What Amount of Money is Adequate To Save For Retirement in India?

02 January 2024
5 min read
What Amount of Money is Adequate To Save For Retirement in India?
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A lavish lifestyle after retirement is everyone’s long-desired goal. Undoubtedly, a substantial amount of money in your bank account is instrumental in seamlessly achieving this dream. However, one of the most common questions is, “How much should I save for retirement”.

Most people overlook the benefits of a good retirement plan and find themselves in chaos in their golden years. Not an uphill battle, though, if you start saving at the earliest. The earlier you start, the higher your savings will be.

Keeping in mind that inflation is increasing by leaps and bounds, you must reconsider your monthly expenditures, which will help immensely in crafting the best figures in your account when your retire—feeling intimidated already? Don’t worry; we have got your back.

Let’s delve deeper into it and see what factors play a significant role in learning how much to save for retirement.

Why is Retirement Planning Important?

Retirement planning is essential because it's a way to ensure that you're taking steps today to ensure you're prepared for your future. When you're in your 20s, it may seem like you have plenty of time to figure things out later; however, when you get older and get closer to retirement, more things must be taken care of.

With retirement planning, you can plan for medical expenses, taxes, and other financial issues that may arise in retirement. You'll also be able to take the time to live your life how you want and ensure that insurance policies cover all aspects of life before they become an issue later on down the road.

Retirement planning also gives you peace of mind, knowing that money will be set aside for the future if something happens (like an illness or injury). In addition, this makes it easier to focus on what matters most at work: quality work and relationships with colleagues and clients.

Tips To Save Adequate Money For Retirement

Retirement can be daunting for many people, but it's never too early (or late) to start saving for it. Here are some tips to help understand how much to save for retirement in India-

  • Start Early

The earlier you start saving for retirement, the more time your money has to grow through compound interest. Even small contributions made early on can add up over time.

  • Make a Budget

Understand where your money is going and make a budget to see where you can cut back on expenses. The more you can save now, the more you'll have for retirement.

  • Maximize Employer Contributions

Take advantage of any employer-matching contributions to your retirement account. This is free money that can help grow your retirement savings.

  • Invest in a Diversified Portfolio

Diversifying your investments can help minimize risk and maximize returns. Consider diversifying your portfolio by investing in stocks, bonds, and real estate.

  • Automate Your Savings

Set up automatic contributions to your retirement account to make saving easier. This way, the money is automatically deducted from your paycheck before seeing it.

Retirement planning is crucial; it is never too early to save for it. It is essential to assess your current financial situation, identify your retirement goals, and take steps to achieve them. With proper planning and consistent savings, you can ensure a comfortable retirement.

You may also want to know A Guide to Retirement Planning in India

The Right Amount of Money To Save For Retirement in India

Retirement is a crucial phase of life that requires proper planning and financial security. However, the right amount of money to save for retirement depends on various factors such as age, income, lifestyle, and financial goals.

One of India's most popular retirement savings options is the Employees' Provident Fund (EPF). It is a mandatory savings scheme for salaried individuals, where the employee contributes 12% of an employee's basic salary and DA, and the employer donates 12%.

The EPF balance can be used to purchase an annuity or withdrawn as a lump sum after retirement. However, the EPF balance may not be sufficient for a comfortable retirement, and additional savings are necessary.

Another popular retirement savings option is the Public Provident Fund (PPF). It is a government-backed savings scheme that offers tax benefits and a higher interest rate than a traditional savings account.

The minimum investment in a PPF account is Rs. 500, and the maximum investment is Rs. 1.5 lakh per financial year. The PPF balance can be withdrawn after 15 years or extended for five years.

The National Pension System (NPS) is another retirement savings option that offers tax benefits and a higher rate of return than traditional savings options. The NPS is a defined contribution scheme where the employee contributes a portion of their salary, and the employer may also contribute.

The NPS balance can be used to purchase an annuity or withdrawn as a lump sum after retirement.

The right amount of money to save for retirement in India depends on various factors such as age, income, lifestyle, and financial goals. As a general rule, saving at least 15-20% of your income for retirement is recommended. If you start saving early, you will have a longer time horizon to grow your savings.

Diversifying your savings across different options, such as EPF, PPF, NPS, and mutual funds, is essential to ensure a comfortable retirement.

Conclusion

If you have just started working: start now. No matter your age or how much or little you earn at the outset, do not fall prey to the mindset of saving later on. The best time to build a retirement corpus is in your 20s and 30s because compounding will work in your favour more during these formative stages than at any other time in life.

And please do not ignore tax-saving options such as NPS (National Pension System), ETFs (Exchange Traded Funds), and PPF (Public Provident Fund), etc. These investments have low lock-in periods, and savings through these channels also come with tax benefits.

Remember, saving for retirement is a marathon, not a sprint. The key is to start early, be consistent, and prioritise saving. With these tips, you'll be well on your way to a comfortable retirement.

You May Also Be Interested to Know

1.

A Guide to Retirement Planning in India

2.

Steps to Make Retirement Planning Easy

3.

Retirement Planning: Are You Ready to Fight Inflation?

4.

How To Plan Your Retirement with Mutual Funds

5.

Investment Options for Senior Citizens

Disclaimer: This blog is solely for educational purposes. The securities/investments quoted here are not recommendatory.

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