potentially passing them on to your family.
So, how do you do it, how do you remain financially stable?
Debt and mortgages?
If you have a lot of debt, our advice is to increase the amount of debt repayments if this is feasible for you. You should be making a conscious effort to clear debts before you reach retirement age as you will essentially be making less than you are now.
Additionally, when it comes to your mortgage ? deciding whether to pay this off before or after any additional debts will depend on your personal situation. It?s vital to choose the right strategy for you. If you are planning on retiring early, make your house your priority, but if you don?t plan on retiring until later on, get those pesky debts cleared.
Alternative income
When reaching retirement age, there are a number of ways you can access funds to help you out in later life.
One popular option is to take out an equity release mortgage, which releases funds stored in the property?s equity. You will receive tax free funds for the wealth you have built up throughout the years in your home. You can use this for whatever you like, from repaying debts, to supporting family members.?
To qualify you must be at least 55 years old and have a property worth at least ?70,000.?
Budgeting spending and income?
?A high proportion of Britons have now been classified as ?High Income Perpetually Poor Young? (HIPPYS). This is a result of poor financial habits and a tendency for individuals to spend more than they earn.
Naturally, you should try to form good habits in preparation for your retirement. Put some time aside to sit down and assess all of your incoming and outgoing cashflow. This will indicate how much disposable income you really have ? don?t forget to set aside a budget for your savings too!?
Managing your pension and savings?
Once you have figured out your budget and are successfully sticking to it, it?s wise to assess how you are saving. For example, you may be in a position to start paying into your pension ? the sooner the better!
If you are racking up the savings, you may look at optimising your income by investing into a retirement fund or bonds.?
By following these simple tips, you can reach financial stability in good time for your retirement.?
