Four Mistakes That Can Upend Your Retirement
Pursuing your retirement dreams requires a bit of preparation. As you develop your vision for the future, make sure you avoid these retirement mistakes:
- Having No Strategy
The biggest mistake is having no strategy at all. Yet, only 18% of Americans have a written retirement plan in place.[1] Without this framework, pursuing your retirement goals can be challenging. Aim to develop an approach for both your working and retirement years, and revisit them as needed.
- Missing Tax-Deferred Savings
Many workers have access to 401(k)s or other types of tax-deferred programs. Some even offer an employer match. Unfortunately, about one-in-five participants doesn’t optimize their match.[2] Consider ways to avoid leaving this free money on the table by maximizing any employer-matching contributions. Distributions from 401(k) plans and most other employer-sponsored retirement plans are taxed as ordinary income, and if taken before age 59½, may be subject to a 10% federal income tax penalty.
- Forgetting High Health Care Costs
The cost of health care rose higher last year: A 65-year-old, male-female couple that retires in 2019 should be prepared to pay $285,000 in health care expenses during their retirement years.[3] From prescription costs to extended care, medical expenses can add up. Outline your potential health care needs today, so you’ll be prepared for tomorrow’s medical costs.
- Keeping Too Much Debt in Retirement
Retirees aged 65 to 70 years old have an average of $20,643 in non-mortgage debt, which may include car loans and credit cards.[4] You may want to consider managing or reducing your debt level as you prepare for retirement.
With a well-crafted strategy, you can be proactive and better manage some common retirement pitfalls. We’re happy to help you make the most of your retirement.
Footnotes, disclosures, and sources:
The content is developed from sources believed to be providing accurate information. The information in this material is not intended as tax or legal advice. It may not be used for the purpose of avoiding any federal tax penalties. Please consult legal or tax professionals for specific information regarding your individual situation. This material was developed and produced by FMG Suite to provide information on a topic that may be of interest. FMG Suite is not affiliated with the named broker-dealer, state- or SEC-registered investment advisory firm. The opinions expressed and material provided are for general information, and should not be considered a solicitation for the purchase or sale of any security. Copyright 2019 FMG Suite.
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[1]https://www.fa-mag.com/news/most-americans-don-t-have-a-written-financial-retirement-plan-44471.html
[2]https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/personalfinance/retirement/2018/02/12/1-in-5-americans-are-making-a-terrible-401k-mistake/110251212/
[3]https://www.cnbc.com/2019/04/02/health-care-costs-for-retirees-climb-to-285000.html
[4]https://www.lendingtree.com/debt-consolidation/places-where-people-at-retirement-carry-the-most-debt/