When you think about retirement, what comes to mind? The extravagant vacations you'll take? The smaller home you'll buy? That snowbird property you've eyed in Arizona? Maybe you're just excited to not wake up to your alarm everyday?
Whatever your retirement dreams may be, the pathway to retirement is a winding road full of detours, road blocks and icy patches. One moment your TFSA is maxed out and your RSP contributions are steady, and the next you may get laid off and need to use your savings, or your roof starts to leak and a big repair bill comes up - there's just no telling what can happen in the future!
The best way to face these many (and sometimes costly) surprises - without feeling the anxiety about your future - is to have an in depth and detailed retirement plan in place.
Retirement plan, spending plan, financial plan, savings plan - all of these terms we use interchangeably because to us, retirement requires a plan in place as early as possible to ensure you are "retireable". The better you understand the Practical, Emotional and Family Implications of a life transition, the easier it is to create a financial plan that will provide peace of mind.
The goal of retirement planning is to maintain choice, control and independence throughout your retirement years. Planning provides an opportunity to think about things ahead of time so we have time to create a plan to increase the likelihood of completing those goals.
We have created four different checklists that help you organize your path to retirement. They are divided into four different time frames listed below:
2 to 10 Years Before Retirement
2 Years before Retirement
Living in Retirement
Financial Planning is important because the process enables you to clearly identify your priorities and focus your resources on obtaining your objectives. The goal of financial planning is to map out what you have now, identify where you want to go, and build a financial plan to get you there.
The Financial Planning Process
Financial Planning is an ongoing process that includes:
We also look into estate and tax planning, insurance planning, business succession planning, philanthropic services and lending services.
To get started on a financial plan, we have created the following work booklet to fill out. It can be as detailed as you want and is a great way to lay out all of your income sources, your debts, and your spending habits.
We know times are changing, and in this fast paced - need-it-now world, it can be difficult to find advisors and financial representatives you can put your trust in to. Our team and our extended team of professionals take great pride in providing our clients with the services they need, and leaving out the things they don't. The above link provides you with the many facets of BMO's holistic approach to wealth management - an approach we implement with every client - no matter how big or small.
Achieving your financial goals is not an overnight feat. It takes careful planning and execution, and it lasts a lifetime. Planning can be less stressful and time consuming with the proper team behind you, supporting your every step.
Below are a few more articles you may find useful regarding your own retirement plan. And as always, please contact our team with any questions or concerns about your retirement options. We are always happy to help!