Some 60-year-olds are looking forward to several more years of a fruitful career, but others are enjoying the prospect of retirement right around the corner. It's a crucial time to check how close you are to your retirement savings goal. While the answer to "How much retirement should I have at 60?" depends on your personal circumstances, here are some ways to see where you stand and figure out what to do next.
How much retirement should I have at 60?
A general rule for retirement savings by age 60 is to aim to have
If you aren't there yet, you're not alone. Slightly less than half of people age 60 and older
How can you calculate how much you will need in retirement?
Since everyone's need for retirement income is different based on lifestyle, salary, and other goals, use a
First, estimate how much you may need per year for your retirement budget. Where do you
As you
Next, consider all your guaranteed sources of retirement income. This includes
Once you have considered all of your income sources, it's critical to put together a strategy to turn your assets into income. You've saved money throughout your working years and not all assets are treated the same when it comes time to spending them. Developing an optimal strategy that matches your retirement income style and considers your entire picture will provide the confidence most people seek in retirement. There are available tools to help you get there
How can you catch up on your retirement savings?
If your savings aren't where you'd like them to be, don't be discouraged. Whether you were unable to save early in your career or are still dealing with pandemic-related financial losses, making extra contributions, downsizing your expenses, checking your investment strategy, delaying retirement and reimaginging your retirement lifestyle can help you catch up on your retirement savings:
Make catch-up contributions
Consider whether you can go over budget in the amount you're currently setting aside for retirement. Even an extra $50 every month can make a difference.
You may have the option to put more in your retirement account now than you did when you were younger. After age 50, you can make catch-up contributions. In 2022, the annual catch up contribution is $1,000 for
Bottom line: Saving more can help you boost your financial flexibility.
Downsize your expenses
To save more, determine what expenses you could trim during the last years of your career. That might include canceling gym memberships and subscriptions, dining out less or taking public transit more often.
This could be a chance to test out your retirement lifestyle. For example, if you think you're going to downsize to a smaller house, why not move a little earlier? The amount you save on utilities, property taxes or other expenses could go toward retirement savings. You could also try living on your target retirement budget for a few months and see whether it's realistic based on your expenses.
Downsizing doesn't your budget doesn't necessarily meant that you need to downsize your house. Just take note of what you are spending monthly and look for ways to save on wants vs needs. A budget can illuminate excess spending that could go to saving.
Check your investment strategy
Investing is a balance between risk and return. As you approach retirement, it might be tempting to move all your money into safe assets like cash or bonds. While you may move to a more conservative investment approach as you approach the retirement finish line, consider two overall investment buckets: near term assets and long-term growth assets.
1. Near-term assets
Near-term assets that readily accessible and can provide stable sources for two to five year's worth of retirement income beyond what's provided by guaranteed sources (such as Social Security).
These assets:
• Should be liquid with low volatility to help protect your principal.
• Help provide security so that you can invest more aggressively in growth equities.
• Could include some
2. Long-term growth assets
A long-term growth bucket of assets contains equity investments to help achieve long-term growth. While these assets are more likely to face short-term losses, historically they have earned a higher return than bonds.
Stock market exposure can help your retirement savings keep up with inflation, which is on the forefront of our minds these days, as you:
• Invest for the long run with a focus on long-term growth.
• Continually review and adjust your investments with assistance from your financial advisor.
• Diversify assets and income sources among different
Shifting to a portfolio with more growth assets could help your portfolio return in these last years of your career, while also increasing the income you would receive once you retire.
An efficient retirement investment portfolio should align with your
Delay retirement or pursue part-time work
If you are okay with continuing to work, you might consider putting off retirement. Each extra year of work is another year you can put more money aside and not draw down your savings. It's also a chance to delay Social Security. You can
Another option is to take on part-time work at the start of retirement. This could be a chance to follow a passion, such as teaching a class or working at a local historic site. Any income means less money you'll have to take out of your savings.
Reimagine your retirement lifestyle
If it's been a while since you've looked at your planned retirement budget, check in. Think about any substitutions you could make to reduce your anticipated costs. For example, would you want to move to a state with lower income taxes and a lower cost of living? If you were planning to travel, could you go to more affordable destinations? A lower spending budget in retirement will let you get by with less in savings.
What if you have more retirement savings than you need?
After using the
Don't rush into this decision, however—especially if you enjoy working. With more in savings, you would be better protected in case of a market downturn, health emergency or other costly surprise comes up.
It won't hurt to have more in savings, but there are strategies that may be more efficient depending on what you'd like to do with any extra money. Flexibility is key, so you can make adjustments as things change.
If your work structure allows it, consider doing a trial retirement. Take off as much time as you can as temporary leave and try living your planned retired life. It may help you decide if you're ready to retire. And if you don't, there's nothing wrong with working longer and saving more for yourself and your loved ones.
How can you double-check your retirement plan?
As you prepare for this crucial stretch in your retirement plan, it could be a good time to