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Sign 1: Your plan lacks clarity

From a distance, vowing to go wherever life leads — a new boat, a waterside home, even #vanlife — looks romantic. But without some sense of what you want for your post-work life, it can be hard to know what you can afford versus how much money you’ll truly need.

Many investment experts suggest you should budget about 80% of your current salary each year to maintain your current lifestyle. Will you retire completely or work to pay some bills? If you’re retiring completely, you’ll need to meet your full goal first.

Consider future housing options as well. Do you plan to age in place or downsize to a downtown apartment or independent living?

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Sign 2: You need a 401(k) refresher

Employer 401(k) accounts remain a primary retirement investment vehicle for millions of Americans. In 2022, workers under 50 can contribute a maximum of $20,500 to their plan annually. If you’re over 50, that jumps to $27,000.

Still have money to save? Consider a Roth IRA, which uses post-tax contributions to pay out tax-free in retirement. But contributions cap at $6,000 for younger workers and $7,000 for those over 50.

If your goal with any remaining cash is to simplify your investments, you may want to consider straight-up equity plays such as stocks or mutual funds. Just keep in mind you’ll be taxed on earnings.

Sign 3: You’re falling short on other money goals

Are you in debt? Check how much you’re putting in savings compared to paying off obligations like car loans, your mortgage and so on. If you’re contributing an amount that will put you above your retirement goal, kill off debt — especially high-interest credit cards and personal loans — before contributing to investment accounts.

Interest on debt will eventually drag on your savings, and potentially cause stress that can contribute to health and relationship issues. Almost half of couples with $50,000 or more in consumer debt say money is a top reason for arguments, according to a study from Ramsey Solutions.

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Putting it all together: strive for balance

If you want to know whether you’ll have all you need to live the life you want, think in terms of balancing your life as you balance the numbers.

Will you retire completely or work a little? Combining Social Security with retirement and other assets, will you have enough, too much or too little? One common rule of thumb is to follow the 4% rule for withdrawals, but it’s always best to consult a financial adviser to design a plan that meets your specific needs.

Finally, do you find yourself postponing some short-term goals such as taking well-earned vacations or simply socializing at a restaurant with friends? While it’s possible to overspend on today’s luxuries, there is value in enjoying your life now by spending within your means.

Of course, avoid confusing “wants” with “needs” and when purchasing important things like health or medical care items, take care to avoid contributing too freely to retirement accounts.

But remember: Satisfying short-term goals and deeply-held desires can be just as important as making your long-range retirement plans.

If there’s an affordable trip you’ve wanted to take, or an adventure you’ve waited years to begin, consider doing it now instead of hoping your health will allow it later.

Yes, you’ll be spending — but you’ll also invest in your happiness and cash in on your dreams.

Follow These Steps if you Want to Retire Early

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About the Author

Chris Clark

Chris Clark

Freelance Contributor

Chris Clark is freelance contributor with MoneyWise, based in Kansas City, Mo. He has written for numerous publications and spent 18 years as a reporter and editor with The Associated Press.

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The content provided on Moneywise is information to help users become financially literate. It is neither tax nor legal advice, is not intended to be relied upon as a forecast, research or investment advice, and is not a recommendation, offer or solicitation to buy or sell any securities or to adopt any investment strategy. Tax, investment and all other decisions should be made, as appropriate, only with guidance from a qualified professional. We make no representation or warranty of any kind, either express or implied, with respect to the data provided, the timeliness thereof, the results to be obtained by the use thereof or any other matter.