I am 40 and have not started retirement planning. What now?
Starting at 40 is workable, but the plan depends on how much time remains, what you already own and what you still need to fund.
The useful question behind this
Before choosing any product, map current income, essential costs, existing savings and dependants. That shows how much room there is to build a retirement base and how large the gap really is.
What to look at before deciding
- Income and how stable or resilient it is.
- Essential monthly expenses and existing commitments.
- Debt, other obligations and near-term cash requirements.
- Emergency liquidity and resources already available.
- Goals, time horizons and existing assets.
- Relevant risk-related information and what happens if circumstances change.
Where PFS fits
PFS maps your financial position and stage using information such as income, essential expenses, surplus, obligations, emergency position, goals, existing assets, risk-related information and income resilience. Its purpose is to help you see where you stand before making a financial decision or being advised about one. PFS does not select a specific product or provide regulated financial advice.
What PFS does not decide
PFS is not a substitute for legal, tax, insurance, lending or investment-product advice. It does not determine legal liability, choose a specific product or make a regulated recommendation. Where specialist advice is required, use the appropriate qualified professional.
Related questions
Know where you stand first
If this question depends on your wider financial situation, use the PFS assessment to map that position before deciding what to do next.
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