Is Your Retirement Plan on Track? 7 Signs You Need to Reassess.

Retirement is the holy grail of our working lives. It’s that enchanting time when we can finally trade in our 9-to-5 grind for leisurely mornings, afternoon naps, golf courses, or perhaps tending to our prized tomato plants. But hold your horses, or, more accurately, your checkbooks! How confident are you that your retirement plan is on track?

According to a study by the Employee Benefit Research Institute, nearly 66% of Americans are not confident they’ll have enough savings for retirement. Yup, you heard that right—two-thirds of the country is biting their nails over retirement security. So, it’s time to grab a cup of coffee (or something stronger) and assess your retirement plan. Here are seven glaring signs that scream, “Hey, you might want to reassess!”

1. Your Savings Are More Like Loose Change

Let’s start with the elephant in the room: Your savings account looks like it’s recovering from an all-you-can-eat buffet. The average American has just about $60,000 saved for retirement, according to the Federal Reserve. But let’s be real, that’s like saving a single penny when you’re supposed to be amassing a fortune!

Signs to Look out For

– You have less in your retirement account than in your “Guilty Buy” fund.

– You’ve started counting your piggy bank coins as a part of your savings.

“If you don’t find a way to make money while you sleep, you will work until you die.” – Warren Buffett.

What To Do:

– Automate Your Savings: Set up automatic transfers to retirement accounts.

– Review Your Budget: Cut down on unnecessary splurges. Yes, that daily caffeine fix adds up!

 2. Your Retirement Age Keeps Getting Pushed Back

Are you mentally preparing to retire at 80? If so, it might be time to have a heart-to-heart with your retirement plan.

Signs to Look For:

– You’ve changed your retirement age more times than you’ve changed your hairstyle.

– Every birthday feels like a reminder that you “aren’t where you should be.”

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the average retirement age currently hovers between 65-67. So if you’re planning to retire at 75, you might just be in trouble!

What To Do:

– Consult a Financial Advisor: Sometimes, it helps to have a second (or third) pair of eyes.

– Adjust Your Strategy: Consider catch-up contributions if you’re 50 or older.

 3. You Haven’t Calculated Your Retirement Needs

How much do you need to retire? Do you even know? You’d be surprised how many people haven’t calculated their magic number. Spoiler alert: it’s not just “more than you have now.”

Signs to Look For:

– You have no clue how much you’ll need to live comfortably post-retirement.

– “Whatever I have at that point should be fine,” is your life motto.

“A goal without a plan is just a wish.” – Antoine de Saint-Exupéry.

What To Do:

– Start Using Retirement Calculators: There are free tools available online.

– Input Realistic Expenses: Don’t be modest; factor in vacations and hobbies!

4. You’re Relying Solely on Social Security

Let’s be real: Social Security isn’t your best friend when it comes to retirement planning. Relying on it is like putting all your stakes on a horse that keeps trying to munch on the track.

Signs to Look For:

– You regularly check Social Security benefits in your online account.

– You think your retirement party will involve cookies and a survival guide.

The average monthly Social Security benefit for retirees is $1,500. That’s a lot less than the average monthly expenses for retirees, which can exceed $3,000!

What To Do:

– Diversify Your Income Streams: Don’t just rely on one source.

– Invest Wisely: Look into IRAs, 401(k)s, annuities, or other investment vehicles.

 5. You’ve Ignored Your Debt

If a rabid raccoon showed up at your house demanding payment, you’d pay it, right? Well, ignoring your debt during retirement planning is just as ridiculous.

Signs to Look For:

– You have credit card debt for days and think it’ll “just go away.”

– You use “just one more month of payments” as a mantra.

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau reported that 1 in 3 retirees carries debt into retirement. Yikes!

What To Do:

– Create a Debt Payoff Plan: Tackle high-interest debt first.

– Consider Downsizing: Sometimes, a smaller house or fewer possessions can help ease the burden.

6. You’ve Become Too Comfortable

If you’re lounging in your financial comfort zone like a cat in a sunbeam, it’s time to get your butt off that couch!

 Signs to Look For:

– You’ve been saying, “I’ll deal with it later,” for, well, years.

– You think investment strategies are for “other people.”

“Change is hard at first, messy in the middle, and gorgeous at the end.” – Robin Sharma.

What To Do:

– Educate Yourself: Attend workshops or seminars on investing.

– Engage a Financial Planner: Don’t be shy—asking for help shows strength.

 7. You’re Ignoring Healthcare Costs

“Oh, I have health insurance; I’ll be fine!” If you find your inner self saying this, your plan might be in trouble.

Signs to Look For:

– You’ve been using your insurance card more than your driver’s license.

– You don’t factor in potential medical costs in your retirement plan.

Health Fact: A 65-year-old couple will need an estimated $300,000 to cover healthcare costs in retirement—talk about a smack in the face!

What To Do:

– Research Long-Term Care Insurance: It might feel like an unnecessary expense now, but it helps.

– Factor Healthcare into Your Budget: Don’t wait until it’s too late!

FAQs

Q1.  How often should I reassess my retirement plan?

A: Ideally, you should review your retirement plan yearly, especially after significant life changes.

Q2.  What’s considered a “realistic” retirement age?

A: While it varies per person, many aim for 65-67. Just remember, the earlier you plan, the better.

Q3. Can I still save for retirement if I have debt?

A: Absolutely! Start by creating a balance between paying off debt and contributing to your retirement accounts. It’s a juggling act, but it’s doable!

Q4.  What is a good retirement savings rate?

A: Aim to save at least 15% of your salary annually, including any employer match.

Q5. What if I drastically underestimated my retirement needs?

A: It’s never too late to change course. Speak with a financial advisor and explore options to catch up.

Alright, folks. If you’ve recognized several of these signs in your life, it’s time to tighten the reins on that retirement plan. After all, retirement should be a golden period, not a fleeting dream that’s forever out of reach.

If you’ve learned anything today, let it be this: Don’t let your retirement planning end up as just another item on your to-do list! Time waits for no one, and neither does your financial future. So go forth, reassess, and make those necessary changes for a financially secure retirement! Wouldn’t it be great to spend your golden years sipping piña coladas on a tropical beach, instead of worrying about how to live off a budget like you did as a college student?

Now, where’s my coffee? It’s time to plan!