McBeath Financial Group - November/December 2024

The Series in Review! 10 Retirement Questions:

Over the last 10 newsletters, we’ve taken a deep dive into the questions that matter most when planning for retirement. In this final installment, we’ll recap the highlights and offer a complete look at the key issues that drive a secure and fulfilling retirement. Let’s review the 10 questions you need to answer for a well-rounded retirement strategy. 1. HOW MUCH WILL YOU SPEND IN RETIREMENT? It’s not just about having enough savings; it’s about understanding and managing your expenses to align with your retirement lifestyle. Regardless of the size of your retirement accounts, careful budgeting ensures your resources are allocated effectively to support your goals. 2. HOW MUCH INCOME WILL YOU HAVE IN RETIREMENT? Retirement income comes from various sources — Social Security, pensions, rentals, annuities — and it’s crucial to determine what each source provides and how reliable it is over time. This is where a professionally prepared financial plan, along with a solid investment strategy, plays a crucial role. 3. HOW CAN YOU COVER THE GAP BETWEEN YOUR INCOME AND EXPENSES? To bridge any gap between your income and expenses, you need a comprehensive distribution plan that incorporates retirement account rollovers, non-retirement savings, and strategic investments. This will help ensure you’re covered throughout retirement. 4. HOW CAN YOU SAFEGUARD YOUR LIFESTYLE FROM INFLATION AND MARKET RISKS? Achieving a comfortable retirement means striking the right balance between growth and safety. A balanced approach— utilizing Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs) — can help provide growth potential based on your individual risk tolerance. ETFs are similar to mutual funds but trade like individual stocks, and they can be tailored to match both conservative and growth-oriented strategies, depending on financial goals. A well-constructed strategy may offer protection from inflation and market swings, along with the ability to capitalize on market growth. 5. HOW MUCH WILL YOU PAY IN TAXES DURING RETIREMENT? Taxes don’t necessarily decrease in retirement; in fact, they can increase depending on your income sources. Effective tax planning ensures that withdrawals from IRAs, 401(k)s, and other accounts don’t lead to unpleasant surprises.

7. WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO START TAKING SOCIAL SECURITY? The timing of Social Security benefits has a significant impact on your overall retirement income. It’s important to weigh factors like your financial needs, marital status, and life expectancy to make an informed decision about when to start claiming benefits. 8. WHAT HAPPENS WHEN A SPOUSE PASSES AWAY? The financial impact of losing a spouse can be profound. Understanding how this affects income, taxes, and expenses helps ensure the surviving spouse remains financially secure. A trusted financial advisor can guide you through these difficult decisions. 9. SHOULD I ROLL OVER MY 401(K)? Rolling over a 401(k) into an IRA often provides access to more investment options and better fee transparency. It also simplifies account management and aligns with long-term retirement goals by offering personalized financial guidance. 10. WHAT’S YOUR PLAN FOR LEAVING A LEGACY? Legacy planning is a key aspect of retirement, ensuring that your estate is passed on according to your wishes while managing tax liabilities. A comprehensive estate plan incorporates charitable giving, wealth transfer strategies, and tax-efficient planning. CONCLUSION As we wrap up this series, it’s clear that retirement is not a one-size- fits-all journey. It requires careful consideration of many moving parts — expenses, income, taxes, market risks, healthcare, and legacy planning. The answers to these 10 crucial questions provide a roadmap to ensure you’re well-prepared for the years ahead. Whether you’re already retired or still planning, having a comprehensive financial strategy in place, alongside a trusted team of advisors, is key to achieving a secure and fulfilling retirement. Remember, your retirement is a journey, not a destination, and we’re here to support you every step of the way.

For a full, comprehensive guide of our 10 Questions for a Successful

Retirement, request the FREE report using the website below or scan the QR code! https://page.mcbeathfinancialgroup.com/10- questions-for-retirement-report.html

6. HOW WILL YOU COVER MEDICAL AND LONG-TERM CARE EXPENSES?

Even with Medicare, healthcare costs can add up, especially when it comes to long-term care. Incorporating supplemental insurance or long-term care insurance into your plan will help protect your finances from these unexpected costs.

2 McBeathFinancialGroup.com

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