Summer Vacations and Retirement: Budgeting for Both

Summer Vacations and Retirement: Budgeting for Both

With Americans living longer than ever, planning for retirement should be a top priority. Yet according to a recent study from Charles Schwab, Americans are spending more time planning for summer vacations than for retirement.

While a vacation may last a week or two, retirement may last upwards of 30 years. Neglecting to plan for a period of your life that might last nearly three decades, during which you’ll need to rely on savings, may make your golden years more difficult than you’d expect.1

With summer right around the corner, remember to continue planning for your retirement as you plan for your summer vacation. Here are a few retirement planning tips so that you’re as prepared for retirement as you are for your summer travels:

  1. Make a budget. Those who plan are estimated to save more than 3 times those who don’t. This is especially important to remember when planning your retirement. Consider your vacation budget and make sure it’s not negatively impacting your retirement savings.
  2. Pay off your credit card on time. Waiting to pay off your credit card is a fast and easy way to accrue interest and lose money in the long-run. Paying your credit card bill on time will allow you to put more money away for summer vacations and your retirement.
  3. Set up automatic transfers. While it’s easy to promise yourself that you’ll transfer money to a savings account each month, it’s helpful to set up automatic transfers so that you’re still putting money away for retirement while you’re planning trips.
  4. Take a look at your portfolio. While investing in a 401(k) is a great way to start a retirement portfolio, putting all your eggs in one basket is a common mistake. Take a look at your portfolio and make sure it’s diversified – incorporating low-risk options, like Fixed Indexed Annuities, is one way to provide much-needed balance.
  5. Take advantage of technology. Knowing where your money is going is a key first step in planning for your future. While you may be using apps to help you book your travel, there are several apps that can help you identify how much you’re spending in certain areas and help you decided how to reallocate those funds to savings.

 

Source: Indexed Annuity Insights

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