5 Must-Have Long-Term Goals for A Secure Future

Published on: 04 September 2018 Last Updated on: 12 November 2021

Most of us would agree that it’s vital to set goals and make plans to achieve them. People do it all the time. For instance:

Goal: ‘Lose 5kg’

Plan: ‘Eat less and exercise more’

But financial goals, which are the life-changing goals of all, are often put on the back burner. Retiring early, setting up a business, or building an investment portfolio worth millions can all seem a bit too hard. You should prepare long-term goals that can help you to achieve your objectives. However, it’s not! With a bit of understanding and help, financial goals can be set, plans can be put into place, and the desired nest egg can be achieved. Here are a few long-term goals worth setting:

1. Having an Emergency Fund for The Rainy Days :

Life can bring economic uncertainty to many, and even for the financially secure, life happens, in the form of domestic catastrophes, medical bills, and other unplanned expenses. Therefore, it’s vital to have an emergency fund that can offer peace of mind and financial relief in such untoward situations. As a general rule, it’s good to have an emergency fund that would cover three to six months of your living expenses. So, calculate and know how much you need and set aside a certain amount from your paycheck every month. Over the years, this fund will grow, which you can use in case of an unexpected event, or when you are in financial strain.

2. Ditching Debts and Dues for Good :

Being in debt can be a stressful experience for anyone, and no matter what your circumstance is, if you have a loan, you are obligated to pay it back. Even if you have life-altering experiences like getting into an accident, losing your job, or increased expenses due to having a child.

Hence, repaying the outstanding debt and clearing of all dues is important, especially to know where you stand with respect to money matters. A simple way to clear your debts is to develop a budget that tracks your income and expenses. This will help know whether you have money left over, called the surplus. The goal is to increase the surplus and use it to pay down your debt.

3. Building Your Retirement Fund :

Although retirement may feel like a million years away, it doesn’t matter – now is the time to plan for your retirement. Investing and saving is a critical part of leading a financially independent life post-retirement. The good news is, investing even a small amount each month will pay off later in life.

Along these lines, decide what you will need during your golden years – expenses like healthcare, household costs, and additional leisure expenses. Once you know your needs, find a suitable retirement plan which can cater to those. Put simply, save, invest, and ensure yourself as a fallback option for your future.

4. Funding Your Child’s Higher Education :

Your child’s dreams can become a reality when you support him or her, emotionally and financially. Quality education should be on your and your child’s wish list. Setting up an investment plan that can help with the higher education of your child is a good idea. To do so, find a reliable child education plan that can help you create a substantial corpus for your child’s education and future needs.

5. Expanding Assets for Your Family :

Other than making arrangements for expenses, it is essential to create a secure base of wealth for your loved ones so that you can support them and maintain the lifestyle you have now. Investment in unit-linked insurance plans (ULIPs)is a good way to achieve financial growth as well as protect your family’s future in your absence. ULIPs enable you to make significant returns with a relatively low investment every month, while also offering insurance protection to you. Other benefits of unit-linked insurance plans are:

Flexibility to choose your fund option- equity, debt or balanced
Encourages goal-based saving for child education, retirement etc.
The top-up facility gives the flexibility to change your premium amount
You can opt for riders like Critical Illness and Accidental Death benefit
You get ULIP tax benefits under Section 80C and Section 80D

It’s never too late to get started. Pick one or all the financial goals listed above and start setting yourself up for your secure future.

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Preparing For A Happy And Healthy Retirement

Healthy Aging: Preparing for Healthy Retirement in Your 40s

As people hit their 40s, many of them start thinking about the future, especially their retirement. It's a time when they begin to contemplate the quality of life they want to enjoy once they bid farewell to the daily grind of work. While envisioning leisurely days and fulfilling experiences during retirement is exciting, it's crucial to remember that good health is the foundation for a happy and healthy retirement. This article will delve into the importance of maintaining good health in midlife and explore how it intersects with the financial side of retirement planning. The Role Of Health In Retirement Planning When it comes to planning for your golden years, health should be a top priority. After all, what good is a hefty retirement savings if you're not in good health to enjoy it? This is where the expertise of a retirement advisor can prove invaluable. These professionals specialize in helping individuals like you prepare for retirement by taking into account various factors, including your health. Prioritizing Your Health In your 40s, it's the perfect time to take stock of your health and make necessary adjustments. Regular exercise, a balanced diet, and proper stress management become even more critical. These habits not only improve your current well-being but also set the stage for a healthier future. Healthcare And Insurance Planning One of the key aspects of health in retirement planning is understanding the financial implications of healthcare. Medical expenses can quickly eat into your retirement savings if you're not adequately prepared. This is where a financial advisor with expertise in retirement strategy can be your guiding light. Retirement Income Planning Retirement income planning is an essential component of securing your financial future. It involves estimating your retirement expenses, including healthcare costs, and then determining how to generate income to cover those expenses. This process may involve various income sources, such as pensions, Social Security, and personal savings. Retirement Planning Services Many financial institutions offer specialized Retirement Planning Services to help you navigate the complexities of planning for your retirement years. These services can provide you with personalized strategies tailored to your unique financial situation and goals. The Cost Of Healthcare In Retirement Here's a closer look at the financial aspect of healthcare planning for retirement. Healthcare costs tend to increase with age, making it a significant consideration in your retirement budget. Here are some key factors to keep in mind: Medicare Coverage Most Americans become eligible for Medicare at age 65, which can provide essential coverage for hospital stays and medical services. However, Medicare doesn't cover all healthcare expenses, and you may need supplemental insurance to bridge the gaps. Long-Term Care Another critical aspect of healthcare planning is considering the potential need for long-term care. Long-term care insurance can help protect your assets in case you require assistance with activities of daily living, such as bathing or dressing. Prescription Medications The cost of prescription medications can also add up in retirement, especially if you have chronic health conditions. It's essential to budget for these expenses and explore options like Medicare Part D for prescription drug coverage. Building A Retirement Nest Egg To ensure a happy and healthy retirement, it's crucial to start building a robust retirement nest egg in your 40s. Here are some strategies to consider: Maximize Retirement Account Contributions Take full advantage of employer-sponsored retirement plans like 401(k)s and individual retirement accounts (IRAs). 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Conclusion In your 40s, the journey to a happy and healthy retirement begins with prioritizing your health and making sound financial decisions. Seek guidance from a professional like a retirement advisor or financial advisor who specializes in retirement planning strategies. Remember that maintaining good health is the cornerstone of enjoying your retirement to the fullest, and proper healthcare and insurance planning are integral parts of your financial strategy. By taking proactive steps now, you can set yourself on the path to a fulfilling and prosperous retirement, both financially and in terms of your overall well-being. Read Also: Smart Ways to Invest in Gold How To Start Your Investor Journey: 5 Credible Options To Explore What Investors Should Know about Investment in Gold and Silver Assets

How to Select the Best Investment Plan for Your Child?

As parents, you want many things for your child - happiness, health, and a secure financial future. You also want that your child should excel in his/her career. Just imagine your kiddo becoming a star athlete or a budding biologist or a successful entrepreneur who appears in headlines from time to time. Your joy will know no bounds! However, when you want to provide the best of everything to your child, you will have to move beyond the basic parenting skills and contribute to his/her holistic growth. For that purpose, it is sensible to save money for your child’s future and keep him/her financially secure, even in your absence. A good way to start is to invest in an Online Savings Plan, popularly known as ‘Child Investment Plan’. An online savings plan serves the dual purpose of investment and insurance. Most importantly, it fulfils two major requirements: It secures your child’s future financially It provides financial aid at various stages of your child’s life such as higher education, starting a business, or getting married However, with several child investment plans available in the market today, it can become difficult to choose the plan that best meets your child’s needs. Following tips will help you make an informed decision: Determine the Monetary Value Attached to Your Child’s Dreams As a responsible parent, your first step should be identifying and prioritizing your child’s goals and the monetary value attached to them. The two main goals for which you would need significant financial funding is your child’s education and marriage. As far as education is considered, for the time being, decide your child’s goal on behalf him/her and know for sure when the cash is required. Reach a decision, for instance - "I am saving for my son’s engineering degree in 2025, and I may require 20 lakhs for the same". Along these lines, calculate the required funds while taking into consideration the year of the requirement for the respective milestones. Also, with respect to your child’s education, don’t just consider funds for primary and higher education, but also plan for extracurricular activities. In short, make estimates of the amount you intend to spend on your child’s education or marriage. Doing so will help you choose the premium amount and the policy term for the best child investment plan. Go for Equity-linked Online Saving Plans If you have a higher risk appetite for equities and a considerable investment time frame (more than 10 years), you can consider opting for an online savings plan. It is essentially a unit-linked child investment plan that offers you investment as well as insurance feature in a single product. Further, this plan provides multiple investment options like equity, debt and balanced funds. So, if you have a longer investment timeframe, you can go for equity funds as investing in equities for longer duration gives the best returns. On the other hand, if you have a lower appetite, you can go for an online savings plan that offers a balanced mix of growth and debt funds. Remember that just choosing to invest for your child is not enough. Selecting the right investment plan is most important! Therefore, while making your investment decision consider the amount you can spare for investment, your income, cost of higher education, time in hand, and the level of risk. Look for Premium Waiver Benefit Almost all insurers, including Max Life Insurance, offer child plans with premium waiver benefit as a key feature of the base plan. This benefit acts as the most vital feature in case of demise of the parent. In such a situation, the child plan pays a lump sum amount to the nominee. Further, the insurer waives off all future premium, and the plan continues to be active until the entire policy term. This ensures that the maturity benefit remains intact as planned. Check for Provision of Partial Withdrawals Online saving plans also allow partial withdrawals on fixed intervals. The idea behind such partial withdrawals is to allow parents to meet the financial needs of their kids at the key milestones in their life such as admissions for extracurricular activities, admissions in educational institutions, or marriage. This option is also helpful for meeting unplanned expenses in case of medical emergencies. Other Factors to Consider for Child Investment Planning Start investing early. It will help achieve your investment target easily. Also, ‘Power of Compounding’ will play an important role when it comes to investing for your child’s future Know the different premium payment modes. You can opt to pay premiums on monthly, quarterly, half-yearly or annual basis Invest in a plan that offers a well-balanced mix of equity and debt funds Track your investment at regular intervals and make appropriate changes if required Select a tax-efficient investment option Concluding Today many insurers have come up with attractive child investment plans. However, you need to be judicious about what plan you want to opt for. Also, while making your decision don’t forget to consider criteria like time horizon and age of your child. We hope that this guide will help you choose the right plan for your child and make his or her dreams a reality! Read Also: Investing And Trading 101: Investment Ideas For Newbies How Digital Advisors Have Transformed The Investment Sector Pros And Cons Of Oil And Gas Investment

The Benefits Of Stock Market Investing: Potential For High Returns And Long-Term Growth

Investing in the stock market in Singapore can be daunting, especially for those who need to become more familiar with financial markets. However, if done correctly and carefully, investing in stocks can have significant benefits that outweigh any associated risks. One of the most attractive features of stock market investing is its potential for high returns. Although there is always a risk that the value of an investment can decrease, if done correctly, stock market investing can yield returns much higher than those offered by fixed-rate investments such as bonds or certificates of deposit. Furthermore, these high returns often come with lower levels of volatility than other types of investments, meaning investors are less likely to experience sudden and dramatic losses. In addition to its potential for high returns, stock market investing offers long-term growth opportunities. As companies mature and expand their operations, their stocks become more valuable, allowing investors to generate steady income streams through dividends and capital gains when they sell their shares at a higher price than they initially purchased them for. Another advantage of investing in the stock market is its liquidity. Unlike other types of investments, stocks can typically be bought or sold quickly and relatively easily, providing investors with great flexibility in managing their portfolios, which means that investors can take advantage of short-term opportunities or exit positions when necessary, without worrying about being unable to liquidate an investment. Another benefit of stock market investing is that it allows investors to diversify their portfolios. By spreading their investments across different sectors, industries, and companies, investors can protect themselves from losses due to fluctuations in one particular area or sector of the marketplace. Additionally, this diversification helps spread risk so that potential losses are not concentrated in one area. In addition, investing in the stock market can be a great way to grow wealth over time. Investors need to have patience and not become discouraged by short-term losses likely to occur occasionally; wise investments will pay off over the long run. What Are The Potential Risks Of Stock Trading, And How To Mitigate Them? Investing in the stock market can be enriching, but it also comes with risks that must be managed. While potential rewards can be significant and long-term growth is possible, investors should understand the risks to make informed decisions. Market Volatility One of the primary risks associated with stock trading is market volatility. Stock prices can fluctuate dramatically due to economic conditions or other external factors, meaning there’s always a chance for losses if investments are not monitored carefully. Additionally, stock prices may become overly inflated due to speculation, causing them to drop drastically when the bubble bursts. This type of risk is especially prevalent during times of economic uncertainty. Liquidity Risk Another risk investors face is liquidity risk, which occurs when an investment cannot be readily liquidated or sold off at its current market value; this could lead to losses if stocks must be sold off at a lower price than their original purchase value. Investors should always research markets carefully before committing their money and avoid investing in stocks with low liquidity. Currency Risk Currency risk is another factor that should be considered when investing in stocks traded on foreign exchanges. The exchange rate between currencies constantly fluctuates, which may cause unexpected losses if one currency appreciates while another depreciates unexpectedly; this risk can be mitigated by diversifying investments across different currencies and countries. Political And Legal Risks In addition, political and legal risks can also affect stock trading performance; changes in government policy or regulations could hurt certain stocks or industries, and this should always be considered when making investment decisions. The Steps Investors Can Take To Mitigate These Risks Fortunately, there are steps that investors can take to mitigate these risks and increase their chances of successful stock trading. Diversification is critical; spreading investments across various sectors, companies, and regions reduces exposure to any single company or asset class going through a downturn while allowing one sector or area to outperform others when necessary. Additionally, investors must stay up-to-date on the news related to the markets they’re invested in; this will allow them to make better-informed decisions about when it’s time to enter or exit positions and diversify away from any particular industry or asset class if necessary. Finally, leveraging expert advice from professionals familiar with financial markets like Saxo Capital Markets Singapore also helps reduce risk by giving investors more information about potential opportunities and warning signs of impending downturns so they can take proactive steps before any losses occur. The Final Word With careful planning and research, the stock market can be a great way to grow wealth. By considering the numerous benefits of stock market investing, such as the potential for high returns and long-term growth, investors can take advantage of opportunities to maximize their returns while minimizing risk. With this in mind, investors should look into more information about stock market investing before taking the plunge. While risk is always involved, careful research and planning can help minimize those risks and provide an opportunity for successful investing. 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5 Must-Have Long-Term Goals for A Secure Future