10.1.2 Retirement planning attitudes

When it comes to thinking about your retirement, do you plan ahead? Or do you tend to put it off?

Personal habits and emotions can affect how you approach retirement planning. For example, if it is important to you to feel secure about the future, you may be more inclined to think ahead and plan for retirement. If it makes you feel uncomfortable to think about the late stages of your life, you may avoid planning for your retirement.

These statements express different attitudes toward retirement planning. Check any that apply to you.

My attitude toward retirement planning

Your results:

If you checked any of the first six boxes, your attitudes may lead you to avoid planning. If you checked the last two boxes, you have a proactive attitude that will help you prepare. It's important to be aware of the habits and emotions that keep you from planning effectively, so you can counter them and get started.

One thing is clear: To ensure that you have enough to meet your retirement needs, it's essential to start planning early—at the beginning of your working life, if possible. Start saving regularly, even if it's just a small amount every month.

Tip

Some people with very low incomes may not be able to save for retirement. For information on government benefits, see the section on Public and private pensions, or visit Service Canada.

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