![\"jar](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/jar-of-coins-shutterstock_576840406.jpg\")
<\/p>\n <\/p>\n
\n PHOTOBUAY \/ Shutterstock.com <\/p>\n
Commitment to Our Readers<\/p>\n
GOBankingRates’ editorial team is committed to bringing you unbiased reviews and information. We use data-driven methodologies to evaluate financial products and services – our reviews and ratings are not influenced by advertisers. You can read more about our editorial guidelines<\/a> and our products and services review methodology<\/a>.<\/p>\n 20 Years Trusted by Retirement planning doesn\u2019t have to be all spreadsheets and stress.\u00a0In fact, some of the smartest moves people make are the ones that bring them the most peace of mind later.\u00a0<\/p>\n GOBankingRates spoke with Dennis Shirshikov, professor of finance at City University of New York and head of growth and engineering at GrowthLimit<\/a>, to share the financial decisions<\/a> clients say they\u2019re most grateful for<\/a>.<\/p>\n Read This: 5 Clever Ways Retirees Are Earning Up To $1K per Month From Home<\/a><\/p>\n Separating Spending From Saving Early<\/p>\n \u201cMy experience advising individuals across income levels has shown me that retirement success is usually driven by a handful of early, intentional decisions rather than complex financial engineering,\u201d Shirshikov explained.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n According to him, there was one financial move, in particular, that his clients made that significantly smoothed their retirement planning.<\/p>\n \u201cThe most impactful move was establishing a clear separation between lifestyle spending and long-term investing early in their careers,\u201d he said.\u00a0<\/p>\n He explained that clients who treated retirement contributions as non-negotiable, similar to taxes, avoided constant recalibration later.\u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cThis created predictability and reduced stress as retirement approached,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n Sticking With a Diversified Strategy<\/p>\n Clients who simplified their investment strategy benefited the most, Shirshikov said.<\/p>\n Rather than chasing performance or frequently reallocating, they focused on diversified, long-term portfolios aligned with their time horizon.\u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cThis reduced emotional decision making and prevented costly timing mistakes during market volatility,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n Tackling High-Interest Debt Early<\/p>\n Shirshikov equally noted that clients who prioritized reducing high-interest and lifestyle-driven debt well before retirement had far more flexibility.\u00a0<\/p>\n Lower fixed obligations meant their retirement income<\/a> did not need to stretch as far, which preserved optionality around housing, healthcare<\/a> and travel decisions<\/a>.<\/p>\n Beyond the financial benefits, getting ahead on debt<\/a> also reduced stress and created a sense of control over their long-term plans.\u00a0<\/p>\n Making Planning a Regular Habit<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/cdn.gobankingrates.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/icon-20.svg?webp=1&quality=75\"){kind=icon}
<\/p>\n
Helping You Live Richer<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/cdn.gobankingrates.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/icon-experts-review.svg?webp=1&quality=75\"){kind=icon}
<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/cdn.gobankingrates.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/icon__trusted.svg?webp=1&quality=75\"){kind=icon}
<\/p>\n
Millions of Readers<\/p>\n