The study behind the 2024 California State Employees Financial Preparedness Report, found that 45% of California State workers aged 60 and over, and 13% of those aged 50-59, plan to retire within the next three years.
Yet when we asked if they feel financially prepared for retirement, only 54% of these soon-to-retire State employees said they felt very or somewhat financially prepared.
Whether you are close to retirement or several years away from retiring, or if you find yourself behind schedule in saving for your retirement at any age, there are ways to improve your financial preparedness for retirement. Several successfully retired State employees who participated in the research study have offered these rich tips:
- Get educated. Tap into the many resources that are readily available to you. Don’t just get one opinion. “I got three different estimates from three different sources,” said one retiree. Know what your pension is likely to be and the formula that determines it. Confirm the amount of income that you can expect from Social Security and the best timing to begin taking it. The decisions you make will have long-lasting consequences. “Keep persisting with your questions until they’re answered.”
- Work longer. If you like your job and you’re healthy, keep working. Extra years can add up in State service and social security credits. Don’t try to hurry retirement along. Use the time to catch up. Note: The research showed that the youngest retirees, those who retired before age 60, are the least satisfied and not as confident that their savings will last throughout their retirement years. “I wish I had worked longer.”
- Develop a clear promoting goal. To maximize your monthly benefit, many retirees worked longer — with a clear goal of advancing to the next pay threshold. “It can make a big difference.”
- Track your expenses. The best way to turn the tide is to understand your “money out.” Tightly budget and manage your finances and protect against overspending. Know the amount of your monthly household expenses. More importantly, know how your discretionary income is spent. This information will help you achieve your long-term goal. Note: The research found that those most financially prepared for retirement are also those who manage a monthly budget — every month.
- Pay off your debt. Debt can inhibit your ability to retire comfortably. Several retirees specifically mentioned credit card debt with high interest charges. They advised using credit cards responsibly to build credit or earn reward points but stressed the importance of paying off balances every month.
- Max out your retirement contribution at work. And do a catch-up contribution if you are able, some advised. A face-to-face meeting with a financial advisor or a CalPERS counselor can help you clarify your position and steps forward.
- If you’re short, work after retirement. You may be able to get a part-time job or go back as a Retired Annuitant to supplement your income if you’re short. Note: Nearly 20% of retirees continue to work at a part-time job or have a side gig to bring in additional income while preserving retirement funds that will be needed later on.
- Be realistic. Even if you have a “less than ideal” amount of savings, you can still have a good retirement, retirees say. However, you may need to plan on living on a stricter budget. Many in our Report lamented the high cost of living in California — especially with escalating rents.
- Listen. Some retirees who said they had received all of the right advice, “just didn’t listen.” One retiree offered, “Do not wait as long as I did (mid-forties), when it comes to planning for your retirement.” Others shared formulas of how they allocated their finances, ensuring an adequate emergency fund, increasing retirement contributions with each raise, and being consistent in their retirement planning.
Financially prepared retirees and soon-to-be retirees agree with the most basic advice about saving, avoiding debt, living within your means, and forgoing immediate gratification in favor of longer-term benefits. Another added, “Don’t forget to enjoy life while focusing on financial goals.”
Other words of advice from California State Retirees:
“A State employee’s path to wealth is one month at a time.”
“Be responsible for your own success.”
“Take care of yourself [and] your health so you can continue to work.”
“Please have all the information explained to you by someone qualified! You may think you know it all, but you really don’t!”
Related Articles:
Retiring from the State? 6 Things You Should Think About Before Taking the Leap
On Track or Ahead of Schedule for Retirement? Chances Are You Do These 7 Things
Retired Too Soon? How Some State Retirees Are Supplementing Their Income
About the Survey: The project was sponsored by the nonprofit California State Employees Association (CSEA) which provides member benefits to members of SEIU Local 1000, CSUEU Local 2579, Association of California State Supervisors and California State Retirees.
The 2024 Report is based on the quantitative study of California State employees across the state, examining their personal financial planning needs, concerns, attitudes, and behaviors for a secure retirement. The report includes insights gleaned from nearly 5,000 active and retired State employees surveyed in November 2023. Individual responses were strictly anonymous. N=3,817 Active employees analyzed at 95% confidence, ±2%. N=1,172 Retirees, 95% level of confidence, ±2% margin of error.
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