On this episode of Adam Talks, tax attorney and IRA Financial’s founder, Adam Bergman, Esq., discusses the five-year retirement plan and why quick-fix retirement strategies don’t work; time and tax deferral are the essential keys for unlocking retirement wealth.
Five-Year Retirement Plan
In this episode, Adam Bergman, tax attorney and founder of IRA Financial, addresses the common misconception of a five-year retirement plan. He emphasizes that such short-term plans are unrealistic and ineffective for substantial retirement savings. Bergman explains that the U.S. retirement system is designed around long-term investments and the benefits of tax deferral, which allow for compounded returns over time.
Bergman illustrates the principle of compounded returns, using the rule of 72 to demonstrate how money can double approximately every 7-8 years with a 9-10% rate of return. He contrasts the outcomes of investing in tax-deferred accounts like IRAs and 401(k)s with taxable accounts, showing that the latter would result in significantly less savings due to tax liabilities on gains. He stresses that time and patience are crucial for leveraging the power of compounding to build substantial retirement wealth.
Using real-life scenarios, Bergman shows the stark difference in retirement savings over different time spans. For example, starting to save at age 21 with a consistent annual contribution of $1,800 can result in nearly $1 million by age 70, whereas a five-year plan would yield only around $10,000. He argues that the retirement system requires a minimum commitment of 20 to 40 years to achieve meaningful financial security.
Bergman also discusses the mindset needed for successful long-term retirement planning, urging listeners to avoid a “loser mentality” that dismisses the importance of future savings. He encourages making small sacrifices now to ensure financial stability later in life, highlighting that this approach benefits not just the individual but also their family and future generations.
He provides further examples for different starting ages and contribution amounts, showing how even starting later in life, such as at age 31, can still result in significant savings by retirement. He outlines the advantages of consistent contributions and the potential growth of savings when invested in tax-advantaged accounts like Roth IRAs and traditional IRAs.
In conclusion, Bergman reiterates that short-term retirement plans are impractical and ineffective. He urges listeners to commit to long-term retirement planning, emphasizing the guaranteed benefits of time, consistent contributions, and the power of compounded returns. He closes by encouraging viewers to explore more educational content on retirement planning available through his platforms.
