Are you on track for retirement?
“I am on track. My husband and I began contributing the maximum into our employer-matched [plan] from our very first paychecks. We were both fortunate enough to attain gainful employment within weeks of completing our Bachelor’s degrees…As our salaries have grown, so have our contributions to our [retirement plans].”
What does successful financial planning mean to you?
“It means creating more opportunities to be charitable. The better we manage the resources we have, the better the chance we can be generous toward others! It also means mental health, as you decrease the likelihood of stress due to unforeseen financial setbacks.”
How do you see TIAA helping you in the next 5-10 years?
“I will be using TIAA to help me expand my portfolio. In 10 years, I will be at the half way point towards retirement. So, I will be more strategic with making sure my investments are really working for me. TIAA will be instrumental in helping me make informed decisions for my portfolio. I plan on using the web tools more heavily, and building a closer, more personal relationship with the advisors.”
How has having children affected your work, life and financial planning?
“Having children has affected everything! We adjusted our savings in order for us to both take extended leaves of absence when each child was born. We also have had to divert some of our funds towards college savings plans…It is never easy, but it's also never impossible. Teamwork makes it happen, in life, work and finances.”