Three things to consider to make your money last the rest of your life

Core Insights - The average 65-year-old may need $172,000 in after-tax savings to cover healthcare expenses in retirement, with women generally requiring more due to longer life expectancy [1] - The median retirement savings for Americans is estimated at $87,000, which is significantly lower than the projected healthcare costs, raising concerns about financial preparedness for retirement [3][7] - A survey indicates that 64% of Americans fear running out of money in retirement, with the highest levels of concern among Generation X (70%) and millennials (66%) [4] Retirement Savings and Healthcare Costs - Fidelity Investments forecasts that the average retiree will need $172,000 for healthcare, highlighting the gap between savings and expected expenses [1] - If the median savings figure from 2022 grew by 55% as the S&P 500 did, it would rise to approximately $134,000, still insufficient for healthcare costs [2] - The Federal Reserve's data shows that the median savings balance is $87,000, which is inadequate when considering healthcare expenses [3] Financial Stress and Concerns - A National Endowment for Financial Education survey found that 88% of respondents felt financially stressed as 2026 approached, with 77% experiencing a financial setback in 2025 [9] - Rising costs of living, including utilities and groceries, contribute to the financial strain on retirees [8] Retirement Planning Considerations - Decisions regarding retirement timing, Social Security benefits, and potential relocation are critical and vary based on individual circumstances [10] - Social Security can be claimed as early as 62, but delaying benefits can increase payouts by approximately 8% per year, presenting a dilemma for retirees [12] - Selling a home can provide significant tax-free profits, which could alleviate financial pressures for retirees [14]