9 October 2023

If the past few years have taught us anything, it’s that we can be caught off guard at any time and our lives and finances thrown off balance, no matter what stage of life we’re at.

But as you get closer to retirement or if you’re already there, how do you keep your savings from taking a hit when life throws you a curveball? With the help of Angela Iermieri, financial planner at Desjardins*, let’s see how you can keep from ending up with a bad case of “I should have…”

Something unexpected can change everything

Illness, disability, job loss, separation, accident, injury: we wouldn’t wish any of those things on anyone, but something unexpected can happen at any time and negatively impact your lifestyle and eat up your retirement savings. Although by definition these events are “unpredictable,” there are ways to help you mitigate the impacts. Emergency fund and insurance are two that can help you feel more in control when you’re facing obstacles.

Plan ahead by building up an emergency fund

As Angela Iermieri says, “It’s important to build emergency savings into your budget, so you don’t have to adjust your retirement plans or abandon your goals.”

What is an emergency fund?

An emergency fund is money you can quickly access if something unexpected were to happen and your finances took a hit. Setting up a dedicated savings account for your emergency fund is a good solution. And by choosing a TFSA, you can also grow tax-free savings.

How much should you keep in an emergency fund

These savings should be enough to cover all of your monthly expenses (rent or mortgage, car, Internet and cellphone, groceries, prescription drugs, etc.) for 3 months, which is about how much time you’d need at the very least to get back on your feet.
 

Retirees also need an emergency fund

If you’re already retired, you might have limited income or you’ve planned out your investment payout strategy to meet your financial needs as long as possible. Which means that if something unexpected were to happen, you might be quickly forced to reduce your lifestyle. Because the pensions you receive from the government are fixed and your access to financing is sometimes limited, you might have to dip into your savings if something happened. That’s why you’re better off having an emergency fund to turn to. Plus, this buffer could help you keep your finances on track in the short term as inflation continues to rise.

To build up your emergency fund, think about cutting back on some of your regular expenses, postponing certain goals or even finding a part-time job.

The key word here is “emergency.” Here’s what you want to avoid:

1.Using your emergency fund for impulse spending, which means you could be caught short if a real emergency arose.

2.Using your credit card or line of credit like an emergency fund, which could put you into more debt.

To build up your emergency fund, think about cutting back on some of your regular expenses, postponing certain goals or even finding a part-time job.

Give yourself peace of mind with insurance

Have you reviewed your insurance coverages lately? You might want to, because even if things are going well, an accident or illness can happen to anyone at any time.

Already retired?

You should maintain your health insurance coverages after you’re retired. They could help reduce financial stress due to health issues. And the good news is that your insurance premiums are tax-deductible medical expenses.

To learn more about managing the unexpected, contact your advisor.

Source : https://www.desjardins.com/qc/en/tips/emergency-funds-insurance-best-bets-prepare-unexpected.html

* Financial planner and mutual funds representative for Desjardins Financial Services Firm Inc.