How to Retire — and Retire Well

(NC) Life is busy and full of surprises. And for too many of us, taking time to build a financial plan is forever on our to-do list.

Whether you plan to retire next year or in 10 years, having a well-balanced portfolio and a dynamic financial plan can help you achieve your retirement goals with confidence.

Financial planning is not a shortcut to success; it’s a long-term strategy to keep track of your finances and manage them effectively to reach your goals. You will likely feel a sense of satisfaction and security when you create a financial plan, but its benefits aren’t something you enjoy immediately after you start one.
A good financial plan is like a tree whose fruit takes years to achieve optimal flavour and reacts to some environmental factors — challenges such as inflation, interest rates and stock market fluctuations can impact it at certain times.

A recent study found that more than 80 per cent of Canadians (mistakenly) believe a financial plan is strictly about investment management. In fact, working with a professional financial advisor can help you define specific, measurable retirement goals, stay on track and motivate you while you’re on the road to retirement. Sometimes, that can happen sooner than you expect.

“There are a number of circumstances that could lead to someone experiencing an unexpected retirement,” says Damon Murchison, president and CEO of IG Wealth Management. “Having a holistic financial plan in place will provide you with a foundation to achieve your goals and help smooth your transition into retirement.”

Many want to continue living the same lifestyle in retirement as they did during their working years. So if you want to enjoy the same lifestyle you had while working, you need to commit to a holistic financial plan that will put your mind at ease and provide confidence about your financial future.

If you’re ready to build your retirement plan or have questions about how to find true financial confidence, speak with a local IG Wealth Management advisor today.