Search Results for: retirement

There are plenty of ways to make retirement planning less stressful. But, people are oftentimes too caught up in saving for vacations or paying off debts to dedicate much effort to prepare for retirement. We all make mistakes. But, do you make retirement mistakes? Considering the significant income drop you’ll experience after retiring from your current line of work, planning for retirement is one of the most important things you’ll ever do in your life! The last thing you want to do is reach your 60s with little saved for retirement. To clear up any confusion about retirement planning and help you stay on track to meet your goals, here are some common mistakes you should avoid. 4 Common Retirement … Read more

Saving for retirement can be a confusing experience whether you’re just getting started in your early twenties or you’re on the verge of retiring within the next decade. There are so many different options to choose from – not all of which may be available to you, depending on what your employer offers – and choosing the best plan possible is critically important for securing your long-term financial sustainability. If you’ve encountered 403b retirement plans and/or 457b retirement plans as potential retirement planning options, then which one would be the ideal fit for your situation? 403b vs 457b Before we take a deep dive into the pros and cons of each type of retirement savings account, let’s start with the … Read more

Getting (and staying) out of debt and saving regularly for retirement are some of the most important personal financial habits that everyone should be doing, but having a finite income with conflicting financial priorities understandably complicates matters. If you have student loans, a running balance on your credit cards, or other outstanding debts in the 4+ figures range, how should you balance your debt repayment plan (short-term goal) with your retirement savings plan (long-term goal)? What is the best way to save for retirement when you are in debt? Best Way to Save for Retirement When You Are in Debt The answer to this ultimately depends on the amount of debt and the interest rate you’re paying. Still, a generally … Read more

Although older adults (ages 65 and older) only account for 16% of the current U.S. population, data from the Kaiser Family Foundation found this age group accounts for 36% of all healthcare spending in the U.S. each year. When you factor in people 55+ years old, this demographic comprises just 29% of the U.S. population but accounts for 56% of all healthcare spending. Rising healthcare costs can crush your retirement dreams. The fact that older people have more expensive, more frequent healthcare needs than younger people is no surprise. Still, it’s alarming to see just how much money quality geriatric care requires, especially when healthcare costs are rising much more quickly than wage growth and cost-of-living adjustments (COLA) for social … Read more

Note – The following post is the 3rd and final article in a series of retirement education blog posts on Money Q&A and sponsored by USAA. Be sure to check out the 1st and 2nd articles in the series, “Am I Saving Enough for Retirement?” and “How Long Will My Retirement Savings Last?”. Like always, all opinions are my own about every topic, including choosing a lifestyle in retirement. With the cost of living rising at what seems like rapid rates every year, adults of all ages are beginning to wonder how they’ll ever manage to retire and still maintain the same standard of living they enjoyed during their working years. The concern to maintain a consistent standard of living during … Read more