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.

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

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.

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

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

If I were a retiree, I'd buy these 2 ASX shares straightaway

Retirees may do well with these investments in their portfolio.

Read more »

Couple holding a piggy bank, symbolising superannuation.
Retirement

The best ASX 200 retirement shares to buy in May

Bell Potter thinks these shares could be top options for retirees. Let's find out why.

Read more »

Retired couple hugging and laughing.
Retirement

2 wonderful ASX 200 retirement shares I'd buy in May

I’m very positive on these stocks for retirees.

Read more »

Happy couple enjoying ice cream in retirement.
ETFs

How ASX ETFs could help you retire rich

These funds could be helpful for investors looking to retire with a nice nest egg.

Read more »

A couple are happy sitting on their yacht.
Retirement

Want to retire rich? I would invest $1,000 a month into ASX shares

$1,000 a month could go a long way if you have time on your side.

Read more »

Superannuation written on a jar with Australian dollar notes.
Retirement

Have you checked your superannuation balance this month?

What do you look for when choosing a super fund to help you retire in style?

Read more »

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.
Retirement

From today you can earn and own more and still qualify for a pension in retirement

Indexation changes to age pension payments and the asset and income tests become effective today.

Read more »

An older gentleman leans over his partner's shoulder as she looks at a tablet device while seated at a table in their classic Australian old person's home, complete with comfortable furniture and family photographs on the walls.
Retirement

Changes to age pension and retirement assets and income tests announced

Indexation changes to the age pension will come into effect on 20 March.

Read more »