Whether you’re in your 30s, 40s or even your 50s, you’re probably curious about what it takes to enjoy a successful retirement. Fortunately, the professionals at MoneyTips.com, an online community and financial planning resource, believe they have discovered the answers you crave. They recently surveyed more than 500 Americans to learn what the most successful did to prepare for their golden years and how they’re enjoying their retirement. Some of the secrets uncovered are quite surprising.
First off, the most “successful” retirees might not look like you’d expect.
While four out of five are between the ages of 60 and 79 and now fully retired, only 42 percent of successful retirees are women. This is a bit surprising given that women traditionally live longer than men do. Also somewhat surprising is the financial profile of those who are living comfortably in retirement. According to the survey results, 44 percent have less than $500,000 in assets. Sixty-seven percent live on less than $100,000 per year, and 27 percent live on less than $50,000. Eight-five percent rely on social security for a portion of their retirement income.
While they consider their retirement “successful,” they still have a few money concerns.
Almost have of the survey respondents reported that worries about money still cause them stress, even though they feel their retirement lifestyle is comfortable. The most common concerns are outliving their savings (25 percent), incurring substantial healthcare costs (24 percent), and maintaining their standard of living (23 percent). Fewer worry about leaving an estate to their family (5 percent) or funding their children or grandchildren’s educations (7 percent).
They’ve found numerous ways to minimize their risks of running out of money.
Proactive frugality is a common trait of the successfully retired. The survey results show 55 percent drive cars that are at least two years old. Forty-four percent spend less than their monthly income. Thirty-six percent have reduced their living expense, and 35 percent have cut back on luxury extras. That said, only 20 percent report sticking to a carefully planned budget.
They also make smart insurance and income moves. Seventy-three percent of successful retirees report carrying Medicare insurance and 24 percent have invested in long-term care insurance policies. Seventeen percent have continued to work (or their spouse has done so). Ten percent collect income from rental properties.
They had a plan for retirement.
Among survey respondents, nearly 65 percent calculated how much they’d need to retire sometime between their 20s and their 60s. However, more than 50 percent didn’t start saving until they were in their 40s. At that point, 12 percent saved between 1 to 5 percent of their income, 34 percent saved between 6 and 10 percent, 22 percent saved between 11 and 20 percent, and 8 percent saved 21 percent or more.
When it came to investing those savings, 62 percent of successful retirees consulted professionals at least some of the time. However, 44 percent report primarily making their own investment decisions. Sixty-six percent chose traditional IRAs, while 27 percent utilized Roth IRAs. The popular 401(k) was part of the investment portfolio of 53 percent of successful retirees. Other common investment vehicles were defined benefit plans (30 percent), tax sheltered annuities (25 percent), SEP IRAs (18 percent), rental properties (17 percent) and health savings accounts (12 percent).
Would you like to join the ranks of successful retirees? If so, we can help. Contact us anytime you need financial planning or investment assistance.
