What is enough?

If you’re considering retiring in the near future, you’ve probably heard or read that you need about 70% of your end salary to live comfortably in retirement. This estimate is frequently repeated … but that doesn’t mean it is true for everyone. It may not be true for you. Consider the following factors:

FACTOR #1

Your Health

Most of us will face a major health problem at some point in our lives. Think, for a moment, about the costs of prescription medicines, and recurring treatment for chronic ailments. These costs can really take a bite out of retirement income, even with a great health care plan.

FACTOR #2

Your Heredity

If you come from a family where people frequently live into their 80s and 90s, you may live as long or longer. Imagine retiring at 55 and living to 95 or 100. You would need 40-45 years of steady retirement income.

FACTOR #3

Your Portfolio

Many people retire with investment portfolios they haven’t reviewed in years, with asset allocations that may no longer be appropriate. New retirees sometimes carry too much risk in their portfolios, with the result being that the retirement income from their investments fluctuates wildly with the vagaries of the market. Other retirees are super-conservative investors: their portfolios are so risk-averse that they can’t earn enough to keep up with even moderate inflation, and over time, they find they have less and less purchasing power.

FACTOR #4

Your Spending Habits

Do you only spend 70% of your salary? Probably not. If you’re like many Americans, you probably spend 90% or 95% of it. Will your spending habits change drastically once you retire? Again, probably not.

Will You Have Enough?

When it comes to retirement income, a casual assumption may prove to be woefully inaccurate. However it doesn’t hurt to get a rough estimate. Using an online calculator link the one listed here can help you get started. You can use CNNMoney’s Will You Have Enough to Retire? calculator.

You won’t learn exactly how much retirement income you’ll need simply by watching this video and using the online calculator. But you will be on the right path. You may want to consider meeting with a fee-only, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ who can help estimate your lifestyle needs and short-term and long-term expenses

Sources:

1. This material was prepared by MarketingLibrary.Net Inc., and does not necessarily represent the views of the presenting party, nor their affiliates. This information should not be construed as investment, tax or legal advice. All information is believed to be from reliable sources; however, we make no representation as to its completeness or accuracy.