255 17 Ave SW, Calgary, AB T2S 2T8View on Map »
The most recent federal budget caused quite an outcry when the feds proposed changes to Old Age Security (OAS). If you haven't heard, the plan is to change the eligibility age to 67 from 65. While these proposed changes only affect those under age 54 as of March 31, 2012, it became apparent that even a few hundred dollars a month in retirement can mean a lot to many future Canadian retirees.
It seems that the only things you can really count on for your retirement are you and your financial plan. If you're entering the last 10 or 15 years of employment, now is the time to truly solidify your plans for achieving your retirement goals. In some cases, it may be more realistic to work a little longer to ensure adequate retirement income.
By the time you reach age 50, you're likely hitting your top earning years. Expenses related to children's education are at or nearing an end, and the same goes for a mortgage payment. Barring a catastrophe, these are prime years for socking away cash in preparation for your retirement years. You may want to do some traveling now that you have more free time and disposable income. With the right financial plan, you may be able to enjoy life now as well as set aside enough for a comfortable retirement.
The recommended range for those planning for retirement is to save somewhere between six and 15 times their current annual income. While this is not a hard and fast rule, it is a good starting point. This means that someone currently earning $70,000 will need to build their retirement asset base to a minimum of $420,000 and up to $1 million or more at the high-end. With this in mind, it is best to work out the type of lifestyle you want during your retirement years.
Many approaching retirement are nervous because they haven't followed a professional financial plan and now realize that time is running out. Also of concern is overall economic stability along with having what were thought of as secure investments take a hit from the most recent financial crisis.
Underfunded and reduced pensions, job losses, and cyclical investment losses seem to blare from the headlines on a regular basis. It can cause those in their 50s and 60s to become nervous as they prepare for their retirement. Work with your financial advisor to personalize a retirement plan that can help ease your anxiety and reach your goals.
Questions about retirement planning?
Copyright © 2012 AdvisorNet Communications Inc. All rights reserved. This article is provided for informational purposes only and is based on the perspectives and opinions of the owners and writers only. The information provided is not intended to provide specific financial advice. It is strongly recommended that the reader seek qualified professional advice before making any financial decisions based on anything discussed in this article. This article is not to be copied or republished in any format for any reason without the written permission of the AdvisorNet Communications. The publisher does not guarantee the accuracy of the information and is not liable in any way for any error or omission.
