Avoiding Retirement Woes: Take Action Today in Your Corporate Career

How to Avoid Retirement Woes

According to the American Institute of CPAs (AICPA), the top concern of retirees is running out of money. For those especially working in corporate careers, there are many great options to effectively save for retirement.

While it’s a known fact that many of us don’t begin to save for retirement when we should, it appears that nearly half of all current retirees are concerned about outliving their retirement funds. However, there are some things you can do now to help mitigate the very real risk of outliving your retirement funds. These include the following:

• Consider purchasing a long-term care policy. We know that the rise in the cost of health care has outstripped inflation. And there is quite a heated debate on whether you should or shouldn’t invest in a long-term care policy, consider the following: regular health insurance won’t cover long-term care and neither does Medicare, which means that if you end up needing long-term care, it will have to come out of your own pocket.
• Pay off any debt you may have before retirement. Reducing your monthly obligations can provide increased cash flow. It may be worth it to work an extra year and pay off items such as car loans and credit cards before retiring. Furthermore, if your mortgage can be paid off this will put you in better shape.
• Begin to ramp up your savings amounts when you hit age 50. Once you hit 50, your maximum contribution to your 401(k) increasing by $6,000 yearly, while those with an IRA can contribute an additional $1,000 yearly once they hit 50. If financially able, be sure to take advantage of these contribution increases. You’ll be glad you did.
• Think about relocating. While no one likes to move, it may be beneficial to downsize your current living situation. A larger home means a larger mortgage payment, and even if your home is paid off, you’ll still be facing higher maintenance costs as well as higher property taxes. Consider moving to a smaller home, or if you live in a high cost of living area, consider relocating to a more retirement friendly community.
• Put off your retirement. While some can’t wait until the day they can retire, others face retirement with dread. If you’re healthy and in a position to continue working, it may be beneficial to do so. Working just a couple extra years can increase your Social Security benefits, while also providing you with the ability to put away a bit more money. Many retirees also start their own business or work part-time in an industry that has always interested them. There are a lot of options available that can prove to be helpful in increasing your retirement stash.
• Consider working with a fee-only financial planner. If all of this is simply too overwhelming, consider a consultation with a fee-only financial planner. Financial planners can answer any lingering questions you may have, help you create a sound financial plan that works with your needs, and can guide towards investment opportunities, or simply advise you how much money you need to put away now in order to remain solvent during retirement. Fee-only financial planners are unique in that they do not sell products they provide investment advice. This ensures that your financial planner is working as a fiduciary, acting in your best interests. Even if you only meet a few times, it’s worth the cost to get access to their expertise.

Retirement doesn’t have to be scary. Starting to plan now can provide you with the assurance that you’ll be able to enjoy your retirement.

*This content is developed from sources believed to be providing accurate information. The information provided is not written or intended as tax or legal advice and may not be relied on for purposes of avoiding any Federal tax penalties. Individuals are encouraged to seek advice from their own tax or legal counsel. Individuals involved in the estate planning process should work with an estate planning team, including their own personal legal or tax counsel. Neither the information presented nor any opinion expressed constitutes a representation by us of a specific investment or the purchase or sale of any securities. Asset allocation and diversification do not ensure a profit or protect against loss in declining markets.