SAM REARDON - INTRO

1303 Words3 Pages

How Much Should I Save?
A person in retirement requires approximately 75% of their last years take home pay, in order to live in the manner to which they have become accustomed. Let’s take the example of a 40 year old, taking home $75,000 a year. If we assume a retirement age of 65, and the probability of living to the mid 80’s, then he needs about $750,000 to $1000, 000 at retirement. Sounds like a lot of money, but it’s not. If he retires with $750,000, and draws out $50,000 each year, it will be gone by the time he reaches 80. A pension in drawdown needs careful management, and a yield of 3% p.a would be quite an achievement. Adding this to the mix gives him another $11,250 a year. On these assumptions, the pension would provide $48,750 a year, until it runs out at age 85. If the staring amount was $1 million, we end up with $65,000 over the same period. Sobering, isn’t it?
Age 65, $750,000 pension lump sum
Pension payout - $37,500 a year, over 20 years to age 85
Interest at 3% p.a. adds another $11,250
Total - $48,750 a year

The illustrations I have provided here are just to give you an idea of the numbers and aren’t meant to be a perfect prescription for retirement. Anyone who claims they can accurately calculate the cost of living, the investment return and an individual’s life span twenty years into the future is being foolhardy. I have also assumed that the salary remains the same and that no other assets or liabilities are involved. However, it gives you an idea and something to start with. I can generate a more realistic projection when I know more about your age, income level and expenditure patterns.

I like the idea of retiring with a million dollars. Let’s assume you accept that as a starting point, based on an e...

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...edit card number, or work contacts as soon as possible. I do not want my client’s investment reports going to the wrong address or see policies lapse because of a payment issue. I also like to be aware of other investment plans that a client has, as I can help from time to time. Certainly if a client is considering a major investment, like buying a house in a foreign country, I want to know about it..
• Concentrate on your career. This is the most important investment you will ever make.

The following pages provide a more detailed look at how you can generate enough capital to comfortable retire on, and I use the Royal Skandia regular savings plan to illustrate what is involved. A similar approach is involved in education planning. I am also including some information about the types of assets that are available to an investor and my views on investment strategy.

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