At this very moment the stock market is pretty uncertain and if you are banking on the financial systems recovering you could end up in crying over the losses, let alone any of the profits you have gathered over the years.
In a nutshell, here are eight things you should all ready be doing to protect your financial future and not just plan on the company 401K to get you through it:
1. You should be saving 30-35% of your take home pay into interest bearing accounts like bank or credit union CD's that you can save for shorter periods of time at higher interest rates. When they mature roll them into another high interest bearing CD and just keep reinvesting the initial amount and the profits. When they get to a favorable size split them in two CD's and keep investing the money and watch it compound and grow a lot faster and safer. Over time slowly invest back into the market using dollar cost averaging.
2. Consider moving a percentage of your 401K into an Roth IRA " the point is not to take all your money out of the 401K but rather just a portion of your employer sponsored 401K plan especially if your employer has a matching contribution to your 401K. Your employers contribution is free money for you to grow your 401K, so you do not want to lose that income stream.
3. One of the safest investing vehicles in the market place are money is much more safer when you invest in bonds rather than stocks. and you don't have to worry about a depleting stock market.
4. Clear your debts before retirement. There is nothing worse than retiring and having to work at your local taco stand because you still have debt to pay off and can't enjoy your golden years. There you are standing next to some kid young enough to be your grandchild and having to call him/her boss. That is not a fun retirement.
5. Pay off your mortgage ahead of time while you are younger. Make an effort to pay your mortgage using a mortgage accelerator program and you could pay your mortgage off within 15 years instead of 30 years and save yourself the interest. The best part is that you can do this without spending more or changing your lifestyle.
6. Set up an emergency fund in a separate account for those annoying little emergencies we all need petty cash for, so you are not tempted into dipping into your retirement funds.
7. When considering your insurance costs, a great idea is to have your home insured at the replacement value, not market value of the home. The same principle will apply for your car. You do not have want to have your car insured at the minimum state value when you reside in a better district or neighborhood. The idea is to have a better insurance coverage for your lifestyle and you may want to possibility of having umbrella coverage to reduce your insurance cost.
8. Getting sick or injuring, yourself could deplete your savings or 401K if you do not have proper Health insurance. Just to elaborate, imagine slipping in the bathroom or injuring your knees. Therefore, you know that you could pay in the region of $6,000 just for the surgery and well over for doctors visits. Which is ridiculous.
The goal is to begin working on one item at time so that you do not get overwhelmed. The key is to set a timeframe and ensure you are able to complete each goal to protect your retirement income and your family in retirement.
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