Even carefully laid income plans can go awry. So be sure to guard against risks that can potentially deplete your retirement stash.
Let’s say you’re a conservative investor and have all your savings in lower-risk investments returning about 5% annually. If inflation is running at 4%, you’re actually clearing only 1% return … and thus trading safety for the potential to accumulate. That 1% cleared today will buy even less in later retirement when inflation has also done its worst to the price of food, electricity and everything else you can’t live without.
If you’re married, be sure to consider income options that can continue to pay beyond the death of the first spouse. Better to live on a little less today than to leave nothing for tomorrow.
People are living longer nowadays. Especially if you retired early, spend wisely so you’ll have enough for later years. Remember, experts suggest that an optimal annual withdrawal is about 4 percent of total savings.
As people age, they may need more health care. Some services, for instance those for long-term care, are costly and not usually covered by Medicare.
"Long-term care insurance can lighten load on retirement funds."
Rather than paying for long-term care out-of-pocket, consider insurance. Here’s more.