Worried about your retirement savings? Do these 3 things today

Here's how I would begin to build retirement wealth by investing in the ASX.

You’re reading a free article with opinions that may differ from The Motley Fool’s Premium Investing Services. Become a Motley Fool member today to get instant access to our top analyst recommendations, in-depth research, investing resources, and more. Learn More

Looking to retire but not sure if your savings will suffice? You're far from alone. Fortunately, there are likely plenty of wealth building opportunities on the ASX right now.

Investing on the Aussie stock market can provide one with both capital gains and passive income. Not to mention, the market can be a useful tool to hedge against inflation.

Contrary to some people's beliefs, building retirement wealth on the ASX doesn't need to be complicated.

Here are the three steps I'd take if I was aiming to bolster my retirement funds by investing on the stock market.

A mature age woman with a groovy short haircut and glasses, sits at her computer, pen in hand thinking about information she is seeing on the screen.

Image source: Getty Images

3 steps to investing in the ASX for retirement

Make a plan for retirement

Do you aspire to eat fresh seafood on the Italian coast each summer during retirement? You might need more savings than someone who sees themselves retiring to a modest cottage in the countryside.

That's why it's important to make a retirement plan that considers your personal financial needs, as well as the rising cost of living, and the impacts of inflation.

If you're still concerned about your savings after making a retirement plan, it might be worth considering investing in the ASX to build wealth.

Start today

The sooner one begins to invest, the more time one can enjoy watching their returns compound. That being said, it's never too late to start.

Further, building wealth on the stock market doesn't need to demand thousands of dollars each month.

Smaller, regular investments in an exchange-traded fund (ETF) can provide many of the same benefits as building a portfolio of individual shares.

On the other hand, anyone wishing to invest directly in a company's shares (when they're trading for a good price, of course) can do so.

Consider the market's risks and rewards

Finding the ASX investing method that best suits you and your retirement isn't always easy. That's where weighing up the risks and rewards can be helpful.

An investor with a high-risk tolerance might be drawn to riskier investments such as growth shares. Meanwhile, someone with a lower risk tolerance might lean towards buying units of an ETF.

The latter generally comes with built-in diversification – an important risk reduction tool. On the other hand, an investor building a portfolio of individual stocks would be wise to intentionally diversify their holdings.

Either way, it's important to consider that any investment – no matter how considered – can result in a loss.

Motley Fool contributor Brooke Cooper has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

More on Retirement

An older couple dance in their living room as they enjoy their retirement funded by ASX dividends
Retirement

5 excellent ASX shares to buy for a retirement portfolio

From supermarkets to infrastructure and property, these ASX shares bring different strengths to a long-term retirement portfolio.

Read more »

Smiling elderly couple looking at their superannuation account, symbolising retirement.
Retirement

3 blue-chip ASX shares to boost your retirement income

From supermarkets to telecoms, these blue-chip ASX shares combine stability, scale, and the ability to generate consistent income over time.

Read more »

An older couple use a calculator to work out what money they have to spend.
Retirement

You can aim to beat the Age Pension for the price of a daily coffee!

It doesn’t cost much to build up a large portfolio over time.

Read more »

Superannuation written on a jar with Australian dollar notes.
Superannuation

3 dependable ASX shares to add to a superannuation fund in 2026

I would trust these stocks with my retirement.

Read more »

A happy elderly couple enjoy a cuppa outdoors as the woman looks through binoculars.
Retirement

What you can own and earn in retirement while still qualifying for the pension changes today

The pension also lifts by $22.20 per fortnight for singles and $33.40 per fortnight for couples from today.

Read more »

A trendy woman wearing sunglasses splashes cash notes from her hands.
Retirement

If a 30-year-old invests $500 a month in ASX stocks, here's what they could have by retirement

Here’s how investing regularly can grow into a large amount.

Read more »

Man with his arms spread wide in a field.
Dividend Investing

Why this ASX REIT is a retiree's dream

Looking for a reliable investment? I’d go for this one…

Read more »

Two older women with yoga mats laughing and walking.
Retirement

How much can you own in retirement and still get a pension under new rules just announced?

The value of assets you can own, while still qualifying for the pension, will increase this Friday.

Read more »