When is the right age to do retirement planning in India? Here’s an 8-point guide

Produced by: BT Desk Designed by: Manoj Kumar

Why Start in Your 40s?

In your 40s, you’re likely earning more and can set aside a larger portion of income. With 15-20 years to retirement, now is the time to build a strong financial foundation for the future.

Set Clear Financial Goals

Estimate how much you’ll need in retirement. For instance, with current annual expenses of ₹12 lakh, inflation-adjusted costs at retirement could rise to ₹38.48 lakh. Plan accordingly to save a sizable corpus.

Understand Your Risk Appetite

Your 40s allow room for a mix of equities and fixed-income investments. Equities offer growth, but as you approach 55, reduce risk by increasing allocations to debt instruments.

Build a Savings Plan

Your income often outpaces expenses in your 40s, allowing you to save more. Create a plan to step up your savings each year, taking advantage of rising disposable income.

Balance Between Equity and Debt

With a 15-20 year horizon, SIPs in equity mutual funds can build wealth. For conservative investors, hybrid funds offer a balanced approach with equity and debt exposure.

Maximize Retirement Plans

Use EPF, PPF, and NPS to your advantage. EPF lets you contribute 12% of your salary, while PPF offers safe returns with an annual cap of ₹1.5 lakh. NPS also provides tax benefits alongside retirement savings.

Uncertain Don’t Ignore Short-Term GoalsFuture for Starliner

Create separate investment buckets for children’s education, marriage, or home upgrades. Debt instruments work for short-term goals, while equity can fuel long-term aspirations.

Regularly Review and Rebalance

Annual reviews are crucial. Adjust your portfolio based on life changes, like a salary hike or nearing education expenses. A step-up SIP or shifting to debt funds can optimize your plan for evolving needs.