Core Insights - Assessing finances and setting a retirement budget is crucial as one approaches retirement [1][2] - Working longer can enhance retirement savings and potentially increase Social Security benefits [2] Retirement Costs - **Healthcare**: Estimated healthcare costs for a 65-year-old retiring this year are $172,500, excluding long-term care [3] - **Housing**: Even without a mortgage, retirees face costs such as property taxes, homeowners insurance, and maintenance [4][5][6] - **Leisure Spending**: Retirees may spend more on leisure activities than anticipated, with small expenses accumulating quickly [7][8]

Core Insights - Many retirees face hidden fees that can significantly impact their fixed income and savings, particularly in retirement accounts and healthcare costs [1][2]. Retirement Account Fees - The average annual spending for individuals aged 65 and older is $60,087, but they may incur additional, often unnoticed, retirement account fees ranging from 0.5% to 1.5% or higher [3]. - Common fees include rollover fees, account closing fees, expense ratios on mutual funds and ETFs, marketing or distribution fees, trading costs, custodial fees, service fees, and robo-advisor fees [7]. Health Insurance Fees - Retirees typically incur healthcare costs, and even with Medicare, there may be additional expenses for medical devices or long-term care [5]. - The income-related monthly adjustment amount (IRMAA) can lead to higher Medicare premiums, which can range from $259 to $628.90 depending on income [6].

Core Insights - The article emphasizes the importance of planning a realistic retirement budget as individuals approach retirement, highlighting the need for a detailed understanding of income sources and expenses [2]. Social Security Benefits - Social Security benefits are a crucial component of retirement income for many retirees, providing lifelong, government-guaranteed income with annual cost-of-living adjustments [4]. - Estimated annual Social Security benefits based on claiming age are as follows: $2,508 at age 62, $41,670 at age 67, and $52,271 at age 70, suggesting that delaying benefits can lead to a larger overall payout [4]. Investment Income - Income can also be generated from an investment portfolio, with retirement age influencing the investment strategy [5]. - A conservative investment strategy, balanced between stocks and fixed-income investments, may yield a 5% annual return, while a more aggressive growth strategy could potentially return 10% annually [6]. - Implementing a growth strategy could increase a combined total of $1,005,000 in retirement accounts to approximately $2,154,307 in eight years [6].

Core Insights - The article emphasizes the importance of creating a comprehensive retirement budget that accounts for both income sources and expenses, highlighting the variability of expenses such as healthcare and long-term care costs [2][3] Income Considerations - A couple planning to retire at age 65 may rely on $1.9 million in retirement accounts to generate investment-based income, with the potential for growth if retirement is delayed [3][4] - Waiting until full retirement age at 67 can increase Social Security benefits, contributing to a more solid retirement income [4] Withdrawal Strategy - The 4% rule suggests that a safe withdrawal rate from retirement investments is 4% annually, which translates to an initial withdrawal of $76,000 from a $1.9 million portfolio, adjusted for inflation in subsequent years [5][6] - If inflation is 3%, the withdrawal in the second year would increase to $78,280 [6] Total Income Projection - Combined Social Security benefits of $62,400 annually, along with the investment withdrawal, would result in a total income of $138,400 in the first year, providing flexibility for retirees [7] Spending Needs - An annual income of $138,400 is generally adequate for a comfortable lifestyle for many retirees, with a rule of thumb suggesting that post-retirement income needs may range from 70% to 90% of pre-retirement income [8]