It's never too early and never too late. Here are a few retirement myths to start busting right now! Retirement planning myth articles might not be at the top of your weekend reading list but this one will take you less than three minutes to read and it could save you a lot of financial pain later.
Six Retirement Planning Myths
Myth #1. When I retire I won't need as much to live on.
Hogwash! How do you know what the cost of living is going to be? Sure the kids are off on their own and the house might be paid off but medical bills and cost of living are unpredictable. You should be able to live on less but why would you want to?
Myth #2. I'm a young pup and retirement is far, far away!
Get real dude, time flies when you're having fun and burning mun. Of course it's much easier to save a measly $29 a week at 34 than it is to save a whopping $240 at 54! That's about what it's going to take to have $200k in the old nest egg at 65. So there you have it. You can do it the hard we or the easy way. You decide oh youthful one!
Myth #3. My adorable children will take care of me.
Whoa! Haven't you been watching TV? Your kids are more likely to move back in with you than they are to take care of you! Think back a bit... didn't you preach to your kids about personal responsibility and good old independence? Keep your kids in your life but keep them out of your retirement planning.
Myth #4. I'm counting on social security to save my bacon!
Yeah, that will be the day when pigs fly. Uncle Sam hasn't figured out if there will even be any social security in another decade or two. If you want to hold onto a weak retirement strategy then just count on Uncle Sam to be there with that retirement check when you need it. You are better off counting on your own discipline and resourcefulness. You can start drawing social security at 62 but depending on your age, you might be better off to consider that as a bonus than a sure thing.
Myth #5. I don't have enough money to save or invest for retirement.
That might be true but then... maybe not. Take a hard look at where your money is going. Have you maximized your contributions to your 401(k) or other employer-sponsored retirement plans? Have you considered leveraging your home equity or other under-performing assets into safe and secure investments? Have you scrutinized your spending habits? Do you really need that satellite dish and 500 channels of mind numbing video? Do you really need the newest and shiniest shoes and chicest Chevy's? Even if you can only save a small amount each week, start now. Be consistent and automatic with savings and investing. You might never feel like it's enough but that is no reason to not to start.
Myth #6. I can't afford a financial planner.
Many financial planners are compensated by the companies they represent and therefore charge nothing to you unless you do business with them. Others charge for their time on an hourly or fee-based schedule. Find someone you trust and get references. Take your time, go slow and do a little homework. Retirement planning is all about the future but it needs to start today.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Social security claim
By: Bill | 08-08-2008
how to tracking a social security disability claim
How do i replace my lost social security card in ...
By: Billy | 08-08-2008
how do i replace my lost social security card in ct
Can you collect social security and a pension ...
By: Neleh | 01-08-2008
can you collect social security and a pension also
Repatriate funds
By: santhosh | 26-07-2008
I am an NRI working in the middle east for last 2 years and shortly resettling to Australia. The question is:
I have a property in India which was bought 12 years back while i was a resident indian.
Being an NRI,if i sell this property now, do i need to pay any capital appreciation (or any other ) tax for the fund received?
Can I get foreign exchange for repatriating the money to Australia and, if yes, what is the limit and how to proceed?
Please answer
Thanks
Santhosh
What should be done if someone steals your Social ...
By: ~!Question Queen Pinto Bean!~ | 18-07-2008
What should be done if someone steals your Social Security backpay check?
I know this was about 7 yrs. ago, but I'm still bothered by this. The crooked social worker ENCOURAGED the former foster mom to steal my checks (Soc. Sec. & a trust fund check) when I turned 18. Now I'm 24 & will be 25 next month. I didn't know my legal rights back then.
I went to college, & I have a degree. They tried to say I don't know how to manage my $$, when in fact, I DO. They just made up that lie so the foster mom could keep the check for herself. She never gave me the $$. The social worker MADE me sign the check over to the foster mom, but I didn't know what was going on @ the time. They lied & said that they put it in a savings bond.
In 2003, I got robbed by a homeless guy. He was a criminal to society, anyway. (I shouldn't be blamed. Not my fault). & when I ask the foster mom for my money, she says, "Go get it from that PUNK!"
Social Security refuses to do anything about it, & the bank says it's HER $$ & not mine. My name was on the check, & not hers.
What are todays rates?
By: mcdonaghrealty | 18-07-2008
What are todays rates?
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