Learn How to Save Money for Retirement

Planning how to save money for retirement is not generally a priority for many Americans. In fact, less than 50% bother to calculate how much they are likely to need when they reach this age. In 2010, a third of workers who were employed in private industries who could have contributed to a retirement plan, failed to take part. This could be a lack of foresight especially as, on average, an American can expect to spend no less than 20 years in this later stage of his or her life.

Are you Unable to Save because of Insurmountable Debt?

If you are unable to save money for retirement because you have a lot of debt there are possible debt relief options open to you to relieve the financial burden and build up some cash flow. One of these options is debt settlement. Debt settlement consists of negotiations between the debtor (the person who owes the money) and the creditor (the money lender). It takes place when the person who is pursuing this as a debt solution is unable to pay off their debts in full. Often, thousands of dollars can be erased through this type of settlement.

The other option is pleading to bankruptcy. This is a somewhat different procedure to debt settlement as the resolution takes place in a court proceeding, under the Federal Bankruptcy Code Chapter 7 and 13. The court, under chapter 7, endeavors to sell all your non-exempt assets. With the cash raised, the creditors are paid. If there is a shortfall, the creditor loses as you will now be debt free. Under Chapter 13, a debt repayment arrangement is set up so that the money is paid off with ease over a 3 to 5 year period.

In most cases, debt settlement is preferred to bankruptcy, especially if you can pay off a part of your debt. Debt Settlement is less damaging to your credit score than bankruptcy. Either one of these debt relief options can help you reduce your debt so you can start saving money for retirement.

How to Lower your Spending

Whether you are in debt or not, or have managed to resolve your debt issues through debt settlement, bankruptcy, or other debt relief option, there is still a need to work out how to save money for retirement.

Spending habits are often the key to whether you are able to accumulate money or not.

Below are a few ways tips to help you lower your spending:

·         Buy in Bulk - bulk purchases for groceries and other household items you use often save you unnecessary trips to the supermarket and ultimately gasoline money. Also wholesale sellers are often able to offer better prices.

·         Save on Energy - In the home, you should switch off unnecessary lights and electrical equipment. Converting to energy saving bulbs is a good money saving option too.

·         Pay Bills on Time - Paying any bills on time will save you much needed cash. These extra amounts of money are better placed in your pocket than in the pocket of the company who sends you the bill and charges you extra for paying late.

·         Eat at Home - Eating at home more often will save expensive restaurant bills.

·         Use Public Transportation - Using public transport is usually a cheaper option than driving your car. You can also arrange to carpool with work colleagues who live close to you.

·         Avoid Bank Charges - Banks are often the worst culprits for taking money legally off unwary customers. Ensure that your money is in bank accounts that minimize bank fees.

There are many other things you can do to save money for retirement. You just have to get creative and see what works for you, from contributing more to your 401k plan (if you have one) to cleaning out your garage and having garage sales.

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