This post is sponsored, and while the views expressed below are opinions of Benedetti, Gucer & Associates, I completely support them and have received compensation for sharing. 

If you have been following along at gracefulandfree for some time now (I say some time, but this blogging journey is just entering into month four) anyways… if you have been following along with me and my collections of stories from the heart, one thing you surely should have noticed by now is my undeniable passion and lust for traveling. Both my husband and I are trying to soak up this stage in our lives (especially before we start a family) to explore the world around us and enjoy as many adventures as we possibly can. As much as we enjoy doing this, we also have been taking a considerable amount of time discussing and planning for the future. And when the opportunity presented itself, I wanted to take full advantage of sharing with you all helpful tips that go beyond the now and focus more on the future. Helpful tips to make your dreams happen now and throughout retirement.

Eyes Ahead, Worries Behind

Sitting at the precipice of a life change can be scary as you consider your preparedness for the new stage but by implementing some of these tips, you can ensure you have savings for your passions now and in the future.

When you envision time spent in retirement is it full of days punching the clock in hopes you can make ends meet at the end of the month when all your bills are due? Of course not! Your aspirations likely consist of following the passions you have now, but with a more robust timeline to accomplish your long-term goals. For example, you may love to travel now but the idea of taking time away from work to circle the world on an extravagant trip is not realistic, however, in retirement, you have vast amounts of time to fulfill those long-held dreams. Even though you may have the time to travel, you need to make preparations now to ensure you have the economic means to achieve your goals. No matter if you identify as a baby boomer, a Gen X’er, or somewhere else on the spectrum, it is not too late to start saving so you can pursue your passions.

Here are four tips to help you actualize your dreams and pursue your passions well into retirement:

1. Outline your goals. Sit down and put pencil to paper to write out your desires for the future. How do you want to spend your days as you age? Do you prefer living in comfort with some select extravagances, do you wish to toggle between breathtaking mountain-top views and secluded seaside sietas, or do you imagine yourself revving up the engine to the sports car you have eyed for years? Whatever you want to manifest in your future, it should be written because when you articulate your objectives they take on new life. You tend to form a psychological pact with yourself, and you know why you are working so hard each morning. Your goals will help sustain your perseverance.

2. Be realistic with your expectations. Idealistically most of us would like to live a life without worry for our health, money, or time but reality probably will not be so kind. Which is why we all should take the proper precautions while planning for the future, but do so with through a realistic lens. If you plan on retiring at age 67 and your life dream is to play in the PGA, then you probably will need to settle for more early mornings on the course in a less competitive environment. Modify your outlook to fit into your reality.

3. Start small and start now. You should not have to put all your dreams on hold until you finish working. Get a taste of the future you envision for yourself but starting to indulge in your dreams today. Take a class to learn a second language so you are ready to travel or learn new photography techniques so you can explore a new hobby with the knowledge to support your passion. You might be surprised by how much you enjoy these small steps, but the opposite could be true as well, maybe you do not experience the level of joy you anticipated. If that is the case, it is okay to pivot and change your objectives for retirement.

4. Consult a wealth management expert. Speak to a professional, like those at the wealth management firm of Benedetti, Gucer & Associates (BGA), who can help you make the financial plans to achieve your goals. BGA is located in the Dunwoody area of Atlanta, GA and they specialize in advising clients and steering them toward their goals for retirement. Financial advisers will sit with you to review your ideas for the future and then they will plan the best path to help you get there from an economic standpoint.

Source: bgawealth.com

Start living life to the fullest now so you can fully embrace all your dreams and passions once you enter into retirement. These simple tips will get you started on a journey to the life you have always dreamed of living.

DISCLOSURES

The views expressed represent the opinions of Benedetti, Gucer & Associates and are subject to change. These views are not intended as a forecast, a guarantee of future results, investment recommendation, or an offer to buy or sell any securities. The information provided is of a general nature and should not be construed as investment advice or to provide any investment, tax, financial or legal advice or service to any person.

Additional information, including management fees and expenses, is provided on Benedetti, Gucer & Associates’ Form ADV Part 2, which is available upon request.

The use of the term “RIA” does not imply a certain level of skill or training.

The Five Star program is the largest and most widely published wealth manager award program in North America. The research process for the Five Star Wealth Manager firms and peers nominate award candidates. Award candidates are evaluated against ten objective criteria to determine the Five Star Wealth Managers in more than 40 major markets. These ratings should not be construed as an endorsement of the adviser by any client nor are they representative of any one client’s evaluation.