an adult daughter hugs her mother after learning about steps to pursue early retirement from Gate City Investment Services

Early Retirement: 7 Key Steps to Pursuing Financial Freedom.

Early retirement takes smart planning and investing. The good news: It’s possible if you follow some basic tips!

Imagine being able to explore your passions, travel and enjoy more free time – long before the usual retirement age. It’s easy to see why you’re thinking about early retirement! To get there, it’s important to keep some tips in mind.

  1. Have goals

    When planning for early retirement, start by asking yourself some important questions, like:

    • When do I want to retire?
    • What type of lifestyle do I want?
    • How long do I need my savings to last?
    • Where do I want to live?

    Everyone’s retirement looks different, so it’s important to set clear goals and plan ahead.

  2. Check your finances

    To retire early, you need to have enough money for the lifestyle you want. For example, to retire at 50, there’s a good chance you’ll need enough savings to cover 30-40 years of living expenses.

Pro Tip:

Make sure you’re saving as much as you can, especially with a 401(k) or 403(b) retirement account. If you’re 50 or older, you can save even more with catch-up options.

  1. Set up income

    It’s important to have multiple income sources for retirement. Some examples are extra savings, rental income or a part-time job.

    Remember, if you retire before age 59½ and withdraw from accounts like a traditional IRA or 401(k), you could face a 10% penalty. Social Security benefits start at age 62, with full benefits ready at 67.

  2. Mind your spending

    In the first years of retirement, many people are surprised by how much they spend. With more free time, it can be easy to splurge. Don’t burn through your money too fast!

  3. Plan for health care

    Health care can be a big expense in retirement. Since Medicare doesn’t kick in until age 65, carefully plan for your needs and know how it will affect your savings. A health savings account (HSA) could be a helpful tool.

  4. Stay active

    It’s important to create a routine, socialize and keep setting goals in retirement. To stay healthy and happy, focus on what you enjoy and discover what gives your life meaning.

  5. Chat with an advisor

    Planning for early retirement requires regular reviews of your finances. Schedule check-ins with a knowledgeable financial advisor to help stay on track with your goals.

Making Early Retirement a Reality.

No matter what your early retirement looks like, you can pursue your goals with a strong plan and help from an advisor who cares. We’re here to support you every step of the way – contact us today!

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