Planning for retirement requires careful consideration and strategic planning. The most common questions on this topic are, “When can I retire?” and “What do I need to start doing now to make sure I’m set for retirement?”
At Mercer Advisors, we work closely with you to create a retirement plan that helps you achieve your long-term goals. We take the time to understand where you are and where you want to go. This isn’t a “set it and forget it” approach – we work with you regularly to update your plan as things change and evolve.
We have worked with thousands of clients to create retirement plans that provide them with the greatest chance of meeting their retirement goals. Let us help you create the plan that gives you the confidence that you deserve.
We will help you think through questions that come up as you’re thinking about your financial future. Questions might include:
- What do I need to invest now to retire at 50?
- How can we maximize our retirement savings and assets while we are still employed?
- How can we ensure our retirement income will maintain our standard of living?
- How do we juggle financial priorities connected to family expenses (e.g., paying down student loans for children)?
- What options do we have for long-term care and healthcare expenses in retirement?
- How can we use tax-advantaged strategies and vehicles to enhance our level of preparedness?
A Guide to Retirement Planning and Readiness
Retirement planning is a vital aspect of financial wellness that transcends age, income level, or career stage. Whether you’re just starting your professional journey or are nearing retirement age, taking proactive steps to plan for your future can provide confidence and a comfortable retirement.
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The question on most people’s mind is, “When can I retire?” This is an understandable question that is not only natural, but provides a perfect starting point for retirement planning. At its core, retirement planning is about setting financial goals and implementing strategies to achieve them.
Our retirement planning process starts by reviewing your personal balance sheet – what you own and what you owe – to give us a better understanding of your current financial standing relative to your goals. This is also an opportunity to walk through the different investment vehicles available to you. If you currently feel uncertain about the difference between an IRA and 401(k), different tax treatments (i.e., Traditional versus Roth), or optimization of these accounts, we can help you walk away feeling confident your money is being invested in the best way for your individualized goals.
We will work with you to create realistic, attainable goals and the steps to achieve them. We will regularly review and adjust your financial plan to ensure you continue to stay on track to help achieve those goals even when life throws you curveballs. From there, we will review your income and spending figures to create an optimal savings strategy tailored to your unique needs. When it comes to retirement planning, there are only a few things over which we have some degree of control:
- How much we are saving
- How much we are spending
- How much we are investing
- How long we work for
Retirement planning is not a one-time event but an ongoing process that requires regular review and adjustment. Life events, market fluctuations, and changes in financial priorities often necessitate modifications to your retirement plan to ensure it remains aligned with the objectives. Just like your physical at the doctor, we recommend speaking with your advisor at least annually to make sure you are on track.
People often feel overwhelmed when they think about retirement. However, at Mercer Advisors, we have helped thousands of people take the first step in their retirement planning journey and stayed by their side throughout it. It’s never too soon to start thinking about or planning for retirement. Connect with us today to get started.
Retirement Planning – Focusing on What we Can Control
Regardless your life-stage, planning for retirement is imperative. However, starting a plan is within your control. Speak with your wealth advisor to start planning for a brighter tomorrow.