17 Retirement Planning Mistakes
- Underestimating Inflation: Inflation erodes purchasing power over time, so retirement plans must account for it.
- Not Accounting for Longevity: People often live longer than expected, which can result in outliving their savings.
- Overestimating Investment Income: Relying on unrealistic investment returns can lead to financial shortfalls.
- Overly Conservative Investments: Being too cautious with investments can limit growth, especially in the face of inflation.
- Setting Unrealistic Return Expectations: Assuming high investment returns can be risky; expectations should be based on historical data.
- Ignoring Healthcare Costs: Medical expenses often rise during retirement, so these costs must be planned for.
- Not Understanding Income Sources: It’s essential to know where retirement income will come from, including pensions, Social Security, and investments.
- Relying Too Much on Public Benefits: Public benefits like Social Security are often not enough to cover all retirement expenses.
- Underestimating Real Estate Costs: Maintenance, taxes, and repairs can erode savings.
- Too Aggressive Investments Near Retirement: Being too aggressive with investments can lead to significant losses.
- Starting Too Late: The sooner retirement savings begin, the better due to compound growth.
- Underestimating Expenses: People often spend more than they expect during retirement.
- Relying Solely on Social Security: Social Security should only be a supplemental source of income.
- Ignoring Healthcare Needs: Failing to plan for healthcare can lead to financial instability.
- Overlooking Tax Implications: Taxes on retirement income and withdrawals, need to be considered.
- No Withdrawal Strategy: Without a clear plan for withdrawing savings, retirees risk running out of money.
- Not Rebalancing the Portfolio: As needs change, portfolios need to be rebalanced to align with risk tolerance and financial goals.
By addressing these common mistakes, individuals can develop a stronger, more secure retirement plan.
Article by Bibi Apampa The Retirement Queen. Access free workshop on Rich Retirement Planning at https://BibiApampa.info