If you want to enjoy the maximum possible freedom in the years ahead, then you’ll need to ensure that your money is working for you. Missed financial opportunities can result in you working for years(or even decades) longer than you otherwise might have.

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Of course, this might mean setting money aside in savings, and paying down debts as early as
possible. But investing is another key piece of the puzzle – and one that’s more accessible than ever
before.

Understanding your income in retirement

After you’ve stepped back from the world of work, you’ll need a source of income. This is what will
allow you to enjoy the required level of luxury and comfort during your retirement. You might fall back on the State Pension, which currently stands at around £230.25 per week.

There are also workplace pensions, offered as perks by employers, and personal pensions which can be particularly useful if you’ve been forced to take a break from work due to health reasons. If you retire early, of course, you’ll need to ensure that you have the funds necessary to cover all of your costs later on.

How Investing Supports Long-Term Financial Goals

If you invest in the right combination of shares, bonds, and assets, then you might be able to fund a
range of projects in the long term. These might include the deposit on a house, a retirement fund, or
general financial resilience. When it comes to shares, a product that brings together many different investments will tend to absorb all of the peaks and troughs that come with day-to-day trading.

The longer you hold on to what you buy, the less vulnerable you’ll be to volatility. In other words, it’s better to focus on time in the market, and to avoid thinking about timing your purchases.

Investing Safely and Sensibly as a Beginner

If you want to get into investment, then you’ll need to be acutely aware of your limitations. The market can be akin to a casino – if you don’t have the required knowledge of it, and respect for it. You’ll want to prefer reputable, regulated platforms, and to offset risk through diversification and hedging. Start small, so that once you pick up the mechanics of trading, you can make investments that support your goals and values. There are a number of investment and financial planning specialists who might be able to support you along the way.

Getting Started with Confidence and Good Habits

You can start your journey by composing a list of objectives. When you understand what you’re trying
to achieve, and you’re willing to gradually build your knowledge of markets and the processes that govern them, you’ll reduce your risk of making bad calls, and living with big regrets!