With a fluctuating economy, retirement planning has changed a lot over the decades. One major adjustment is that people are working longer. Today almost 1 in 3 people aged 65 to 69 are still employed. Many need the money, but others simply love their jobs and want to keep them. Whether you’re one of these seasoned employees or a college grad just starting out, here are seven things you need to know about today’s retirement:
You’re on your own. Meaning people have to be a lot more proactive these days when saving for retirement.
Start planning early. It’s hard to convince young professionals to put away money for something that is so far off in the future. This is why it’s crucial to teach them financial literacy at an early age.
Money can be accessible. With a Roth IRA, you can withdraw money at any time without any penalties. The tradeoff is that you don’t receive a tax deduction when you make a contribution now.
You can contribute to an IRA. Even if you contribute to a 401(k) you’re still able to use an IRA. Those 49 and younger can bank up to $5,000 annually.
Consider health care. Many people fail to consider health care when planning for retirement. Unfortunately, Medicare does not cover everything and you will be forced to pay out of pocket.
Prepare to work longer. One major change among today’s retirees is that they are staying longer in the workforce. Some do so for financial reasons while others are pursuing interests they may not have had time for early on in their careers.
Think beyond the money. Do something that makes you happy. It’s ok if your needs and interests change as time goes by; always keep an eye out for the next job.
For more information on how to prepare for the new retirement, please visit Fox Business.