Planning for retirement is one of the most important financial undertakings of your life.
While it’s exciting to think about the possibilities ahead, it’s also easy to make missteps that could derail your plans.
Here are five common retirement planning mistakes—and how to steer clear of them.
1 - Underestimating Healthcare Costs
Healthcare is one of the largest expenses retirees face, and underestimating these costs can lead to financial strain.
Many people assume that Medicare will cover all their expenses, but it doesn’t cover everything.
Premiums, deductibles, out-of-pocket costs, and long-term care can add up quickly.
How to Avoid This:
Research Medicare options and supplemental plans.
Consider strategies to fund and protect assets from potential long-term care needs.
Include rising healthcare costs in your retirement budget.
2 - Failing to Account for Inflation
Inflation erodes purchasing power over time, meaning your money may not stretch as far in 10, 20, or 30 years.
Many retirees underestimate how significantly inflation can impact their lifestyle.
How to Avoid This:
Build inflation assumptions into your retirement projections.
Invest in assets that can outpace inflation, such as stock funds and real estate
Regularly review and adjust your budget as needed.
3 - Overlooking Lifestyle Changes
Many retirees focus heavily on financial preparation but fail to consider how their daily lives will change.
Transitioning from a structured work schedule to open-ended days can be challenging without a clear plan for how to spend your time.
How to Avoid This:
Think about how you’ll spend your days in retirement. Will you travel, take up hobbies, volunteer, or spend more time with family?
Experiment with retirement activities before fully retiring to get a sense of what you enjoy.
Factor the cost of these activities into your budget to ensure your finances align with your lifestyle.
4 - Not Diversifying Your Investments
Failing to adjust your portfolio as you near retirement can expose you to unnecessary market risk.
On the other hand, becoming too conservative too early can limit your growth potential and expose you to unnecessary inflation risk.
How to Avoid This:
Maintain a diversified portfolio that balances growth and risk.
Adjust your asset allocation as your goals and income needs evolve.
Work with a retirement planning specialist to ensure your investments align with your retirement timeline and income needs.
5 - Neglecting Tax Planning
Taxes don’t go away in retirement, and failing to plan for them can lead to unpleasant surprises.
Withdrawals from traditional retirement accounts, Social Security benefits, and even certain investment gains may all be taxable.
How to Avoid This:
Use a tax-efficient withdrawal strategy to minimize your tax burden.
Consider Roth conversions to create tax-free income in retirement.
Work with a retirement planning specialist to stay ahead of potential liabilities.
Conclusion
Retirement planning is complex, and avoiding these common mistakes can make all the difference in achieving your goals.
By planning for healthcare costs, accounting for inflation, preparing for lifestyle changes, diversifying your investments, and prioritizing tax efficiency, you’ll set yourself up for a more secure and enjoyable retirement.
If you’re unsure about your plan or need personalized advice, consult with a retirement planning specialist to guide you on this journey.
Want To Discuss This Individually?
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2 - For non-clients: Complete the form on the website to request a retirement planning consultation: www.rolekretirement.com
This is article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as tax or legal advice. Advice is only provided after entering into an Advisory Agreement with the Advisor. See other disclosure here: Disclosures