ESSENTIALS FOR A SUITABLE ASSET ALLOCATION FOR RETIREMENT


  • Figuring out your net worth is the first step by drawing up a current list of your assets and liabilities. 
  • It will also give you a broad idea of your current asset allocation. 
  • Once you have figured out where you stand, find out your attitude towards investing, as your ability to take risks determines your options. 
  • Factors that affect your ability to take risk are:
a) Working years, if any, even after retirement
b) Variability of income after retirement
c) Liabilities still left to be taken care of
d) Dependents after retirement
e) Past investments to act as a cushion
f) Insurances to take care of your liabilities
  • A real net worth statement provides a clear view of your finances by subtracting debts from assets, on the basis of which you can also determine your actual monthly income after retirement.
  • Thereafter, you would have to determine the lifestyle you intend to lead in your retirement, so that you can calculate your monthly expenses, and escalate them by the inflation factor for a retirement period of 35-40 years.
  • Lastly, match your retirement income and expenses by selecting simple investment products - both equity and debt - to decide/review your current asset allocation to arrive at a suitable retirement corpus.