The idea of exiting the workforce ahead of schedule to travel the world, launch a passion project, establish a small business, engage in volunteer work, or simply enjoy life, is enticing for many. However, it’s crucial to note that planning for an early retirement presents its own unique challenges. It’s more complicated than preparing for a traditional retirement at the legal age.

So, is it feasible? The short answer is yes. But it’s far from simple, especially if you’re not already sitting on a pile of wealth. A disciplined approach is essential for a realistic shot at an early retirement. Here are five pivotal steps to set you on the right path.

Step 1: Gauge Your Retirement Expenditure

Your retirement lifestyle will dictate the amount of money you’ll need. Take stock of your anticipated monthly and yearly expenses, ranging from housing, utilities, and groceries, to healthcare, entertainment, and travel. Use this information to outline a financial plan that accommodates an inflation rate. Remember, it’s always better to overestimate your expenses than to run out of money later.

Step 2: Determine the Retirement Fund Required

After getting an idea of your anticipated expenses, calculate how much you’ll need to fund your retirement. There are various strategies and retirement calculators available to help you figure this out. This is where step 5 of this topic of working with a Financial Adviser is crucial in determining what is right for you.

Step 3: Reassess and Revise Your Current Budget

Once you’ve got an estimate of the retirement fund, you’ll need to revisit your current budget. Identify areas where you can cut back to increase your savings. It might mean downsizing your home, reducing leisure activities, or cooking at home instead of dining out. The key is to maximise your saving potential without sacrificing your quality of life.

Step 4: Initiate Early and Regular Retirement Savings

The next logical step is to start saving and investing for retirement as soon as possible. The earlier you begin, the more you can benefit from compound interest. Furthermore, consistency is critical; make it a habit to set aside a specific amount or percentage of your income regularly. Consider various investment avenues, such as mutual funds, stocks, or real estate, depending on your risk tolerance and time horizon.

Step 5: Consult a Financial Advisor

Finally, consider working with a qualified financial advisor to help navigate the complexities of early retirement planning. An advisor can provide tailored advice, help identify tax-saving opportunities, and ensure that your investment portfolio is diversified and aligned with your goals.

To sum it up, early retirement is achievable, but it requires meticulous planning, financial discipline, and the right strategies. By assessing your retirement costs, determining your required retirement fund, optimising your current budget, starting your savings early, and seeking expert advice, you can make your dream of an early retirement a reality.

If this article has inspired you to think about your own unique situation and, more importantly, what you and your family are going through right now, please contact your advice professional.

This information does not take into account the objectives, financial situation or needs of any person. Before making a decision, you should consider whether it is appropriate in light of your particular objectives, financial situation or needs.

(Feedsy Exclusive)