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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen, 2016-02-11, Page 10RR 2 Bluevale 519-887-9248 Fax 519-887-9454 PAGE 10. THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2016. FINANCIAL 2016 Four catch-up tips as retirement approaches Planning ahead Everyone's retirement plan and planning timeline is different. For those who have fallen behind for one reason or another, there are some ways to catch up. BMs photo) MS — Today's young professionals hear about the importance of saving for retirement seemingly from the moment they are hired. In addition to discussions with human resources personnel about employer- sponsored retirement plans, young professionals are learning about the importance of saving for retirement thanks to the abundance of financial - planning advertisements. Older workers may not have been so lucky, and many may find themselves trying to play catch-up as retirement age draws closer. While it's important to begin saving for retirement as early as possible, late bloomers whose retirement dates are nearing can still take steps to secure their financial futures. • Pay down debts: Eliminating debt is good for men and women of all ages, but especially so for those nearing retirement. Substantial debt may delay your retirement and can greatly reduce your quality of life during retirement. If you still have substantial debt, eliminate that debt before you start saving additional money for retirement. Once your debt slate has been wiped clean, you can then increase your retirement contributions. • Eliminate unnecessary expenses: If your retirement savings are low (many financial advisors now advise men and women that they will need at least 60 percent of their pre -retirement income each year they are retired), start cutting back on unnecessary expenses and reallocate that money toward retirement saving. Cutting out luxury items, such as vacations to exotic locales or country club memberships, is one way to save money. But don't overlook the simpler ways to save, such as canceling your cable subscription or dining at home more often. • Downsize your home: Many empty nesters downsize their homes as retirement nears, and doing so can help you save a substantial amount of money. If the kids no longer live at home or if you simply have more space than you will need after retirement, downsize to a smaller, less expensive home. Monitor the real estate market before you decide to downsize so you can be sure to get the best deal on your current home. Downsizing saves on monthly utility bills, property taxes and a host of additional expenses. • Take on some additional work: While you may have long felt you would slowly wind down in the years immediately preceding retirement, taking on some additional work outside of your current job is a great way to save more for retirement and perhaps even lay the foundation for a post- JACQUIE GOWING ACCOUNTING SERVICE Accounting & Income Tax Preparation Monthly Bookkeeping Tailored To "YOUR" Needs • Reconciliations • Personal, Farm • Government Remittances Business & Corporate • Payroll • Electronic Tax Filing All services available on site or at our office retirement career. Workers over the age of 50 can be invaluable resources to start-ups or other businesses looking for executives who have been there, done that. Look for part-time jobs that seek such experience. Even if the initial jobs don't bowl you over financially, part-time consultant work in retirement can make up for lost retirement savings and may even make retirement more fulfilling. Men and women on the verge of retirement can take many steps to grow their retirement savings and make their golden years that much more enjoyable. #1 And We ��.•� ► Still Try Harder! Recent circulation figures show The Citizen has the highest circulation in the northern part of Huron County, #3 in the entire county. 411 The Citizen Proudly Community - Owned Since 1985 Sholdice FINANCIAL SERVICES PEAK PEAK Investment Services Inc. Susan Alexander, CFP CLU CHS EPC Doug Sholdice 472 Turnberry St. PO Box 69 Brussels, Ontario NOG 1H0 www.sholdicefinancial.com Phone: 519-887-2662 ABC INVESTMENTS 1 yr. 2 yr. 3 yr. 4 yr. 5 yr. ABC Investments is a broker for more than 30 financial institutions We do not charge any fees for our services. All investments are eligible for deposit insurance. ABC Investments 12 Courthouse Square, Goderich N7A 1 M3 Give us a call or stop in for rates on RSP's, RIF's & TFSA's (We will pay the transfer fee charged to you by another financial institution up to $100.) 519-524-277311-800-265-5503 abcinvestments@gicinvest.net We're reminded again that Canada is a wonderful place to call `home'; a place where we can raise our families in a safe and secure community. We're here to assist with your investment needs and are only a phone call away. P► Investment is Planning Counsel" Leonard (Len) Lobb CFP, FMA 410 James St., Clinton, Ontario 519-482-8887 (toll free) 877-502-8887 len.lobb@ipcsecurities.corn MEMBER