Retirement Plans Versus Reality

Most Americans expect they’ll work in their retirement years. That’s surprising to most people. Over 60% of American adults have a vague plan to have a job of some kind after the age of 65. The problem with this is that the marketplace doesn’t always make it possible for people to achieve these workplace goals.

As much as retirees may think they want to work, they often don’t end up doing so. Of that 60+ percent of people who expect to work in their old age, less than 10% actually do so. Part of this is because older people find it difficult to fit work into their schedules. They may need to take care of a parent or a spouse who is deteriorating physically. On the other hand, retirees may be willing but unable to work. They may have a difficult time finding work due to ageism.

When people can’t work as long as they’d like to, it makes it more difficult for them to get by. They need to dip into their retirement savings earlier than expected. It becomes even harder to make that fixed income stretch when they have to start using that money early. People who are approaching retirement age need to be realistic about their prospects. They need to plan for a scenario where they won’t be working, in addition to the one where they are.

It’s important for workers to begin thinking about realistic retirement savings and income during their prime. By their thirties, workers need to be saving between $300 and $400 monthly if they expect to maximize their Social Security and their investment income. Of course, this projection is all based on a healthy return on investments, of over 5%. With the economic uncertainty that’s enveloped the US recently, it may be prudent to save even more.

Remember, it’s never too early or too late to start saving for retirement. Even people who are in their 40s or 50s have time to make a difference in their financial picture. The financial markets have unusual turns all the time. It could be possible to make up a lot of ground with judicious investments in the present. Be persistent and never give up on these goals.

David A. Noyes and Co. is a DBA of Sanctuary Securities, Inc., Investment products and services are offered through Sanctuary Securities, Inc., Member FINRA and SIPC.