90% of Americans age 65 or older receive monthly Social Security payments. While it probably isn’t enough to live on, it will likely be a significant part of your financial plan.
The statistics are clear: Social Security comprises up to 34% of the average retiree’s income. Moreover, 71% of individuals and 48% of married couples count on Social Security benefits for at least half of their income. Your financial plan should account for your total monthly income including the Social Security benefits for yourself and your spouse.
Understand How Your Benefits Are Calculated
The Social Security administration uses a formula to figure your annual benefit. The formula adjusts your reported past income for inflation and then averages together the 35 highest income years. You can then get that amount divided into 12 monthly payments, but your age makes a big difference in how much you actually receive.
Know Your Options
Your primary insurance amount (PIA) is what you can receive if you’ve reached full retirement age (FRA, 66 for folks born between 1943 and 1954, higher thereafter). The amount will be less if you start taking payment at a younger age (starting at age 62) or greater if you wait beyond FRA (up to age 70). If you start at age 62, your PIA is reduced by 20% to 30%, but the reduction decreases each year. Your benefit increases annually by 8% for each year you wait after your FRA. Spousal benefits are at least half of the other spouse’s PIA.
Making Up The Shortfall
A common rule of thumb is that you’ll need around 70% of your pre-retirement income to have a comfortable retirement. But if you have big plans for travel and other expensive activities, you may need 100% or more of your pre-retirement income. Once you understand the limits of Social Security benefits, you have a good indication of how much you’ll need from other sources to support your desired lifestyle.
Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs)
You can start receiving penalty-free distributions from your IRA and 401(k) at age 59 ½. Recent changes due to the SECURE Act have delayed the RMDs until age 72. Moreover, you can continue to contribute to your 401(k) (and postpone RMDs) as long as you work.
A Holistic Plan Is Crucial
The earlier you work out your financial plan for retirement, the better able you’ll be to take the steps necessary to meet your goals. If you’re looking for a financial advisor and advocate who will look at your unique personal situation, needs and goals to provide solutions and a personal touch, then please reach out.
I recognize I’m not a good fit for everyone, and that’s ok. That’s why I offer a complimentary introductory meeting so that we can be open and honest from the outset to ensure the best results based on our mutual compatibility.
Laryssa Freeman, CFP® is a member of the Fee-Only Network. She offers two options for new clients depending upon their needs:
1) Project-Based Financial Planning Service on a flat fee basis. The implementation of the plan is done by the client. The scope of work for the Project-Based Financial Planning Service may include the following topics based on the client’s needs: Retirement Planning, Estate Planning, Development of Financial Goals, Investment Analysis, Risk Management, College Planning and Tax Planning Strategies.
2) Comprehensive Financial Planning which includes all of the services above plus investment management and financial plan implementation by Meritage Wealth Management.
📍Available nationwide virtually or local for clients living in San Diego County, CA.
