Halfway Through the Year: Are You on Track with Your Retirement Goals?

As we approach the mid-year point, it’s the perfect time to pause, reflect, and assess whether you’re on track to achieve your retirement goals. By reviewing your progress now, you can make the necessary adjustments to ensure you're heading in the right direction. Whether you're years away from retirement or just a few years out, mid-year check-ins are crucial to keeping your plan on track.

1. Assess Your Current Retirement Savings

Start by reviewing how much you’ve saved so far. Are your contributions on pace to meet your annual and long-term targets? For those in their 50s, this is a crucial stage where you should be accelerating your savings efforts. Compare your progress to your yearly goal and see if adjustments are needed.

Pro Tip: If you haven’t fully maximized your RRSP or TFSA contributions, now is the time to take advantage of these tax-efficient accounts to boost your retirement savings.

2. Review Your Retirement Timeline

Are you still planning to retire at 60, 65, or perhaps even earlier? Life changes like a new job, health considerations, or family priorities can shift your timeline. Reassess your intended retirement age and make sure your financial strategy supports it.

Pro Tip: If you’re aiming for early retirement, you may need to increase your savings rate or explore more growth-oriented investments to stay on track.

3. Revisit Your Financial Goals

Your retirement vision may have evolved over the past six months. Maybe you want to travel more, support family, or pursue new hobbies. Ensure your financial plan still supports these evolving goals.

Pro Tip: Break your retirement goals into smaller, measurable milestones. This keeps you motivated and helps you track progress more effectively throughout the year.

Conclusion:

A mid-year check-in is a valuable opportunity to assess, adjust, and realign your retirement strategy. By taking the time to review your savings, timeline, and goals, you can make informed decisions and stay confidently on track for the retirement you’ve always envisioned.

Mike Gomes, CFP