Fight Inflation with Investing

Inflation is the reason that things cost more today than they did a few years ago. With inflation averaging about 3% over the long term, $1 this year will be worth 97 cents next year. That may not seem too bad, but it adds up over time. Assuming inflation continues to average 3% …

Think about it … what you can buy for $10 today will cost about $20 in 23 years. Just think back 30 years ago and remember when the price of a movie ticket was under $4,1 a loaf of bread was about 50 cents2, and you could buy a new car for around $12,000!3

Your retirement is years away and could easily last decades. If your savings aren’t growing at least as quickly as inflation, the value of your money is decreasing without you even realizing it!

While investing may sound daunting, it can be a lot smarter than stashing your cash in the bank, where the rate of return is usually low. Investing may help you stay ahead of inflation and, over the long term, significantly grow your nest egg.

Your personal roadmap of saving and investing can help you reach your retirement goals — but only if you stick with it. That’s not always easy.

Stay Focused on Your Goals

Don’t dip into your retirement savings (and pay substantial tax penalties) to fund unnecessary impulse purchases. And though down markets can be scary, don’t give in to fear and put your savings into cash only because markets are going through a bumpy patch.

In the long run, whether the stock market is up or down today doesn’t much matter. It’s only a problem if you don’t stick to your plan and possibly miss out on the market’s potential for long-term growth.

Get Started Today and Take Control of Your Financial Future

Now you know why you need to save for retirement and the best ways to do it. You even know how to invest your savings to help grow your retirement.

So what are you waiting for? Tomorrow begins today.

How Much Money Will You Need to Retire?

How much money? More than you think. Studies have shown that, on average, retirees need anywhere from 70% to 120% of their pre-retirement income to live comfortably. We’re not talking about exotic trips around the world — just enough money to maintain your current lifestyle with confidence.

Social Security Isn’t Enough to Retire On

While the amount you can expect to receive from Social Security will vary depending upon your income, the reality is that Social Security will replace only about 35-40% of your income.

Even if you’ve saved a little, it might not be enough. People are living longer than ever. If you’re in good health when you retire, there’s a good chance you’ll live well into your 80s and beyond. It’s possible that you will be retired for 30 years — almost as long as you worked!

That’s why you need to save for retirement and take charge of your financial future — so you can retire with confidence.

When It Comes to Retirement, Time Really Is Money

The sooner you invest, the longer your money has to grow.

Just look at who comes out ahead in the chart below. Investor 1, a 21-year-old who saves $100 a month for 9 years and then stops at age 30 ends up with more money at age 65 than a 30-year-old who saves $100 a month for 35 years!

DON’T DELAY

Even a few extra years can make a big difference

Every Dollar Makes a Difference for Retirement

$1 TODAY COULD BE WORTH $10 LATER

Look what happens over 30 years with 8% growth

Make Saving for Retirement Easy

Your retirement plan at work is one of the best ways to save for retirement.

1.Saving is easy and automatic. You don’t have to remember to do it.

2.Contributing can lower your tax bill. Pre-tax contributions to your retirement plan are tax deductible. For example, if your tax rate is 20% and you contribute $50 to your plan each paycheck, you’d save $10 in taxes. That means your take-home pay is only reduced by $40. It’s like getting paid to save! Some plans also offer a post-tax (Roth) feature if you prefer to pay taxes now.

3.Your employer may offer matching contributions. Many employers offer to match your retirement plan contributions. This is free money — but the only way to get it is to contribute to your retirement plan.