Retirement Planning Tips for the Last Decade of Your Career

​Are you winding down the final years of your career? For many people, the final 10 years before retirement are filled with a blend of excitement and stress. On one hand, you’re likely excited to leave the working world and enter a new phase of your life. On the other hand, you may be worried about whether you are financially prepared for retirement.
 
One great way to prepare yourself for retirement is to maximize your retirement account contributions in these final years. Take advantage of catch-up contributions to maximize your savings and boost your retirement account balances. Catch-up contributions are allowable contributions above and beyond the standard limitations for those who are 50 and older.

Saving more money isn’t the only strategy to consider, though. There are a number of other steps you can take in these final years to minimize risk and put yourself in better position to enjoy a financially stable retirement. Below are a few additional planning steps to think about:

Contribute to a health savings account (HSA).
Think Medicare will pay all your medical expenses? Think again. Fidelity estimates that the average 65-year-old couple will spend $260,000 on out-of-pocket health care costs in retirement.1 Those costs include things like premiums, deductibles, copays and treatments that aren’t qualified for Medicare coverage.
 
You can prepare for these costs today by contributing to a health savings account. Contributions to HSAs are tax-deductible, and the funds grow tax-deferred while in the account. Withdrawals from your HSA are tax-free as long as you use the funds to pay for qualified medical costs. That means you can save money today on a tax-advantaged basis to pay for health care costs in the future.

Consider long-term care insurance.
Many retirees are surprised to learn that Medicare doesn’t cover long-term care, which is extended assistance for basic living activities like eating, bathing, and mobility. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services estimates that 70 percent of retirees will need long-term care at some point.2 Long-term care is often needed for years, and it can cost a substantial amount of money.
 
One way to manage those costs is with long-term care insurance. You pay premiums today in exchange for coverage in the future. Many policies cover care provided either in the home or in a facility. Some also have death benefits, so your loved ones will receive any unused coverage after you pass away.

Develop a backup plan.
Unfortunately, the unexpected can happen in retirement and as you near retirement. For example, what if you reach retirement age and don’t have enough saved to fund your retirement? What if you are forced into early retirement by a disability or job loss?
 
While these scenarios may sound unlikely, they do happen. Even the best-laid plans can be forced off track by the unexpected. Think about what steps you could take to protect your retirement. Perhaps you could downsize, reducing your income needs. Maybe you could gradually transition into part-time work, using your skills and talents to generate income while still maintaining a flexible schedule. Be creative and think of fallback options should your plan go awry.
 
Ready to plan your final years before retirement? Contact us today at J. Harris Financial. We can help you analyze your needs and develop a strategy. Let’s connect today and start the conversation.

 
1https://www.fidelity.com/about-fidelity/employer-services/health-care-costs-for-couples-in-retirement-rise
2http://longtermcare.gov/the-basics/who-needs-care/

 
This information is designed to provide a general overview with regard to the subject matter covered and is not state specific. The authors, publisher and host are not providing legal, accounting or specific advice for your situation. By providing your information, you give consent to be contacted about the possible sale of an insurance or annuity product. This information has been provided by a Licensed Insurance Professional and does not necessarily represent the views of the presenting insurance professional. The statements and opinions expressed are those of the author and are subject to change at any time. All information is believed to be from reliable sources; however, presenting insurance professional makes no representation as to its completeness or accuracy. This material has been prepared for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to provide, and should not be relied upon for, accounting, legal, tax or investment advice.
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