You’re never too young to start saving for retirement — and it’s never too late, either. But your investment strategies in your twenties should probably look quite different than when you’ve got a lot more experience under your belt and you’re getting closer to your target retirement age.
A skillful and qualified financial planner can help you develop a suitable investment strategy for your age to maximize your assets and find yourself sitting pretty on a sizable nest egg later on down the road. Especially if you’re starting on your career journey, a pro advisor can assist you with finding options and opportunities you might not be aware of. Here are a few things you should know about saving for retirement in your particular age bracket.
Gen Z
Our youngest workers are probably the most money-savvy, and many are already all about getting that bread and saving for early retirement. Young entrepreneurs are eager to build wealth now, and during the pandemic, they dove into trading stocks and buying crypto on apps like Robinhood with joyous abandon.
Investment risk is real, and even young people can suffer devastating losses if they make the wrong decisions. People are living much longer now, so younger workers should take advantage of the concept of compounding interest to make easy money over a longer period. You may be only able to put away a small amount, but saving it now gives those funds a much longer time to accrue interest. Each year, the interest compounds, meaning your wealth grows steadily and reliably.
However, your teens and twenties are a good time to take a chance on more adventurous investments like tech stocks, green initiatives, start-ups, and venture capital. Just be aware that while these types of plays can have a big payday, they can also result in disappointing outcomes.
Millennials
According to CNBC, this generation isn’t saving quite as much as they should. Sometimes it might seem like there’s an unbelievable amount of pressure on your still-young shoulders — “by now you should be on a great career trajectory, buying a house, and having a family” — but we’re definitely living in an uncertain financial environment at the moment. How do you know what the right strategy is for your particular situation?
While just throwing money into an online account and forgetting about it might be tempting, you might be missing out on opportunities to make smarter choices with the assistance of a certified retirement planner. A professional can guide you through the age-specific saving roadblocks you face, like lingering student loans or shifting career priorities, and find a path that helps you retain a laser-like focus on your overall financial goals.
If your company offers a 401(k) or 403(b), don’t hesitate to jump on board and take advantage of every single dime of matching money your corporate overlords offer. When you sign up for one of these plans, the fund’s manager will ask if you want to invest aggressively, moderately, or conservatively. The younger you are, the more aggressively you can afford to make your investment decisions.
This is also a perfect time to look into opening an IRA (individual retirement account). There are several different types, and which one is best for you depends on several factors. With traditional IRAs, contributions are tax-deductible, and you can begin taking money out as soon as you’re 59 and a half. If you own your own business, you’ll want to learn more about what’s called a Simplified Employee Pension IRA. How much annual retirement savings you can deduct from your taxes depends on a few factors, so be sure to ask your advisor or accountant.
Generation X
Sometimes called the “forgotten generation,” you may feel as though you’ve forgotten to plan for retirement and now it’s too late, so why bother? That’s not true, and you know it. Many Gen Xers have employer-provided retirement funds from previous positions that need to be located and rolled over into a consolidated account with an aggressive strategy that’s more appropriate for someone who wants to retire in ten to fifteen years.
Again, consulting with an experienced wealth advisor can help you get your ducks in a row when it comes to managing your retirement planning. If you purchased a house more than ten years ago, you might be surprised at the amount of equity you now have. That could help you invest in more real estate, which could be a very smart move for your retirement needs. Consult with an investment professional that has your best interests at heart to see if this is a path worth exploring.
People’s financial goals change as they get older. Not everyone wants to retire to Florida and play golf anymore. Especially the trendsetters of Gen X, who grew up with grunge and are the last generation to come of age before the internet. Many folks now want to go back to school, pursue a more fulfilling career, travel the world, or dedicate their lives to changing the world for the better.
Studies show that Gen X is actually better prepared for retirement than many think. They’re more confident in their own abilities than ever before and have a generally high level of financial literacy. Those of this generation also love to learn new things and are ready to adopt whatever techniques they need to ensure they’re ready for retirement.
The bottom line
It’s never too early to start saving for retirement, whether you’re in your teens or in your 70s. You may have to adjust your expectations or make some lifestyle choices you never pictured yourself doing (we hear Thailand and Cyprus are fabulous places to retire) but no matter what age you are, you can develop a solid investment plan for growing your wealth and securing your financial future. Especially with the assistance of an experienced and qualified advisor.
If you’re not sure what the best retirement investment strategy is for your age, don’t panic! We can definitely help you create a plan to maximize your earning potential and reach your goals, no matter how young you are. Let’s start a conversation — give us a call or send an email today!