As you get older, the thought of retirement begins to consume your thoughts. You may have even started planning for it. But there’s still one thing that you need to do before you can retire—apply for a pension.

Applying for a pension is not something that should be taken lightly, especially if you’re looking to make sure that your retirement money lasts as long as possible.

The good news is that applying for a pension in Nigeria is not as difficult as you might think. You just need to make sure that you’re doing it right. In this article, we’ll cover some of the most important things that you can do before applying for your pension so that it lasts for as long as possible when you do retire.

These are a few important financial moves you should make to ensure that you’re in the best position possible:

1. Build an emergency fund

An emergency fund is a savings account that you can use in case of unexpected expenses. In retirement, it’s important to have an emergency fund in case of unexpected medical expenses or other unforeseen financial burdens. You need this because it allows you to pay for expenses without having to borrow money from your credit card or sell something valuable, like your car. It’s recommended to have at least three to six months of living expenses saved in your emergency fund.

2. Pay off high-interest debt

High-interest debt, such as credit card debt, can be a major burden on your finances. Before you apply for a pension, it’s important to pay off as much high-interest debt as possible. This will help to free up more money for your retirement and reduce the amount of interest you’ll have to pay over time.

To pay off high-interest debt, you can start by creating a budget and cutting back on unnecessary expenses. You can also consider consolidating your debt into one loan with a lower interest rate or transferring your balance to a credit card with a lower interest rate.

Additionally, if you have a lot of high-interest debt, you can consider speaking with a financial advisor or credit counselor to develop a debt repayment plan. You should know that paying off high-interest debt can take time, but the benefits of having less debt in retirement can be huge and can help you have more financial stability and peace of mind.

3. Creating a retirement plan

Creating a retirement plan is an essential step to take before applying for a pension. A retirement plan is a comprehensive strategy that outlines how you will save and invest your money to ensure that you have enough to live on during your retirement years.

A well-crafted retirement plan should take into account your current income, expenses, and savings, as well as your future income needs and desired lifestyle. To create a retirement plan, you can start by assessing your current financial situation and determining how much you will need to save each month to reach your retirement goals.

You should also consider factors such as inflation, taxes, and potential changes in your income or expenses. Additionally, you should think about the type of retirement you want to have, such as whether you want to travel or purchase a second home, and how these goals will impact your savings plan.

A good retirement plan should also include a diversified portfolio of investments, including stocks, bonds, and real estate, to help you grow your savings and protect against inflation. Consulting with a financial advisor or retirement planning expert can be helpful in creating a comprehensive and personalized retirement plan.

ALSO READ: FREE EXPERT GUIDE TO OPEN A PENSION ACCOUNT IN NIGERIA

4. Review Your Insurance Coverage

As you approach retirement, it’s important to ensure that you have adequate insurance coverage to protect yourself and your loved ones. This includes health insurance, life insurance, and long-term care insurance.

Health insurance is especially important as you get older and may be more susceptible to health problems. You should review your current health insurance coverage and consider purchasing additional coverage, such as a Medicare Supplement plan, to help cover the costs of medical care not covered by original Medicare.

Long-term care insurance can help cover the cost of in-home care or assisted living in case you become unable to care for yourself. Life insurance can provide financial support to your beneficiaries in case something happens to you.

Reviewing your insurance coverage and making sure you have enough protection for your retirement years is crucial for your financial stability and peace of mind.

5. Make a plan for your estate

Finally, before you apply for a pension, it’s important to make a plan for your estate. This includes creating a will, setting up a trust, and naming beneficiaries for your accounts.

By naming beneficiaries, you can ensure that your assets are distributed according to your wishes and avoid probate, which can be a costly and time-consuming process.

When you name a beneficiary, the assets in the account will pass directly to the beneficiary, bypassing the probate process and allowing your assets to be distributed more quickly and efficiently. This can be especially important in case of an emergency or if you pass away unexpectedly. It also helps to avoid legal disputes among your family members or loved ones over your assets.

Additionally, naming a beneficiary can also ensure that your assets are protected from creditors or lawsuits and can help your beneficiaries avoid paying estate taxes on your assets. You need to review and update your beneficiaries periodically, especially after significant life events such as marriage, divorce, or the birth of a child.

Bottom Line

Applying for a pension in Nigeria is an important step in ensuring a comfortable retirement. However, before you start the application process, it’s important to make these few key financial moves. By taking these steps, you’ll be in the best possible position to enjoy your retirement years.