It’s not unusual for the market to take a turn in a not-so-ideal direction. But if you are on the cusp of retirement, you may be wondering if retirement is an option at all. While the market changes can be painful for a lot of investors, the good news is that it is not permanent. You don’t need to delay retirement if you have a solid strategy in place.
Looking at retiring within the next year? Here are Five Tips To Consider When Retiring in a Bear Market:
1. KEEP CASH ON HAND
Instead of tapping into your investment accounts, a better strategy would be to have liquid assets on hand that you can utilize until market conditions improve. Ideally, having a few years’ worth of liquid assets that you can utilize will ensure that you don’t have to sell your stocks at a loss. Additionally, by reevaluating your expenses, you may be able to find areas that you can cut so you can reallocate that money to savings.
2. DON’T MAKE RASH DECISIONS
Though the market conditions may worry you, now is not the time to panic and sell off assets. Keeping your assets invested is likely the right move for your long-term plan. If you pull your money out too soon, you could miss out on the recovery. It’s good to keep in mind that there will always be ups and downs when it comes to the market.
3. REBALANCE ASSET ALLOCATIONS IF NECESSARY
A market downturn is not the time to ignore your assets in your retirement accounts. Review your TSP account and make sure that the allocations of your assets make sense. If navigating these assets is challenging for you, find a knowledgeable Fed-Focused Advisor that can help guide you through rebalancing your assets if needed.
4. ELIMINATE DEBT
Note that when the Feds raise interest rates, the interest on credit cards raises as well. If you are carrying credit card debt, you may consider consolidating it with a lower APR to help you eliminate any debts faster.
5. UNDERSTAND YOUR VARIOUS INCOME SOURCES
As a federal employee, your three main income sources are your pension, TSP, and Social Security. Not all of these income sources are affected by the stock market. Social Security does not invest any of its funds into the market and does not impact your benefits. Understanding how all the puzzle pieces fit into your monthly income will help you devise the right strategy to help you get across the retirement finish line.
READY FOR THE NEXT STEP?
If you have any questions regarding your federal retirement, Benchmark Financial Group is here to help. We will take a closer look at your financial situation because retirement may be closer than you think! Schedule an appointment today with Benchmark Financial Group by filling out the form online or calling David Raetz at 913-534-8256 to discuss your financial needs. Benchmark Financial Group is happy to help you navigate your options and determine the best path to move toward your financial goals.
*Securities and Advisory Services Offered Through CreativeOne Securities, LLC Member FINRA/SIPC and an Investment Advisor. Benchmark Financial Group, LLC and CreativeOne Securities, LLC are not affiliated.
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