How to Prepare for Retirement in a Post-COVID Era

If the coronavirus pandemic has taken a toll on your finances, you may need to rethink your retirement strategy if you’ve lost your job, work part-time, or transitioned to a lower paying job. Here are some tips that may help you prepare for retirement and create a financially secure future in a post-COVID era.

Pay Off Debt

The faster you pay off debt, the easier it’ll be to prepare for retirement and meet your retirement savings goal. Once you have minimal to no debt payments, you can allocate more toward retirement. If you have multiple debts, prioritize the ones with high-interest rates and pay them off first to help save up to thousands of dollars over time.

Don’t Rely on Your Home

While your home is an asset, you shouldn’t count on it to fund your retirement. In the event you need cash during retirement, it may be difficult to access your equity. You don’t want to end up in a situation where you need to sell your home in a down market or wait years for someone to buy it.

Be Proactive with Your Savings Goal

Often, people believe their expenses will go down during retirement, causing them to underestimate how much money they’ll need to save. Be proactive when you prepare for retirement and make a savings goal. Do not overlook costly expenses like your mortgage, property taxes, and healthcare expenses.

Never Give Up

It can be challenging to save for retirement when times get tough. If you’ve been laid off, furloughed, or work fewer hours, don’t give up and consider applying for new higher-paying jobs. By interviewing and networking virtually, you can find a great position with increased income. Remember that there are still many companies hiring despite the pandemic.

Delay Your Retirement

If you originally planned to retire at age 62, you may want to wait a bit longer. Prolonging your retirement by even a year can significantly boost your retirement income. If the pandemic has cost you your job, you may want to find part-time or contract work. This way, you could avoid tapping into your retirement savings and Social Security right away.

Consult Your Financial Professional to Help Prepare for Retirement

Together we can review your retirement goals and help you prepare for retirement  for your unique situation. Contact us today to get started.

SWG1516567-0221d Disclosure: The sources used to prepare this material are believed to be true, accurate and reliable, but are not guaranteed. This information is provided as general information and is not intended to be specific financial or tax guidance. When you access a link you are leaving our website and assume total responsibility for your use of the website you are linking to. We make no representation as to the completeness or accuracy of information provided at this website. Nor is the company liable for any direct or indirect technical or system issues or any consequences arising out of your access to or your use of third-party technologies, websites, information and programs made available through this website.

As a retirement income specialist and 38-year veteran of the financial services industry, August H. Velten understands what his clients need in order to enjoy a comfortable retirement. Augie is a former instructor for the Life Underwriter Training Council. He once occupied the legislative seat for the Maine Association of Life Insurers. At August H Velten & Associates, we know that it is your retirement, and you should have control over it. We offer our experience and knowledge to help you design a custom strategy for financial independence. Contact us today to schedule an introductory meeting!

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