We are living longer than we used to, thanks to improved standards of living and better healthcare. Many people are enjoying longer retirements than they planned for, but that can come with the prospect of not being able to make ends meet in later life.
So the sooner you start saving for retirement, the more you’ll be able to save, and the more comfortable you’ll be.
Everyone’s situation is different, so there is no single rule to follow that will tell you exactly how much money you'll need for your retirement. It will depend on many factors, including:
A good starting point is to assume you will need between half and two-thirds of your salary, after tax is deducted, to maintain your current lifestyle.
You may be entitled to social security, but in most cases it will be difficult to live on this alone. You should plan to supplement any social security with savings and investments of your own if you possibly can. Remember, too, that the laws guiding social security may have changed by the time you reach retirement age.
You may find that your employer has elected to contribute toward your retirement plan in proportion to your own contributions, up to a defined amount. It can help to grow your savings significantly, and you may also be entitled to tax relief on the combined amount saved.
When planning for your future, here are three key points to keep in mind:
HSBC offers these articles for educational purposes only and they should not be considered professional or investment advice. While HSBC is pleased to offer these articles as an educational service to our customers, HSBC does not guarantee, warrant or recommend the opinion or advice or the product and/or services offered or mentioned in these articles. Any opinions, judgments, advice, statements, services, offers or other information presented within an article are those of a third party and not HSBC. For a comprehensive review of your personal finances, always consult with a tax or legal advisor. Neither HSBC, nor any of its representatives may give legal or tax advice.
HSBC has created the YourMoneyCounts financial wellness program which is presented by HSBC staff to the community in a classroom setting. Participant workbooks covering Budgeting, Credit, and Identity Theft and a budgeting worksheet are found through the YourMoneyCount link above. This program was created in partnership with the national nonprofit Greenpath Financial Wellness, and they provide free individualized support focused on your personal situation and financial wellness.
