Creating a strategy for success.
Run the numbers
There is a rule of thumb for retirees suggesting that retirement income has a target of 70-80% of the household’s end salary, though this can certainly vary. So, years before leaving work, sit down (perhaps with the financial professional you know and trust) and take a look at your household’s monthly expenses.1
The closer your household gets to retirement, the more exact you will want to be about your income needs. You first want to look for changing expenses: housing costs that might decrease or increase, health care costs, certain taxes, travel expenses, and so on. Next, look at your probable income sources: Social Security, your assorted retirement savings accounts, and your portfolio.
Priorities
Next, think about what you want to do with your retirement. You may have envisioned travel, spending more time pursuing activities and hobbies, or even moving closer to family or close friends. While you may not be able to live extravagantly in retirement, finding your priorities will be an important part of how you approach your budget; you have to not only know how to take care of your basic needs of your household, but also have things you enjoy that you can look forward to.
It’s also important to remember that priorities change in life, and ideas that you are fixed on before retirement may change after a few years. Budgeting can offer your household the flexibility needed to shift gears, as your needs and desires change.
Roadblocks
Having a budget in place can offer your household flexibility, but sometimes there are situations that come up that will challenge even the most careful retirees. A good budget will take health care costs in mind. If you have a family, be careful that gifts and loans don’t overwhelm your budget. Instead, consider creating a rainy day fund to call on, allowing you to set aside money especially for unforeseen expenses.
Budget well and live wisely
Creating a retirement budget for your household can be a big help in easing the transition from the daily grind to the golden years. For help with budgeting for retirement, speak to a qualified financial professional.
An additional ARE article on this topic:
Your Emergency Fund: How Much is Enough?
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Citations.
1 – fool.com/retirement/2018/09/07/how-much-income-will-you-really-need-in-retirement.aspx [9/7/18]
