If your retirement contributions have recently been paused or disrupted, you're not alone. Saving for retirement is a top money priority for most people, but it's common to take a break when times are tough. As soon as you're able to, it's important to resume saving for your financial future.
Here are a few things you can do to help get your retirement savings back on track after a pause:
Reduce monthly expenses
One of the first steps to rebuilding your savings is to lower your living expenses. Whether it's by cutting out cable or cooking more meals at home, there are many ways to help free up money in your budget and find funds to put towards your retirement savings.
Rethink your retirement date
If you need more time to save, consider gradually phasing into retirement. Many soon-to-be retirees choose to continue working part-time to stay active and increase their retirement earnings. Using a retirement calculator can help you plan a target retirement date based on your current income and savings.
Keep going
When it comes to saving for retirement, consistency is key. If you're ready to restart your retirement savings, begin by making contributions through your employer's retirement plan. Try to contribute enough to receive the full employer match, if one is offered. If you're able to make additional contributions, consider the benefits of opening a traditional or Roth IRA to help you on the road to retirement.
Ask for help
At Wright-Patt Credit Union (WPCU), we understand that planning for retirement can be stressful even under the best of circumstances. If you're looking for one-on-one help with retirement planning, the experienced CFS* financial advisors and registered representatives on WPCU's Retirement Solutions Team, available through CUSO Financial Services, L.P. (“CFS"), are here to answer your questions and help make retirement planning a little easier.
Schedule a complimentary appointment today with one of our CFS Advisors to review your current retirement plan.