While actual retirement may be far away or perhaps closer than you’d like, saving is paramount. Our credit counseling advice is to start now. And with saving also comes investing and diversification. Fortunately, there are many ways to diversify your retirement savings. Learn why it’s important to diversify your retirement investments to protect your assets and plans.
ACCC has tips on how to diversify your retirement savings.
How to Diversify Your Retirement Savings
As we talk about retirement saving and investing, it’s important to keep your specific goals and situation in mind. Use this article to get some ideas of how to apply your resources to have a robust retirement portfolio. Speak with your financial advisor to make a cohesive plan to accomplish all those retirement goals. And now, here are several options on ways you can spread your retirement savings around.
Stock Market
The stock market is one of the most talked about retirement savings choices out there. Whether you have a 401(k) or are just investing on your own, a portfolio on the stock exchange can make you serious dough. Within this retirement investment should be additional diversification- low to high risk investments, asset allocation funds, index funds, different types of businesses, etc. Additionally, there are lots of options that can adapt with you as your willingness to be risky changes over time. As we have seen, the stock market can crash. That’s one reason to spread out your wealth building.
Save Liquid Cash
Cash is king. Saving a decent sum of cash in the bank can make a big difference for your retirement finances and stability. In the event of a stock market crash, cash savings can give you and your investments time to recover. Instead of withdrawing when everything is low from the market, a cash savings could help you to delay that withdraw and recoup some of your money. It’s also already taxed and easily accessible. So have fun!
Real Estate
Between your own home and the potential of investment properties, real estate can be a great way to diversify your retirement savings. Hopefully, you knocked out your mortgage early and are now adding that payment to other investments. You can also invest in your home to make it more friendly towards retirement and resale. You may consider selling the house as part of your retirement savings. Use the money to travel or join a senior living community that is more familiar with your health and independence as you age.
Pension
Pensions are not available to many Americans finding jobs today. However, for those with pensions or their spouses, these can be a great tool in retirement savings. Money is added to a pension over the course of an employee’s time with a company. At the right age, that person can withdraw from their pension. Benefits shift to spouses if they pass away. There is no risk- the investment must be protected and recovered by your employer. You receive payments for life and are guaranteed. However, there is no early access to the money or the ability to take advantage of jumps in the market which stay with your employer.
CD Accounts
Certificate of deposit or CD accounts are a simple, carefree way to earn a little interest with a savings account. The interest rate for CD accounts fluctuate. It can range anywhere between 1-4%. According to Nerd Wallet, there are short, mid and long-term lengths for the accounts.
- Short-term: 3-12 months
- Mid-term: 1-3 years
- Long-term: 4-5 years
The longer you keep your money with the bank, the better your rate will be. However, you are locked into those years without the ability to withdraw your money.
Social Security Income
Social security income can be a nice boost to your retirement savings. By meeting a certain number of work credits, you will be eligible for these benefits. SSI should not be considered your primary income during retirement. It is intended for supplemental use. Additionally, the longer you wait to withdrawal these funds, the higher your payments will be.
Work Part-time
Finally, you can opt to work part-time to diversify your retirement savings. A part-time job can be a great way to stay active, engaged and profitable! You may be able to stay within your current company carrying a smaller load of responsibility. You could also look for a different job with fewer hours in another field.
We cannot stress the importance of saving more. Plus, you need to spread out your wealth to avoid a total collapse of your investments if things go south. It will take planning, discipline and an understanding of where and what you want to do in retirement to diversify your retirement savings.
If you’re struggling to pay off debt, ACCC can help. Schedule a free credit counseling session with us today!
