In many cases, your first step should be to open an IRA and contribute as much as allowable each year. Because of the potential for tax-deferred, compounded earnings, IRAs offer similar long-term growth opportunities as employer-sponsored plans. In addition, you may qualify for tax-deductible contributions or tax-free withdrawals, depending on whether you invest in a regular IRA or a Roth IRA.

Another tax-advantaged option to consider is annuities. Generally purchased from a life insurance company, a typical annuity features the potential for tax-deferred growth beginning at some future time (usually retirement). Depending on the type of annuity, you may have several options in how you ultimately take distributions.

Finally, don’t forget about traditional investments (e.g., stocks, bonds, mutual funds). Most of these vehicles are taxable, but they can still help you over the long term. The specific types of investments you select will depend on your risk tolerance, time horizons, liquidity needs, and goals for retirement. A financial professional can help you construct a portfolio that makes sense for you.

Before investing in a mutual fund, carefully consider its investment objectives, risks, fees, and expenses, which are contained in the prospectus available from the fund. Review the prospectus carefully, including the discussion of fund classes and fees and how they apply to you.

Fortunately, you may have no need to despair. The further you are from retirement, the more time you have to resolve the expected shortfall. Even if you are closing in on retirement, there may be steps you can take to bridge the gap. In some cases, the best solution is to cut back current expenses and use that money toward retirement. This will enable you to put more money into your IRA, 401(k), and other retirement savings vehicles. Although you may not think you spend much on dining out and entertainment, such expenses really add up over time. Eliminating large purchases like boats and other luxury items will also make a big difference. Another way to save a bundle is to look into public colleges where your child can get a quality education for a fraction of what a private college costs.

But you might be unwilling to make such sacrifices. If so, or if you simply can’t afford to save any more than you already are, consider investing more aggressively. Weight your portfolio more heavily toward stocks and growth mutual funds, and less toward fixed-income securities. A more aggressive investment portfolio exposes you to heightened volatility, but it may also provide a much greater return over the long run. The result: a potentially larger nest egg for you to draw on during retirement.

Before investing in a mutual fund, carefully consider its investment objectives, risks, fees, and expenses, which are contained in the prospectus available from the fund. Review the prospectus carefully, including the discussion of fund classes and fees and how they apply to you.

Another alternative is to lower your planned expenses during retirement by setting more modest goals. Instead of buying that beach mansion on the Riviera, settle for a smaller house a few miles from the ocean.

Similarly, instead of taking expensive trips around the world on a regular basis, travel closer to home and less often. The idea of a more frugal retirement lifestyle may not appeal to you, but financial reality may require it.

You can take a variety of other steps to make sure that retirement income will at least keep pace with retirement expenses. Some of the most common: work part-time during retirement or simply put off retiring until you’re in a better financial position. Consult your financial planner for further advice.

Please call me to find out more information, Jennifer Williams, President J. Williams Personal Financial Planning: 413 S. Curry St, Tehachapi, California Office Phone 661-822-7517 Office Email: jennifer.williams@npbfg.com Jennifer is a Registered Financial Consultant. She has over 20 years of experience in the industry.

Article is Courtesy of Forefiled, LLC

Securities offered through NPB Financial Group, LLC. A Registered Investment Advisor/Broker-Dealer Member FINRA, MSRB, and SIPC.