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How to Plan For a Happy Retirement

October 24th, 2022 Posted in Retirement
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Retirement can creep up quickly and many people find they’re unprepared. Planning retirement in advance is essential if you want to live a good life in old age. Getting your finances in order now will help you set the scene for a happy retirement.

So, how can you get prepared? Take a look at how to get your plan into action.

How to Plan For a Happy Retirement - image of older couple sitting on a bench
Image by ErikaWittlieb from Pixabay

Work Out Your Retirement Income

Do you know how much money you’ll have to live on when you’re retired? Many people find out much later than they should. You can find out how much you’ll receive during your retirement today.

Once you know what you’re likely to receive, you can work out what you’re likely to spend. Work out your expenditure on essentials like paying your bills, food, clothes etc. This will give you the money you have left for non-essentials.

If you need to boost your income to cover any of your expenditure, now is the time to start putting money aside.

Start a Savings Account

Every little helps when it comes to retirement finances. If you’re dreaming of holidays abroad or second homes, you’ve got no time to lose. There are tons of banks with incentives to open savings accounts and you may gain on what you save through interest over the years.

Starting a savings account means getting into the habit of putting a percentage of your wage to the side. If you’re already doing this through your employment, it can seem unfair but it will all benefit you in the future.

Wait As Long As You Can

You can start taking your state pension from the age of 55, even if you’re still working. However, the earlier you start taking it, the earlier you’ll run out of money. If you can wait as long as possible before you start dipping into your pension, you’ll be better off in the long run.

This may mean working for as long as you can, putting money aside in your savings, or becoming self-employed so you can set your own working hours but still have a small income to subsidise your wage in retirement.

Ask a Professional

Getting professional help from financialadvisers.co.uk is a great way to start preparing for your retirement. They may be able to give you insight that you would never have come across without them. They will be able to advise on the best ways to use your income and how to best prepare yourself for retirement.

The great thing about getting financial advice is that it’s tailored to your situation. You can form a specific plan that will put you on solid financial ground in the years to come.

Downsize in Advance

You don’t want to be paying for things in retirement that you don’t need. Retirement is for enjoying but cutting down on a few things may give you the disposal cash you need to do the things you want. It’s worth asking yourself whether you really need the expensive car, the second home, or the extension on your house.

Cutting down on your spending by getting rid of things that are taking big chunks of your money could put you in a better position.

Develop a Routine

Developing a routine in retirement can help in all aspects of life. You should still wake up early in the morning and cook regular meals. You should still get plenty of exercise and see friends as often as you can.

The same goes for using your money. Getting into good routines with your money will help you to use it wisely. Give yourself a budget when you go out and when you buy your weekly food shopping. 

When you do this, you’ll know exactly how much you’ve spent and how much you’ve got left to spend.

Mentally Challenge Yourself

Brain power deteriorates as we get older and it can become more difficult to deal with numbers. Banking is something that requires concentration and strong brain power. You can make sure you stay alert with your finances by challenging yourself mentally.

Crossword puzzles, math problems, and reading books can all keep your mind sharp as you age. You will remain proficient with language, literacy, and numbers. When it comes to your banking, you can make sure you don’t miss anything or get caught out by scammers.

It’s never possible to be entirely prepared for the future because no-one can know what the future holds. However, when it comes to planning for a happy retirement, the earlier you start, the better.

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Eliminating Financial Stress In The Future

March 23rd, 2020 Posted in Money Tips
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If ever there was a time that demonstrated the uncertainty and unpredictability of life, it’s now. Even if you’re young and you’ve got a stable income, it’s beneficial to start planning now to reduce financial stress in the future. Here are some steps you can take.

Eliminating Financial Stress In The Future - savings and money growth image

Saving

With many people facing a very uncertain few months ahead, the benefits of saving cannot be underestimated. Budgeting and putting money aside can help to prevent overspending and create a nest-egg. If you don’t already save money on a monthly basis, it’s a good idea to set up a direct debit on your payday. If you can afford to put even a small amount of cash aside each month, this will help to create a more stable, secure future. Use budgeting techniques or apps to work out how much disposable income you have in an average month and save whatever you can. If you transfer a lump sum as soon as you get paid, this will enable you to plan the rest of the month and reduce non-essential spending. 

Retirement planning

If you don’t plan to retire for another 30 years or so, you might not think that you need to worry about pensions or investments at the moment. The truth is that the sooner you put plans in place, the better. If you don’t have a pension already, or you’re unsure whether your current pension is the best option for you, it’s worth seeking advice. If you’ve already taken out a pension, and you’re concerned that you have been misled, it is wise to investigate SIPP pension claims. To avoid finding yourself in this situation, if you haven’t already got a pension, research before you sign on any dotted lines and don’t hesitate to ask for help if you’re not sure which product is best for you. 

Creating an emergency fund

You only have to read the newspapers or listen to the headlines to see that a bolt out of the blue can cause financial problems for anyone. Even when life seems to be rosy, nobody knows what is around the corner. Having an emergency fund will provide peace of mind and financial support if you do find yourself in a difficult situation. An SOS fund could help to cover you if your hours were cut at work, you lost your job, you had an accident, or your home or car needed urgent repairs. Start saving on a regular basis and look out for savings accounts that offer high interest rates or the ability to save on tax, for example, an ISA. It’s also worth ensuring that you have insurance policies to protect your home, car and family. If you have insurance, this can cover unexpected costs and reduce anxiety linked to money problems. 

Nobody has a crystal ball, and you never know what the future holds. Taking action to manage your finances and start saving, and planning for the future now will be beneficial in years to come. Try and save more each month, take advice from experts on board and plan for your retirement. 

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How to Make Money, Even When You’re Retired

October 2nd, 2019 Posted in Money Tips
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When you retire, that doesn’t mean that the money has to stop flowing. People that plan for retirement are often set for life. But workers that don’t plan for retirement can still hire private equity experts to maximize income after retirement. It’s easy to become versatile with your money-making abilities by exploring multiple opportunities. Check out the list below to see all of the available choices for retirees.

How to Make Money, Even When You're Retired - happy older couple image
Photo by Craig Adderley from Pexels

Rent Out Extra Space

You can turn an extra room or an outhouse into profit by renting it out to guests. There are websites that handle setting up visitors so that minor work is required on your side to get the money rolling in. You set the rates, along with any rules for the guests to follow. This setup works best if you have a space that is disconnected from the main house. That way you can maintain the integrity of your own personal space without compromising privacy. Renting out space is done a lot, and depending on the situation, some retirees have rented out their entire homes to go on long vacations.

Rent Out Your Parking Lot

Do you live in a prime location that is only a few miles from the biggest events in the city? Then this option is for you, and can potentially make more than renting out extra space. You rent out parking for less time than renting a room but get much more money as a result. Usually when a big event takes place near a neighborhood, homeowners will block off their parking so that tourists don’t sneak in a free space. Instead of going through that trouble, rent out the spot and get paid to let a tourist do the blocking for you. It is a win-win situation that keeps you from worrying about a stranger taking up a precious parking spot.

Become A Life Coach

The best life coaches are the ones that have years of experience to draw from. That can be you, and the competition isn’t as bad as you think. Since every life coach has a unique perspective, there isn’t a lot of overlap with specialties. A life coach that helps with dieting is completely different from another coach that offers the same set of skills. Consumers are looking for someone with knowledge, and also someone that they can connect with. If that is you, then the marketing takes care of itself after the first customer. You can further enhance your chances of making money from this tip by becoming a certified life coach.

Rent Out Your Home While On Vacation

There are people that pay you to house sit their home. It sounds weird when you first hear it, but is actually a real and legit thing. If you opt for international house sitting, you can visit exotic locations for weeks or months at a time and rent out your home while away. Getting paid to take a vacation is a retiree’s dream, but in this case, it is a reality. Your chances for getting picked are enhanced due to your status as a retiree. Homeowners are more likely to trust someone older and responsible that has put in years of hard work over someone younger and inexperienced. Getting paid to house sit is probably one of the few positions where ageism is reversed.

Find And Sell Older Photos

Your memories are worth more than you think if they have historical significance. It doesn’t need to be a perfect 4k high definition photo to be valuable. Pictures from known world events are always sought after. That moment is in the past, and there are still an unlimited number of pictures and videos in the wild that show the events from completely different angles. This is a lot different than paparazzi photos on popular blogging websites. If you think that your pictures or videos have historical significance, there are plenty of buyers willing to gain exclusive rights to them.

Write Letters The Old Fashioned Way

This is more of a niche way to make money, and requires a bit of background. There are a few buyers around the world that pay for typewritten notes using older equipment. Out of all the choices on the list, this one will probably be the hardest to make money from. You have to own an old typewriter, and you also have to develop a rapport with the client. As small as this industry is, it is one of the most fulfilling to do as a retiree. The work is calming, non-hectic and has a very relaxed schedule. While working at your own pace you discover new people, new stories and a brand-new way to make extra money.

Use Your Crafting Skills

Websites make selling your crafts to the world easy. This is another hobby that can turn into a big money maker without you putting in a lot of effort. The fun thing about crafting is that you can make whatever you want. Your customer base will come to you, and you can choose whether or not to offer customization options. You’re technically in control of a small business where your working hours are ‘whenever you feel like it’. Some people make a few extra bucks a month while others have replaced their entire retirement income. The level of success is all up to your own flexibility and knowledge of customer needs.

Tutor In A Specialized Subject

This is similar to being a life coach except you get to teach a class on something that you’re specialized in. So instead of coaching up a single student on how to get through the tougher parts of life, you are teaching several students a brand-new skill. Once you get a few students, word of mouth will help you get even more money. As a retiree, there are several skills that you can teach based off of personal experience. A manager in training may reach out to you for tips on becoming a manager. A homeowner may need help dealing with the financial burden of a new home. Whatever your personal experience is, turn it into a money-making machine.

Bloggers Are Everywhere

Just because there are countless bloggers online that doesn’t mean there is no money to be made. Blogging will always bring in the advertising bucks, even if you are small time. The most interesting aspect about this money maker is that you gain more attention by being yourself. Make the blog persona, and write about your own personal life experiences. People read blogs for unique takes most of all, so being natural with your personality is a must. Out of all the choices on this list, blogging is the one that takes the most setup. If you’ve got the time, consider it a great carefree option to journal your life online while making some money on the side.

Sell Your Items Online

Over the years, your multiple hours of work weeks allowed you to collect a lot of things that you probably don’t use anymore. Usually a garage jail or drop off at goodwill would take care of these unused items. Retirees that never got around to either option can sell their unused items online for a tidy profit. Selling products online starts out small, and then turns into something special when you get a lot of positive reviews. There are dedicated platforms for this that cover the initial setup and expand your reach well beyond what a simple garage sale would cover. You can sell items internationally all from the comfort of your own home.

Trade Stocks

This is the logical step for a lot of retirees that have already invested in stocks while they were working. Plenty of retirement packages include stocks that turn into a sizable chunk after retirement. When you have all of the time in the world, dabbling in stocks can quickly become overwhelming. Retirees are encouraged to trade on the stock market, but to a certain extent. Don’t treat the market like a casino, and never put in more than you’re willing to lose. Short term and long-term gains will get you a lot of money if you’re smart about the initial investment.

Invest In A Startup Company

There is a low buy in for some startup companies that end up making millions in profit later on. With this type of deal, you can be a hands-off partner that collects a check without doing any of the work. There is room for error in this, so tread lightly. Former jobs can sometimes provide insight into such companies and will already have profiles on them. Depending on your relationship with a current employer, you may have a goldmine right under your nose. The lesson here is to not burn any bridges while you are working so that there is always a potential money-making opportunity down the line. 

Wrap Up

Once you get the ball rolling, passive income is the best residual money you’ll ever make. With enough success, it can even be more lucrative than normal employment. Make a list to get started, and find out what choice works to get the money you deserve.

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13 Budgeting Tips to Help You Survive on Social Security

January 17th, 2019 Posted in Money Tips
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 It is believed that roughly 25% of those aged 65 years and above live with families that rely on social security. For this reason, retirees who earn less than $1500 in social security must operate a very tight budget in order to meet up with their financial responsibilities. The following are some of the measures you can put in place in order to stretch your social security and meet your financial obligations;

13 Budgeting Tips to Help You Survive on Social Security - retired couple image

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Try to delay taking your social security

Though you should start collecting your social security at the age of 62, your monthly social security benefits will get higher if you can just wait for a little till your retirement age to start collecting the money. If for instance, you start collecting your social security at 62 when your retirement age is 67, your social security benefits will be reduced by 30%. Learn more about this from Navigation Wealth Management experts.

Consider moving to an area with lower costs of living

You can maximize your social security benefits when you reduce the costs of your living. Do not hesitate to move to a city or town with lower costs of living when you retire.

Try and pay off your debts before retiring

Credit card bills and mortgages are some of the biggest debts that can deplete your social security funds. Try as much as possible to repay them before you retire.

Consider moving to a more tax-friendly state

Many states, including the Washington DC, do not tax social security benefits. Living in states that do not tax social security will help you stretch your benefit further to cover your daily expenses.

Join discount membership programs

There are some fantastic discount membership programs you should consider joining if you want to get more from your social security. The AARP membership, for instance, will provide you with discounts or savings on your health expenses, entertainment, shopping, and restaurant meals. There are some other community memberships you can find that provide discounts for seniors.

Request from senior discounts when you make travel bookings

As a senior citizen on social security, you will have more time to travel but flights and hotels can be incredibly expensive. You can save more money off your social security by simply taking advantage of discounts on airlines such as Southwest Airlines, and American airlines. There are several hotel chains around the world that also offer discounts to senior citizens worldwide.

Make sure you don’t overpay for prescriptions

The costs of medications can quickly add up and you should consider choosing the generic payment options if possible if you want to save money on such medications. You may want to join a prescription membership program to receive rewards such as discounts.       

Volunteer or get a senior job

If you do not have a health challenge that will reduce your mobility, it will be ideal to become a volunteer or get a non-physically demanding job. Volunteering is a good way to spend your free time, even if you don’t get financial rewards for such.

Avoid adding new debts

If you cannot pay off all debt before you retire, then you should avoid adding new debt, if you want to maximize your social security benefits. You should consider steering clear of whatever that causes impulse buying and practice self-control so that you can stick to your budget. It is disheartening to know that many people are still entangled in debts even after retirement, this eventually makes it almost impossible to save money off their social security.

Downsize to a smaller home

One of the best ways to save money while living on social security is to sell your home and move into a smaller one. Fortunately, home values increase over time and you should take this opportunity to sell that family home and move into a smaller home that will cost much less to maintain. Moving into a smaller home does not mean you have to give up on your comfort, you just want to give up the unnecessary free spaces and reduce the costs of maintaining such large homes. If you don’t want to move out of your large home, you may want to consider renting out a room or apartment from the home, to save more on your social security. Having a roommate will help you save costs of utilities, including electricity, water, and cable.

Consider online income opportunities

If you have not considered online money-making opportunities before, this could be the ideal time to do so. Online income opportunities such as freelance writing, data entry, and survey participation can give you a few hundreds of dollars to augment your social security.

Make use of restaurants that offer discounts to seniors

It is okay to eat out at restaurants once in a while, even though you want to be frugal with your living expenses when you are on social security. There are numerous restaurant chains that offer up to 25% for seniors, on all types of foods and drinks. There are some restaurants that offer free meals to seniors on a particular day of the week or month.

Make use of free entertainment advantages

You don’t have to spend part of your social security to have fun and be entertained. There are museums and movie places where seniors can enter for free at a certain time of the day. Your local theater or coffee shop may organize open mic shows that you can attend for free. Book readings, free outdoor activities and free lectures at local colleges, are some of the free entertainment and educational opportunities you should take advantage of.

Conclusion

Living a frugal lifestyle perhaps is the most important skill you should embrace when living on social security. Cutting costs can be very inconvenient for many, but the rewards can be very enticing. You may want to take advantage of free evening schools for seniors in local colleges and universities where you can learn a new skill you can apply outside of the school to make extra income and live comfortably with your social security.

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Ways you can fund your new business venture in retirement

December 18th, 2018 Posted in Entrepreneurship
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Retirement doesn’t mean stopping.

In fact, many retirees are considering continuing working after they retire, and this may well include the formation of a business. It’s a challenge, but to some it is preferable to spending days relaxing.

This article isn’t about whether or not a retiree should start a business. Instead, we’re going to focus on how you can gain funds to help start a business in retirement.

This is probably one of the ‘fears’ that prevents people in this stage in their life from taking the plunge. However, it is possible to get some money in place to start and maintain a profitable business after retirement.

We’ll take a look at several of them.

Ways you can fund your new business venture in retirement

Downsizing

A relatively new term, ‘downsizing’ allows you to release money in the sale of your property. Normally, downsizing means moving to a new, smaller property, and enjoying the equity you’ve released alongside that.

This is an interesting situation, because downsizing does indeed release funds through selling. However, you obviously have to live somewhere, so much of the downsizing profit may be spent on living expenses.

There may, however, be some money there afterwards that can be spent on pulling together your business. It is again a good idea to sit with a finance professional who will be able to tell you, realistically, what you can expect to gain from downsizing, and whether the amount of money will cover business expenses.

Spending the kids inheritance

This has become a growing trend in recent years. Rather than spend money on the future of their children,some retirees opt instead to spend it on themselves.

This has become more popular as people live longer. Money that has been saved up or has reaped returns on investment is simply used by the parents for other purchases. And these purchases are all about the parents, not the kids.

Using this money to start up a business is perhaps something new. The whole point of spending the inheritance is to enable a better standard of life. Many retirees take that money and go on a long holiday, for example. However, it is possible to use it to fund a business.

Whether that fits in well with a retiree’s own views on what they want from life is up to them. But if it is a large sum (and most parents now save up a lot for their future generations) it can be used very effectively to develop a business. For example, it is accepted wisdom that you shouldn’t start a business without ‘buffer money’. Buffer money is money you have ready for the first six months of the business.

Business can be challenging. If you are able to gather a good sum of money to protect against the ups and downs of business for those vital first few months, you’re in a great position. Of course, this option is appealing because you have more control over how the money is spent. If you just want to use a small amount of the money to fund one key aspect of starting a business, that is entirely up to you.

Equity release

Equity release is a situation where the borrower can take out an equity release contract, which releases money that is equal to up to 60% of the value of your home.

This can mean you can take on a potentially large amount of money very quickly. There are a couple of options in equity release that you can take advantage of. This is encapsulated in two products available to you, the borrower:

  • The lifetime mortgage. This allows you to take money out against the value of the property.You have to be at least 55 years old to do this. One key aspect that makes this option an attractive one is the option to pay off all the interest, some or even none of the interest before the mortgage ceases. It ceases when you have to enter care, or you die. Another key aspect is you not having to take out the full amount. And you only pay interest on the amount you withdraw.
  • The home reversion. This is a little more complicated than the lifetime mortgage. You can sell all or part of your property to a specialist home reversion company. You no longer own that whole or part of the property. However, you do have the right to remain in the property until you die or move onto long-term care.

If your business is dynamic

By ‘dynamic’ we mean looking like it’s going to grow quickly. If it is looking this way, then consider seeking investment.Bear in mind that not all investment runs into the hundreds of thousands. Some investors can pump money into a business for a small slice of profits, and they are much more likely to do this if you have an idea for a business that looks like it will grow quickly.

It’s worth considering seeking investment,simply because it allows you to have that early head start, without having to find money from more traditional lenders. Obviously it relies upon you having a strong idea that will make money for investors. But if you do, the power investment can bring is considerable.

Your choice

Many retirees look for funding from banks and their home value. Whatever you do, bear in mind that for the first six months of your business, you will have to work incredibly hard to make sure money is handled wisely, and your business gets your complete focus. Using some of the methods in this article to gain finance can help you on your way to running your ideal business in retirement.

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