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Only 13% of American workers say they are "very confident" they will have enough money to live comfortably throughout retirement. 1 To help reduce such uncertainty from your life, consider these five common investment pitfalls -- and how to avoid them.
Mistake #1: Waiting to Maximize Your Contributions
The sooner you start contributing the maximum amount allowed by your employer-sponsored retirement plan, the better your chances for building a significant savings cushion. By starting early, you allow more time for your contributions -- and potential earnings -- to compound, or build upon themselves, on a tax-deferred basis. For 2011, the maximum you can contribute to your plan is $16,500. If you are age 50 or older, you can sock away an additional $5,500. If you can't contribute to the max, be sure to contribute enough to take full advantage of any company match contributions.
Mistake #2: Ignoring Specific Financial Goals
It is difficult to create an effective investment plan without first targeting a specific dollar amount and recognizing how much time you have to pursue that goal. To enjoy the same quality of life in retirement that you have become accustomed to during your prime earning years, you may need the equivalent of up to 80% of your final working year's salary for each year of retirement.
Mistake #3: Fearing Stock Volatility
It is true that stock investments face a greater risk of short-term price swings than fixed-income investments. However, stocks have historically produced stronger earnings over the long term. 2 In general, the longer your investment time horizon, the more you might want to rely on stock funds.
Mistake #4: Timing the Market
Some investors try to base investment decisions on daily price swings. But unless you have a crystal ball, "timing the market" could be very risky. A better idea might be to buy and hold investments for several years.
Mistake #5: Failing to Diversify
Investing in just one fund or asset class could subject your investment portfolio to unnecessary risk. Spreading your money over a well-chosen mix of investments may help reduce the potential for loss during periods of market volatility. Diversification may offset losses in any one investment or asset category by taking advantage of possible gains elsewhere.
Now that you are aware of these five common investment errors, consider yourself lucky: You are ready to benefit from other people's experiences -- without making the same mistakes.
1 Source: Employee Benefit Research Institute, 2011 Retirement Confidence Survey, March 2011.
2 Source: Standard & Poor's. Stocks are represented by total returns from Standard & Poor's Composite
© 2011 Standard & Poor's Financial Communications. All rights reserved.
© 2011, Kelly Ruggles, Spokane, WA. Web site
Kelly C. Ruggles, Spokane, WA. is a fee-based financial planner located in Spokane.
Kelly C. Ruggles, Spokane, WA. President of American Reliance Group, Inc., a registered investment advisor.
Kelly Ruggles, Spokane, WA. is the author of "The Financial Playbook" for Retirement
Kelly C. Ruggles, Spokane, WA. Does not intend to provide personalized investment advice through this publication and does not represent the strategies or services discussed are suitable for any investor. Investors should consult with their financial advisors prior to making any investment decisions.
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