Skip to main content
Start Here

8 Mistakes That Can Upend Your Retirement

 

8 Mistakes That Can Upend Your Retirement (1)

Pursuing your retirement dreams is challenging enough without making some common, and very avoidable, mistakes. Here are eight big mistakes to steer clear of, if possible.

 

1. no strategy

 Yes, the biggest mistake is having no strategy at all. Without a strategy, you may have no goals, leaving you no way of knowing how you’ll get there—and if you’ve even arrived. Creating a strategy may increase your potential for success, both before and after retirement.

 

2. frequent trading

 Chasing “hot” investments often leads to despair. Create an asset allocation strategy that is properly diversified to reflect your objectives, risk tolerance, and time horizon; then make adjustments based on changes in your personal situation, not due to market ups and downs.1

 

3. not maximizing tax-deferred savings

Workers have tax-advantaged ways to save for retirement. Not participating in your employer’s 401(k) may be a mistake, especially when you’re passing up free money in the form of employer-matching contributions.2

 

4. prioritizing college funding over retirement

Your kids’ college education is important, but you may not want to sacrifice your retirement for it. Remember, you can get loans and grants for college, but you can’t for your retirement.

 

5. overlooking healthcare costs

Extended care may be an expense that can undermine your financial strategy for retirement if you don’t prepare for it.

 

6. not adjusting your investment approach well before retirement

The last thing your retirement portfolio can afford is a sharp fall in stock prices and a sustained bear market at the moment you’re ready to stop working. Consider adjusting your asset allocation in advance of tapping your savings so you’re not selling stocks when prices are depressed.3

  • Retiring with Too Much Debt: If too much debt is bad when you’re making money, it can be deadly when you’re living in retirement. Consider managing or reducing your debt level before you retire.
  • It’s Not Only About Money: Above all, a rewarding retirement requires good health, so maintain a healthy diet, exercise regularly, stay socially involved, and remain intellectually active.

CONTENT PROVIDED BY FMG SUITE*

OK, SO HERE'S THE FINE PRINT:

INTERESTED IN SKYLA WEALTH?

our skyla wealth team is ready to help

Learn how Skyla Wealth's unique advantages and tailored services can enhance your financial future.

Learn More

Learning & Guidance

more resources for your financial journey