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Essay / SAM REARDON - INTRO - 1303
How much should I save? A retired person needs around 75% of their net salary from recent years, in order to live the way they have become accustomed to. Let's take the example of a 40 year old who earns $75,000 per year. If we assume a retirement age of 65 and the likelihood of living into his mid-80s, then he will need approximately $750,000 to $1,000,000 in retirement. That sounds like a lot of money, but it's not. If he retires with $750,000 and withdraws $50,000 each year, it will be gone by the time he reaches 80. A pension being withdrawn requires careful management, and a return of 3% per year would be quite an achievement. Adding that to the mix gives him an extra $11,250 per year. Under these assumptions, the pension would provide $48,750 per year, until exhausted at age 85. If the starting amount was $1 million, we ended up with $65,000 over the same period. Sobering, isn't it? Age 65, lump sum pension of $750,000 Pension - $37,500 per year, over 20 to age 85 Interest at 3% per annum adds Additional $11,250Total - $48,750 per yearThe illustrations I have provided here are just to give you an idea of the numbers and are not meant to be a perfect retirement prescription. Anyone who claims to be able to accurately calculate the cost of living, investment returns and lifespan of an individual twenty years from now is foolhardy. I also assumed that the salary remains the same and no other assets or liabilities are involved. However, it gives you an idea and a starting point. I can generate a more realistic projection when I know more about your age, income level and spending habits. I like the idea of retiring with a million dollars. Let's assume you accept this as a starting point, based on middle of paper......change the card number or business contacts ASAP. I don't want my client's investment reports to be sent to the wrong address or for policies to lapse due to a payment issue. I also like to know about a client's other investment projects because I can help them from time to time. Certainly, if a client is considering a major investment, like buying a home in a foreign country, I want to know more..• Focus on your career. This is the most important investment you will ever make. The following pages give a more detailed overview of how you can generate enough capital for a comfortable retirement, and I use the Royal Skandia Regular Savings Plan to illustrate what this involves. A similar approach is involved in educational planning. I also include information on the types of assets available to an investor and my views on investment strategy..