Helpful information for Oklahomans from wheat fields to city streets.
11/01/2023
For some people, planning for retirement in your 20s seems like a distant goal, something for your future self to deal with. Your 20s tend to be about building your career and having memorable experiences. The future may appear far off, but it’s never too early to start planning for retirement. In fact, your 20s are the perfect time to begin!
Before diving into retirement savings, it’s important to build up your emergency fund. This fund serves as a safety net for unexpected expenses like medical bills, car repairs, or job loss. Aim to save at least three to six months’ worth of living expenses. Having an emergency fund ensures that you won’t have to dip into your retirement savings prematurely in case of financial setbacks.
High-interest debt, such as credit card balances, can be a significant barrier to saving for retirement. The interest on these debts can quickly accumulate and erode your financial stability. Focus on paying off high-interest debts as a priority. Once they’re under control, you’ll have more disposable income to allocate to retirement savings!
Now that you’ve built up an emergency fund, you can start planning! The sooner you start planning for retirement, the better. Figure out your retirement goals by considering factors like when you want to retire, your desired lifestyle in retirement, and estimated expenses. Having a clear plan will keep you motivated and on track. Once you’ve decided on your goals, you can determine how you’re going to set up your retirement fund.
If your employer offers a 401(k) plan with a matching contribution, take full advantage of it. Think of it as free money for your retirement! Contribute enough to maximize the employer match. If your employer doesn’t offer a 401(k) matching benefit, consider opening a Roth IRA. Roth IRAs allow your contributions to grow tax-free, and you can withdraw your contributions (not earnings) penalty-free in case of emergencies.
Once you’ve established your retirement account, consider investing your contributions. Investing allows your money to grow over time, thanks to the power of compound interest. While investing carries some risk, it has historically provided higher returns compared to a traditional savings account, especially long term. By diversifying your investments across different account types, you can reduce risk and potentially maximize returns.
Life insurance is often overlooked when planning for retirement, but it can play a crucial role in ensuring financial security for you and your loved ones. Now is an excellent time to evaluate your life insurance coverage. Premiums are typically lower the younger you are and you may have more accumulated cash value the longer you keep your policy. Remember, life insurance isn’t one-size-fits all; there’s several options to choose from, like Whole Life, Term Life and Universal. Talk to your local OKFB agent to determine which option is right for you.
Remember that the key to planning for retirement in your 20s is consistency. Even small, regular contributions can grow significantly over time. The power of compounding can turn modest savings into a substantial retirement plan. Starting early will give you a significant advantage, allowing you to enjoy a financially secure retirement when the time comes. Your future self will thank you!
Whether you’re a longtime policyholder or just starting to look for insurance options, we’re here to help. If you have questions or concerns that you want to discuss, connect with your local OKFB agent today. If you have any insurance-specific questions, we would love to help you find the coverage that best meets your home, auto, commercial and life insurance needs.
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The information on this website is not a contract, as it is provided for general information to explain potential types of insurance coverages. Further, descriptions do not refer to any specific contract of insurance and they do not modify any definitions, exclusions or any other provision expressly stated in any contracts of insurance. Please read actual policy documents for important details on coverages, exclusions, limits, conditions, and terms. If there is any conflict between the summary and/or information on this website versus the policy documents, the policy documents shall control. Please contact an Oklahoma Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance Company (OFBMIC) Agent to learn more about insurance coverages offered by and through OFBMIC.
Life insurance and annuity products are offered through Farm Bureau Life Insurance Company/West Des Moines, IA and are intended for residents of AZ, IA, ID, KS, MN, MT, ND, NE, NM, OK, SD, UT, WI and WY.
