“They are thinkers, taking the same traits, habits and vision that make them effective in running a company, and applying those to the way they manage their investment portfolios.
These are the people who are smart, busy people and who take an active role in all of the different parts of their lives, leaving little to chance. They are in touch with their advisors and trusted professionals on a regular basis, asking what can be made better, what smart people are doing and how can they do better. That approach, says Kiplinger in the article “Be the CEO of Your Retirement” is part of their success in business and as leaders.
The key point: they are not passive, waiting for things to happen. The same applies to their retirement plans. Everyone should be the CEO of their life and of their retirement. Here are some pointers:
- Set goals. CEOs know that things don’t just happen by chance. They understand that employees at all levels need performance goals if they are going to achieve more. You also need goals with your retirement plan. Maybe it’s about the age when you retire, or how much you want to have saved before you retire. Set goals—and be prepared to make adjustments if your expectations aren’t met.
- Question everything. And everyone. CEOs are really good at gathering information before they make decisions. To do this, they ask a lot of questions. What’s the performance history of your investments? What fees are you paying and how much are they? Is there an investment strategy that has not been followed? What can you expect to withdraw every month from your retirement accounts? Will it be enough?
- Be flexible. A strong CEO is open to new ideas and new concepts. Otherwise, they are left behind. They also aren’t worried about whose ideas they are—if they work. Be willing to adapt as things that impact you change. As you age, you may want to reduce the risk in your portfolio. The same level of risk that worked when you were 40 or even 50, may not be comfortable or wise now.
- Take this position seriously. One study by Harvard professors found that CEOs work an average of 62.5 hours a week. Invest your time in your retirement. You may not need to put in 62.5 hours a week, but you do need to take retirement planning seriously. When should you take Social Security benefits? How will you pay for long-term care? The information you have and the decisions you make will affect you and your family’s life.
- Don’t forget the big picture. It’s easy to let whatever fires you are putting out take over your attention. However, CEOs have the ability to focus as much as 50% of their time thinking about the long-range future. If you haven’t had an estate plan created or haven’t reviewed your estate plan in more than two or three years, it is time for an update and a meeting with your estate planning attorney.
The bottom line is that CEOs do things differently than most of us. That’s why they become CEOs. You are ultimately in charge of your own life and your retirement. As your own CEO, you are in charge of doing what you need to attain the success you wish.
Reference: Kiplinger (October 15, 2019) “Be the CEO of Your Retirement”
