COUNTERING THE NOTION OF NOT SAVING ENOUGH FOR RETIREMENT

Financial advisers always highlight the importance of saving for retirement. But many people are not saving everything for retirement, arguing they have plenty of time and money to enjoy mini-retirements or enjoy life now, not later.

When planning for retirement, remember to invest in health and wealth. Make your health condition your utmost priority especially while you are still gainfully employed. By doing so, you further your career advancement, productivity, skills, and well-being. Not to mention you avoid expensive healthcare costs.

Speaking of healthcare, physical well-being is one of the most overlooked aspects of retirement. It can affect your financial freedom in the future. To remain inspired and productive, take a break from work and exercise. Observe proper diet as well.

Have a work-life balance to improve mental well-being and job contentment. Take a break from time to time. Explore places, meet people, know cultures. Adhering to such work arrangements will help you design the retirement you desire to live.

Which is better: vacations or one-time, big-time retirement?

The best is to do both. Strike a boundary between living in the now and planning for retirement. As we have mentioned before, it is vital to take care of your overall well-being. Plan for mini-retirements, if you may. But forget not to map out your future plans. Even if technology has done a lot in advancing our daily lives, save every penny you can to reap the products of your hard work.

And of course, prepare for the rainy days. Have an emergency fund. Before allocating a certain amount of money for anything else, shield yourself for unexpected income shocks. Financial advisers often tell their clients to set aside money for at least three months worth of expenses. By having an emergency cushion, you prevent incurring unnecessary debts.

While there is nothing wrong with mini-vacations, do not abandon retirement planning (unless you are certain you will die anytime soon, which is not the case).