Running out of money in retirement is the unthinkable, the boogey man in the closet. What are your ‘best bets’ for making your money last? If this is truly your top priority, consider these the new goalposts:
1. Work until age 70
There is an exponential positive effect when you decrease the number of withdrawal years and increase the years that you are saving.
2. Take Social Security Benefits at age 70
A person’s age 70 benefit can be as much as 75% higher than his/her age 62 benefit. Keep in mind that, for widows, divorcees and two-income couples, the decision is not straightforward. Some little known opportunities exist. Finding the optimal benefit configuration is a job for your financial planner.
3. Begin RMD’s at age 72
Start taking the ‘Required Minimum Distribution’ from your pre-tax accounts in the year that you turn age 72 and never take more than the minimum amount required. Keep at least a portion of your nest egg in something with a stable value so that you do not have to withdraw from accounts that have lost value.
4. Fund Roth Accounts and Health Savings Accounts (HSA’s)
Fund Roth Accounts and Health Savings Accounts, if eligible, while you are working so that you will have tax-free money to spend after retirement (at least that is how it works under current tax law). Roth accounts make ideal savings vehicles for lump-sum retirement purchases like new cars. Health Savings Accounts can be used to pay health insurance premiums, deductibles and co-pays, long-term care premiums, dental, vision and chiropractic costs, durable medical equipment costs and other out-of-pocket medical expenses. Tax laws can change. As with all tax matters, be sure to consult with your tax professional.
5. Cover Potentially Catastrophic Risks
Be sure to have an Umbrella contract that includes Uninsured Motorist and Underinsured Motorist provisions. Cover long-term care risks using either traditional LTC insurance, life insurance or annuities that have LTC benefit riders (hybrid products), or by some other means. Work with your insurance professionals to make sure that all significant risk exposures are covered.
Securities offered through Registered Representatives of Cambridge Investment Research, Inc., a broker-dealer, member FINRA/SIPC. Advisory services offered through Cambridge Investment Research Advisors, Inc., a Registered Investment Advisor. Cambridge Investment Research, Inc. and Financial Planning Center for Women, SC are not affiliated. Cambridge does not offer tax or legal advice. Fixed insurance services offered through Financial Planning Center for Women.
Check the background of investment professionals on FINRA’s BrokerCheck: https://brokercheck.finra.org/
This communication is strictly intended for individuals residing in the states of AZ, FL, IN, MD, MI, MN, NC, OH, TN, & WI. No offers may be made or accepted from any resident outside the specific states referenced.
The information being provided is strictly as a courtesy. When you link to any of these websites provided herein, Laura Wilcox makes no representation as to the completeness or accuracy of information provided at these sites. Nor is the company liable for any direct or indirect technical or system issues or any consequences arising out of your access to or your use of third-party technologies, sites, information and programs made available through this site.
Copyright © 2020 Laura Wilcox