As a single woman in my 30’s the thought of retirement planning used to fill me with anxiety. The idea of saving enough money to sustain myself through my later years felt like an impossible task, especially since I didn’t have a partner to rely on financially. I know I couldn’t allow fear to control my decision making process. I had to take control of my financial future and start planning for retirement.

I felt the tension rise as I realized I had no idea where to start. I was struggling to make ends meet in the present, let alone save for the future. But I knew I had to take the first step, so I set a goal. I wanted to have $2 million saved for retirement by the time I turned 65. It was a specific number that felt achievable yet challenging.

With my goal in mind, I started saving as much as I could afford each month. I opened a 401(k) account through my employer and made sure I was taking advantage of their matching contribution. I also started living within my means and avoided overspending on things I didn't need. I paid off any debt as soon as possible, which gave me more money to put towards my retirement savings.

Investing was something I knew very little about, but I was eager to learn. Before I became a Financial Advisor, I consulted with a Financial Advisor who helped me make informed decisions about where to invest my money. I learned about the risks and rewards of different types of investments and started putting my money into a diverse portfolio that felt comfortable for me.

As the years went by, I continued to save and invest, always keeping my retirement goal in mind. I also made sure to check my social security statement regularly, so I knew how much I could expect to receive and factored it into my retirement planning.

It isn’t easy, and there were times when I wanted to give up, but I knew the most important thing was to start planning early and stay disciplined with my savings.

Looking back, I'm grateful for the journey I've been on. Retirement planning was once a source of anxiety for me, but now it's something I feel proud of. As a single woman, I took control of my financial future and made smart decisions that will benefit me for years to come. I hope my story can inspire other single women to start planning for retirement, no matter how small their contributions may be. The earlier you start, the better off you'll be in the long run.