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I am a 50 something year old expat, how much should I be saving for retirement?

Retirement might seem like a distant dream or it may seem like an oncoming freight train.

Whichever the case, it is never too early or too late to start planning for it.

If you are age 50 or older, it is time to buckle up and get serious about saving for the future.

But don’t worry, I’m here to guide you through this journey with a sprinkle of good humour and a dollop of practical advice.

So grab yourself a cuppa and let’s dive into the exciting world of retirement savings!

Assess your current financial situation

Start by taking a good look at your current income, expenses, assets and debts.

It is essential to have a clear picture of your financial health before diving into retirement planning.

Don’t be afraid to unleash your inner detective and track down those sneaky hidden expenses.

Determine your retirement goals

Retirement means different things to different people.

Some envision a life of travel, while others prefer a peaceful countryside retreat.

Identify your retirement dreams and estimate the associated costs.

Do you see yourself jet-setting around the world or hosting garden parties with friends?

Having a clear vision will help you set realistic savings targets.

It is also super important that you and your spouse have some honest discussions to make sure that you are both on the same page when it comes to your retirement vision.

If one of you envisages a lot of golf and the other beaches and pina coladas, some compromise is going to be needed.

Use the “50/30/20” rule:

Consider following the “50/30/20” rule when allocating your income.

Allocate 50% for essential expenses (mortgage, bills, groceries), 30% for discretionary spending (dinners out, entertainment), and a healthy 20% for retirement savings.

Remember, these numbers are flexible and can be adjusted based on your unique circumstances.

Leverage tax-efficient retirement accounts

In the UK, we have a range of tax-efficient retirement accounts, such as ISAs (Individual Savings Accounts), workplace pensions, and personal pensions.

As expats, our options are often far more limited.

However, there are still some things that we can do to mitigate taxes.

Also, don’t forget to check if your employer matches your savings or pension contributions. This is free money —grab it!

Set a savings target

While there’s no one-size-fits-all answer to how much you should save for retirement, experts often recommend aiming for a retirement income that’s 70-80% of your pre-retirement salary.

Crunch the numbers and estimate your target savings based on your desired retirement lifestyle and the age at which you plan to retire.

Embrace the power of compound interest:

Compound interest is your secret weapon!

The earlier you start saving, the more time your money has to grow.

So, whether retirement seems far away or incredibly close, make the most of it.

Conclusion

Saving for retirement as an expat may seem daunting, it is certainly more complex than if you were still living in the UK.

However with a bit of determination and some sound financial advice, you can secure a comfortable future.

Take a proactive approach, assess your current financial situation, set realistic goals, and make smart investment choices.

Remember, retirement planning is a journey, and it’s never too early or too late to start.

Talk to an Expert

If you are around age 50 and wondering how much you should really be saving for retirement as an expat, you are not alone. Many people in their late 40s and 50s feel unsure whether they are on track, behind, or saving more than they actually need.

I am Ross Naylor, a UK-qualified Chartered Financial Planner and Pension Transfer Specialist with nearly 30 years’ experience helping British expats in mid life translate rules of thumb into a personalised retirement plan that reflects where they live, how they want to retire, and what they have already built up.

I firmly believe your location in the world should never be a barrier to expert, impartial and transparent financial advice you can trust.

Whether you are trying to work out a realistic savings target at 50, how to catch up if you started late, how State Pension and overseas schemes fit together, or how much income your current pensions could really provide, I will help you model the numbers clearly so you can decide what to save from here with confidence rather than guesswork.

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