Three retirement tips

Here are three hot tips for serious retirement savers.

1. Get going now.

Time is your biggest ally when it comes to saving for retirement. Let's face it, an investor who begins putting away hard-earned savings at 25 has a huge advantage over someone who waits until the age of 40 to start socking money away. And when you factor in compound interest as well, that advantage suddenly amounts to a lot more than the extra principal that the younger investor put in.

2. The perfect portfolio is a work in progress.

As you get older, your timeline and needs change. So does your attitude to and tolerance for risk. With that in mind, it's important to re-assess the structure of your investment on a regular basis according to your age and proximity to retirement. As you get closer to needing your super, focus more on preserving the wealth you've built up rather than trying to build a whole lot more.

3. You are the best person to control your financial future.

When it comes down to it, you are the only person that can take that step towards kicking off your retirement savings. And you are also the only person who can make sure that your continuing strategy is right for you. So take ownership of your super and take control of your financial future!

This information has been prepared by Mercer (N.Z.) Limited for general information only. The information does not take into account your personal objectives, financial situation or needs.This information has been prepared by Mercer (N.Z.) Limited for general information only. The information does not take into account your personal objectives, financial situation or needs.

1 April 2014