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Planning for Retirement: How Long Will Your Money Last?

 
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Learn about the 4 percent rule, safe withdrawal rate, and more.

description: an elderly couple sitting on a bench overlooking a serene lake, looking content and relaxed as they enjoy their retirement together.

Retirement is a significant milestone in life that many people look forward to. It's a time to relax, travel, and enjoy the fruits of your labor. But one question that often lingers in the minds of retirees is: how long will my money last?

The 4 percent rule is designed to help you make your money last in retirement. Following it could prevent you from outliving your money, as it dictates that you should only withdraw 4 percent of your retirement savings each year. This rule is based on historical market performance and is considered a safe way to ensure your savings will last throughout your retirement years.

Another method that retirees can use to determine how much money they can safely withdraw each year is the safe withdrawal rate (SWR) method. This method takes into account factors such as inflation, market volatility, and life expectancy to calculate a sustainable withdrawal rate.

For many retirees, leaving a legacy for their children is an important consideration. "It's time we think of leaving a legacy for our two adult children,” says one retiree. Planning ahead and making smart financial decisions can help ensure that you have enough money to support yourself in retirement while also leaving a financial legacy for your loved ones.

Deciding when to retire is a big decision that can impact how long your money will last. At just 58, Alexandra is ready to end her career in the public service and retire from her $102,000-a-year job. By retiring early, she will need to carefully manage her finances to ensure that her retirement savings will last throughout her golden years.

Where you choose to settle down in retirement can also have a significant impact on how far your savings will stretch. One analysis shows that the cost of living varies greatly depending on location, with some areas being more affordable for retirees than others. By choosing a retirement destination wisely, you can make the most of your savings and enjoy a comfortable retirement lifestyle.

Despite concerns about Social Security running out of money, the trustees' findings indicate that the program will still exist after 2035. However, retirees may only receive 83% of their full benefits, so it's important to have additional sources of income in retirement.

To help people ensure that their retirement savings will be enough for the long haul, two expert retirement planners have developed a proven technique. This technique takes into account factors such as inflation, market performance, and life expectancy to create a personalized retirement plan that will help stretch your savings as far as possible.

Many Americans, particularly men, lack knowledge about how long retirement lasts and how much money they will need to support themselves. This knowledge gap can leave retirees without sufficient savings to cover their expenses, highlighting the importance of financial literacy and retirement planning.

Misconceptions about Social Security running out of money are common, but it's essential to separate fact from fiction. Understanding how Social Security is funded and how benefits are calculated can help retirees make informed decisions about their retirement income.

Labels:
retirementsavingsmoneylegacysocial security4 percent rulesafe withdrawal rateplanningexpensesfinancial decisions
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