Hi Reader,
Retirement is often seen as a time to relax and enjoy life after years of hard work. However, many people, regardless of their background or financial knowledge, face common challenges when planning for retirement. Without the right strategies in place, you might risk financial uncertainty or even outliving your savings.
But first,
Having started my career as a financial advisor over 25 years ago (yes, that includes Y2K, 9/11, the Great Financial Crisis, and everything in between), we've helped numerous clients navigate the many complexities of retirement planning.
Here are three common mistakes that people often make when preparing for retirement, along with practical tips to ensure a financially secure future.
1. Not Having a Clear Income Plan
One of the most significant mistakes people make is not establishing a clear plan for generating income during retirement. While saving and investing are crucial, the challenge lies in converting those savings into a sustainable income stream. Without a structured withdrawal plan, you may either outlive your savings or live too conservatively and not fully enjoy your retirement years.
LEARN MORE: Ep. 3 - Preparing for Retirement: Seven Essential Strategies for Successful Investing in Retirement​
Why It Happens:
Many individuals are unfamiliar with creating an income plan because their focus has primarily been on accumulating assets. This can lead to confusion when it’s time to start using those savings for day-to-day living.
How to Avoid It:
Work with a financial planner to develop a comprehensive income strategy that incorporates various sources such as Social Security, pensions, and withdrawals from investment accounts. A well-thought-out income plan will consider factors like inflation, market volatility, and life expectancy to ensure your money lasts as long as you do.
2. Underestimating Future Healthcare Costs
Healthcare costs are a major consideration for anyone planning for retirement, yet many underestimate just how expensive medical care can become over time. Without preparing for these expenses, unexpected medical costs can quickly erode retirement savings.
Why It Happens:
There’s a common misconception that Medicare or health insurance will cover most medical expenses in retirement. However, Medicare doesn’t cover everything, particularly long-term care, which can be a significant expense later in life.
LEARN MORE: Ep. #28 - Medicare Explained: How to Choose the Right Plan for You​
How to Avoid It:
Start planning for healthcare costs well before retirement. Consider contributing to a Health Savings Account (HSA) if you’re eligible, which allows you to save pre-tax dollars for medical expenses. Additionally, long-term care insurance can help cover expenses related to extended medical care. Consulting with a financial advisor can help you budget for future healthcare needs and avoid potential financial strain.
3. Overlooking Tax Implications on Retirement Income
Another common mistake is not factoring in how taxes will impact your retirement income. Just because you're no longer earning a paycheck doesn’t mean you won’t owe taxes. Many forms of retirement income, including traditional IRA withdrawals, pensions, and even Social Security, may be subject to taxes.
LEARN MORE: Ep. 6 - Why the Right Questions Can Save Your Retirement​
Why It Happens:
Many people assume their tax burden will decrease significantly in retirement, but that isn’t always the case. Without proper tax planning, taxes can take a larger chunk out of your income than anticipated.
How to Avoid It:
Incorporate tax-efficient strategies like ROTH IRA conversions or tax-loss harvesting into your retirement plan to reduce the impact of taxes on your income. By strategically planning your withdrawals, you can minimize the taxes you owe and keep more of your retirement income. Working with a financial advisor who specializes in tax planning can help you make informed decisions and preserve your savings.
Take Charge of Your Retirement Future
The good news is that it’s never too late to take control of your financial future. Whether you’re just starting to think about retirement or already retired, making adjustments to your plan can help you avoid these common mistakes and ensure financial security.
The bottom line is that you need an approach that focuses on effectively generating enough income to cover your needs, wants, and wishes, minimizes taxes, and ensures your wealth lasts throughout retirement.
Ready to make sure your retirement plan is on track?
Below, I have shared three ways we can help you be better prepared to live your retirement on your terms.
Please let me know if you have any questions, and we’d be happy to assist in any way we can.
Keeping Retirement Simple,
Eric Blake, CFP®
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