Retirement planning can look different at different stages of your life. A lot can change by the time you’re 40. Your priorities can shift, your income and standard of living could be different compared to your earlier years, you can have better knowledge of handling your finances, etc.
This is why breaking your retirement planning into different parts for each stage of life is important. Structuring your retirement plans will help you build your funds and plan your future expenses well.
Where To Start? – Financial Planning In Your 40s
Decide When You Will Retire
Regardless of when you choose to retire, saving and investing a portion of your savings as early as possible is important. Different age groups will have their own unique goals. For example, the younger demographic will work towards either spending or saving their money for short-term goals.
People generally start to invest and save for retirement in their 40s. This is because most people have paid off their loans by the time they hit 40. It allows them to focus entirely on investing and saving for their retirement.
Look Into Retirement Planning Methods
Your retirement planning process can look vastly different compared to others – and that’s okay. Everyone has different goals. Your retirement plans should be tailor-made to benefit you.
One popular method among millennials is the FIRE approach. It stands for ‘Financial Independence and Retire Early’. The general premise of this method is that it offers ways in which people can retire as early as 40 through aggressive savings and by living a minimalist lifestyle.
By saving up to 70% of their annual income and spending only 3% – 4% to cover living expenses, the FIRE method allows people to fast-track their retirement. Its main principles involve detailed planning, economic discipline and strategic investments.
Explore Different Retirement Plans
Whether it be through the FIRE method, investing in retirement investment plans, or through pension plans, financial planning in your 40s should take precedence. If you’re looking for retirement plans with life cover to invest in, pay attention to the benefits, additional riders and exclusions mentioned in the insurance policy.
The affordability of a retirement investment plan should also be considered. The retirement calculator provided under the Tata AIA pension plan is an excellent resource for retirement planning processes.
Best Retirement Plans In India
Good retirement plans consider your long-term financial goals and current financial capabilities. They should be able to bridge that gap and make it possible for you to live out your retirement years worry-free.
Here are some popular retirement plans you should consider:
- PPF (Public Provident Fund)
- Retirement/Pension Plans with Life Cover
- Employees Provident Fund (EPF)
- Atal Pension Yojana (APY)
- Bank Deposits (FDs)
Factors To Take Into Account When Financial Planning For Retirement In India
Even if you’re not in your 40s, looking at your current expenses can give you an idea of your recurring expenses in your retirement years. You can even consider consulting a financial advisor to help with your retirement planning.
Here are some common factors to keep in mind when planning your retirement.
- Daily/Monthly Average Expenses
- Medical And Healthcare Expenses (Emergency Or Recurring)
- Having An Emergency Fund
- Long Term Goal Expenses
Conclusion
Financial planning in your 40s can be a long-winded process. There are many factors to take into account and several ways to go about it as well. Most people go for a combination of the methods and retirement investment plans mentioned above to maximise their benefits and investments.
Remember, the best retirement plans are made to suit the individual and their unique requirements.
