Many retirees worry about how long their retirement funds will last. Inflation, unexpected expenses, and recurring recessions aren’t very encouraging. However, there are many ways to increase the odds that your money will last as long as you need it. This takes some financial planning and trustworthy advice. SeniorAffair shares the following tips to get started.
Boost your income
You don’t have to return to the workforce full-time to earn a bit of extra money. Instead, you can take advantage of the gig economy to get some part-time flexible work. Do you have a hobby or a professional background that could translate into freelance services? For example, if you have experience with web design, you can help build websites for small businesses or friends who need them. If you’re good with words, consider writing for a blog or offering book editing services. You can advertise these through an online job board where potential clients can weigh delivery time, cost, and reviews before hiring you.
Keep up healthy habits
Getting sick can be as expensive as it is miserable. By eating well and staying active, you can minimize your risk of heart disease, diabetes, arthritis, dementia, and other health problems. If you haven’t already, consider adding yoga, strength training, and some form of cardiovascular exercise (such as walking) to your routine. Strength training is a particularly effective way to “age-proof” yourself against injuries, declines in muscle mass, and difficulty performing daily tasks. In addition to saving you money, healthy living will help you feel better and enjoy life.
Get organized
A budget is one of the best tools for managing money, whatever your age. It sounds simple, and we all know we should stick to a budget, but developing a useful one is easier said than done. If you’re not already well-organized, the financial details can be overwhelming. Consider using online resources, budgeting apps, or even a good old-fashioned paper ledger. The important thing is that you find a system that works for you. Having a clear picture of where you stand will help you make the right adjustments, if necessary.
The quicker that you can get organized, the easier it’s going to be to keep track of everything. You don’t want to end up having to refinance your home and searching out the advice of professionals like Reed Pirain because you didn’t get organized early enough and you let your finances run loose. If you do end up having to do this, make sure that you do it early enough that you can build up your finances again before retirement hits.
Downsize expenses
If you’re on a fixed income and want financial wiggle room, you may need to trim down some of your expenses. Take a look at your biggest costs, and see if you can make any money-saving changes. For example, if you feel that you have more house than you need, you can downsize to a fun condo or townhouse with a lower mortgage. Car ownership is also a big monthly expense. If you and your partner both have cars, consider selling one and sharing a vehicle.
Another big expense for seniors is food. Convenience costs money, and if you have the time and skills to produce your own food, you can save more than you might realize. If you’re a keen gardener with some homesteading skills, consider growing your own vegetables and purchasing bulk ingredients rather than buying expensive processed foods. This can be a healthy, enjoyable, and eco-friendly way to save money. You can maximize savings even further by growing fruits and veggies that are easy to can and preserve.
With some planning, advice, and smart choices, you may be able to both increase your standard of living and extend the amount of time that your retirement funds will last. A good financial plan will bring you peace of mind and ensure that you and your loved ones are set for the rest of your lives. Then, you can focus on enjoying your golden years to the fullest.
