Planning for a Financially Secure Retirement
Being ready for a financially secure retirement takes planning that begins early and never really ends. Children grow up. Incomes rise or fall. The time left between work and retirement narrows. But let's focus on best practices during the ages of 55 to 69.
Ages 55–59
- Now is the time to save aggressively for retirement. You're probably in your peak earning years, so put away as much as possible as often as you can. And be sure to take advantage of so-called "catch-up" clauses that allow you to increase contributions to retirement plans.
- Look at your current spending and estimate whether your retirement needs will be met by income from Social Security, savings and withdrawals from your retirement plan.
- Shift to a more conservative investment strategy as retirement nears.
Ages 60–69
- Consult with a financial planner at least five years before you retire to make sure you are on a sound financial track.
- Consider long-term care insurance.
- Make sure your will and estate planning documents reflect your current wishes.
- Contact Cumberland University for charitable giving strategies that will benefit you, your heirs and our mission.
The U.S. Social Security Administration's website can help you estimate the amount of monthly benefits you'll receive from Social Security.
- Go to www.socialsecurity.gov/estimator.
- Click on "Estimate Your Retirement Benefits" (button in the middle of the page).
- Be ready to provide your name, Social Security number, date and place of birth, and mother's maiden name.
- With a few more clicks, you get an estimate of your future benefits.
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The information on this website is not intended as legal or tax advice. For legal or tax advice, please consult an attorney. Figures cited in examples are for hypothetical purposes only and are subject to change. References to estate and income taxes apply to federal taxes only. State income/estate taxes or state law may impact your results.