Whether you are just about to graduate or you are trying to retire for the second time, what ‘hacks’ can be implemented to achieve sustainable financial independence?
The downturn continues to weigh heavily on the minds of those that struggled through it. However, as we continue to rebound from one of the worst recessions in American history, it is important to look forward. For some, it means making sure things are taken care of for the remainder of the month, or year. On the other hand, there are those that are looking towards retirement. That said; it is never too early to look at retirement. In fact, the sooner you begin to plan for retirement, the better.
If you are one of these forward-thinking individuals, consider the following hacks that could help you retire earlier, and with more comfort:
Watch Your Expenses
This doesn’t have to mean sacrificing every modern convenience, or penny pinching so tight that you can’t even buy a cup of coffee. However, it does mean keeping expenses, and in particular monthly financial obligations, in check. The biggest mistake most make once they begin earning more from a business is that they immediately start spending more. They immediately fill in the gap, and deplete any surplus by increasing payments on financed items. Some even constantly stretch above their income only to find they are ‘forced’ into taking risky short cuts.
Invest First
Invest for wealth building and passive income, and then let surplus income from investments pay for expenses. In other words, consider investing before you allocate your money to other places. If you say you will invest with what is left over from bills and daily expenses, you may have nothing left. This will better ensure sustainable finances through retirement, as well as putting individuals on the fast track to being able to retire.
Let Insurance Cover the Gap
While many might see this as rather unconventional advice; insurance may be an option to fill in some gaps while building up a retirement portfolio, nest egg, and passive income streams. Instead of worrying about stocking away a large cash nest egg, which sits dormant at risk, consider investing in income and growth investments. Life insurance, health insurance, business insurance, and even captive and reinsurance may fill in gaps if large sums are needed to cover the unexpected in the short term, yet capital can be working overtime to grow for the long term.
Move
Via Entrepreneur Magazine, Tony Robbins recently urged more individuals to follow his footsteps in choosing to move to less expensive destinations. He notes that his move to Florida instantly cut his taxes by more than 13% every year. Many others can now live location independent thanks to the internet. Robbins also acknowledged that the savings are enabling him to pay off his new estate in just six years; leaving the rest of his income free.
Invest Tax Free
Building on the above, many individuals can take advantage of tax free investment vehicles, or at least tax deferring vehicles which will let them pay taxes at a far lower rate in the future. Self-directed IRAs are a great example, though salaried employees may find some benefit in employer matched 401k contributions. This can add double digits to investment and passive income gains each year, and far more as Obama plans to raise taxes again.
Diversify
One of the worst mistakes investors have made throughout history is putting all of their eggs in one basket. Whether it is a single investment, business, or sector, there can be risk of the unexpected erasing all gains virtually overnight. Stay diversified so you never have to go back and start from scratch again.
Real Estate Investment
Hands down – without a doubt – real estate investing stands out as one of the best ways for younger generations to save for retirement. However, real estate can also help those that have fallen behind on their retirement contributions. As a vehicle, real estate is what you make of it. You can start saving at a young age and retire by the time you are 45, or you can start late and cushion your savings.
Property Management
For those investing in income producing real estate and rental homes,t it only makes sense to employ a professional third party management company to ensure top performance. Moreover, rental properties are only passive income building machines if they are run by someone else. With a third party management company in the mix, you just need to sit back and collect checks. No more phone calls at 1am about leaky pipes or noisy neighbors.
Start As You Mean to Finish
One of the most significant mistakes made by talented professionals and investors is taking too much of a hands on approach. That isn’t passive income, or a road to retirement – it’s a job. Again, consider hiring a third party management company.
Turnkey Property Investing
Turnkey property investing offers passive income and passive wealth building, with professional management, real estate. Done right, it can offer diversification, low risk, and tax free gains.
