Retirement planning as a couple is no picnic. It's about creating a shared vision of your future and working together to reach it. You and your partner must talk openly, work as a team, and agree on investment and savings targets. Despite the importance of this shared endeavor, many couples aren't equipped to plan effectively.
59% of American workers expect to work during retirement due to inadequate savings and financial prep. Let's dive deep into this critical subject and explore ways to improve your shared approach to retirement planning.
Retirement Planning: An Imperative
Retirement planning isn't just about saving money. It's about visualizing the life you want to lead when work no longer dictates your schedule. Whether traveling, pursuing hobbies, or spending time with grandkids, your dream retirement may cost more than you think.
Frighteningly, three-quarters of Americans agree that the country is facing a retirement crisis. Young adults are particularly optimistic about retiring early—until they turn 30 and the harsh realities kick in.
While a majority of non-retired adults, almost 74%, have started to create a retirement nest, a concerning 28% still haven't embarked on this journey.
This situation creates a risky financial landscape for couples. It's important to understand that the crux of the matter goes beyond merely setting aside money for retirement. It's about figuring out the right way to save and determining how much to put away.
Demystify Expressions and Perspectives About Money
Money talk can often be complex, particularly among couples. Our views on money and retirement are often influenced by unique factors, for example, upbringing, personal experiences, or current financial standing.
The subject of retirement can be incredibly delicate. For instance, you might imagine serene country life while your partner envisions globe-trotting escapades. The key here is to align these dreams to avoid future disputes, forging a comprehensive retirement plan, and evaluating your expected retirement income.
It's also crucial to dismiss prevailing myths such as "retirement planning can wait" or "we'll manage with less money during retirement." Sadly, these assumptions can lead to financial hardship.
Couples need to clarify their views on money in their retirement considerations to ensure they are aligned on their financial goals. Understanding each other's financial habits, values, and goals can lead to a more robust retirement plan.
This ultimately contributes to a smoother transition to retirement, less stress, and a more financially secure future.
Develop a Joint Savings Strategy
Understanding the retirement landscape is vital for creating a safe future together. Take the retirement age gap for eligibility for full social security benefits, for instance. The Social Security Administration stipulates that if you were born in 1937 or any year prior, you can claim your full benefits at the age of 65. However, for those born in 1960 or later, eligibility kicks in at the age of 67.
Also, it's essential to consider your desired retirement lifestyle and be aware of the gender gap in retirement savings: women, on average, have 30% less in retirement assets than men by the time they retire.
Furthermore, there's disparity in retirement savings concerning race—the average retirement money for white Americans was roughly $45,000 more than that of Black and Hispanic Americans.
If you choose to work longer and opt for Social Security benefits only after reaching full retirement age, the outcome is favorable. The benefits increase, savings accumulate, and reliance on these savings lessens. Therefore, your combined savings strategy needs to take all these factors into account. Here are some steps to enhance your shared retirement plan:
1. Prioritize retirement savings
Aim to set aside a certain percentage of your income for retirement right off the bat. While focusing on short-term goals is natural, incorporating retirement into your regular savings is crucial.
It's less about the amount you save and more about the habit of saving itself. The earlier you begin, the better—those who start in their 20s are 66% more likely to retire by 60. Every little amount you save matters as it can benefit from the power of compound interest. Also, setting a specific savings target helps guide your efforts, ensuring you save enough for your retirement needs.
2. Maximize employer retirement plans
Take full advantage of your employer's retirement plan, like 401(k) or 403(b). Try to contribute as much as you can, especially to get the full match from your employer—it's free money. These plans come with considerable tax breaks, which means you get to save more during your working years. Plus, your money grows tax-free until you retire.
Your employer may also match your contribution, which adds to your savings. You'll also have other opportunities to invest. So, make the most of these plans because they can take your retirement savings to the next level.
3. Create a budget and stick to it
Creating and sticking to a budget is the cornerstone of retirement planning. A well-structured budget paints a clear picture of your combined income, outgoings, and the potential for savings.
The Federal Reserve shows that 28% of non-retired adults have no retirement savings. Budgeting can ensure you control your financial situation rather than the other way around.
Life can sometimes throw curveballs, so your budget needs to be flexible and ready for any emergencies. This lets you really understand what you and your partner absolutely need to spend each month and how you can cover it with reliable income sources like Social Security, pensions, or annuities.
Taxes also play a significant role in budget planning. If not accounted for, they can take a hefty bite out of your retirement income and savings.
Essentially, a sound budget forms the fiscal roadmap for couples working towards their shared retirement dreams, striking a balance between present needs and future financial security.
4. Diversify your investments
Investing for retirement is a shared journey for couples, and diversification is your secret weapon. You need to weave a diverse basket of investments to keep risks at bay. Remember, open communication about your investment strategy is required—it's your financial future we're talking about, after all.
Whether you prefer a shared or individual portfolio reflects your unique partnership and risk appetites. If making decisions seems like a tough nut, think about having separate accounts. That way, you both have the freedom to delve into your own investment choices.
And remember, don’t hesitate to ask for help. Financial professionals can help you map your investment journey to a comfortable retirement.
5. Plan for healthcare costs
Healthcare costs in retirement can be a burden for couples. Recent stats suggest that a couple retiring at 65 could need $315,000 to $383,000 in savings just for healthcare. Certified financial planners often point out that many people wrongly believe Medicare covers all expenses. Medicare coverage limitations, combined with escalating healthcare costs, make it crucial to create a dedicated health insurance plan.
Beyond just regular healthcare costs, you have to plan for long-term care. This factor must be included in retirement plans as it can lead to substantial expenses. Some even invest in long-term care insurance to ease the burden.
Also, in a couple with an age difference, the older partner may retire and need healthcare coverage before the younger one does, making the planning more complex. The retirement date can influence the cost and the types of coverage available. Healthcare expenses are indispensable in retirement planning. Don't let them catch you off guard.
Shared Goal-Setting: Getting on the Same Page
Ensure you and your partner have a unified vision for retirement. While you might have individual goals, a collective strategy is essential to effective retirement planning. The Gallup study showed that optimism about early retirement wanes with age, likely because of the challenges of saving enough money.
A joint retirement goal involves aligning both partners' retirement timelines, lifestyle desires, and passionate pursuits and determining the cost to fund that life. Calculating these costs will show you the amount needed to save each year to achieve your retirement goals. Additionally, consider the effect of inflation over time, as this will affect your purchasing power in retirement.
Dealing with the Unexpected: Building a Safety Net
Unforeseen life events can hinder even the best-laid plans. Unexpected illnesses, accidents, or job losses can have a significant impact on your savings and ability to continue saving for retirement.
Therefore, an integral part of retirement planning for couples would be to build an emergency fund. The size of your emergency fund may vary, but typically, financial advisors recommend striving to set aside three to six months' worth of living expenses.
This safety net will provide a financial buffer against life's unpredicted challenges, allowing you to continue your planned savings strategy without interruption. Notably, your emergency fund should be easily accessible, like in a high-yield savings account.
Retirement Plans and Estate Planning
Beyond mutual savings and investment plans, couples must consider other vehicles for securing their future. Make good use of retirement accounts. According to the Federal Reserve, 54% of non-retirees have retirement savings in defined contribution plans like 401(k) or 403(b).
Also, pay attention to the importance of estate planning in your retirement strategy. Have a clear conversation and write down how you want your assets shared when you pass away. This ensures both you and your partner's desires are respected. A well-structured estate plan can help steer clear of unwanted legal issues and family disputes in the future.
Regular Review and Adjustment
Finally, life changes and your retirement plan should adapt accordingly. Adjust your retirement strategies as your income, health, life expectancy, and overall personal circumstances change. Regular check-ins with your certified financial planner about the current status of your joint retirement plan will allow you both to stay updated on progress and potential roadblocks.
As your income grows, you may adjust the amount you're saving, or as you get closer to retirement, you may shift some of your investments to more conservative options. With 62% of Americans aged 18 to 29 having some retirement savings but only 30% percent feeling on track for retirement, it's vital to review and adjust savings plans often.
Final Thoughts
Retirement planning for couples requires time, attention, and open dialogue. However, by working together, re-evaluating plans, setting shared goals, and adjusting the plan as needed, you can build a more secure, prosperous, and enjoyable future together.
Planning for retirement might feel overwhelming with all its numbers and the worry about saving enough. However, a solid plan and teamwork can help you and your partner prepare for this life stage.
Remember, the essence of successful retirement planning lies in balancing the Present You with the Future You. As you move forward on this path, remember to celebrate the progress you've made and the milestones you achieved.
After all, a fulfilling retirement is about enjoying the fruit of your years of hard work. So, build a strategy, take action, and look forward to a well-deserved retirement.
