Pension Planning

By: EconomyWatch Content   Date: 12 October 2009

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Pension planning is one of the most crucial financial decisions an individual needs to make. Retirement plans are savings for the future and hence require informed decisions and prudent planning.

Pension planning should answer crucial questions, such as:

·        Why should one have retirement savings?

·        When should one start saving for retirement?

·        How much money is required to secure one’s future?

·        Where to invest – state pension plans or private retirement solutions?

·        How long should one continue investing in retirement plans?

Pension Planning: Getting the Basics Right

The biggest breakthrough in pension planning is to determine the amount that one will require in the future to sustain a comfortable standard of living. It depends on factors such as:

·        Probable age of retirement

·        Basic living expenses

·        Number of dependents

·        Financial assets available

The next step is to choose from different retirement plans. Most companies offer compulsory state pension plans to all qualifying employees. State pension plans are standard savings instruments that offer maximum benefits. Check the pension amount the plans offer after retirement. One can also invest in other retirement solutions through banks and investment firms.

Another important factor that affects pension planning is the taxation policy. Many individuals buy additional pension plans to enjoy tax benefits. State pension plans are 100% tax deferred, while private plans offer different percentages of tax cut.

An individual should keep track of his or her pension savings. Also, one has to decide on when to apply for pension payments and which annuity plan to buy after retirement.

Reconsider Pension Planning With Increasing Income

Financial experts advise individuals to reconsider their pension planning with an increase in the salary structure. Usually, a hike in salary brings substantial change to the standard of living. Hence, to maintain a compatible living standard after retirement, one should start investing more in the retirement solutions with every salary hike.

Investments in retirement plans are the best savings tools. They offer higher interest rates and are not risk-prone, unlike the stock market. However, the only disadvantage is that the money gets locked till the individual retires.


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