January 2024
Securing Your Golden Years: The Importance of Retirement Savings
As we navigate the journey of life, we often find ourselves so immersed in the present that we forget about the future. Yet, there is a stage in our lives when planning for the future becomes not just essential but imperative: retirement. It's a phase where we should be reaping the rewards of our hard work and enjoying the fruits of our labor. However, the statistics tell a different story.
According to a report by the National Institute on Retirement Security, nearly 60% of working-age households in the United States had no retirement savings as of 2021. This startling statistic should serve as a wake-up call for all of us. The importance of retirement savings cannot be overstated, and here's why:
Longevity and Retirement: The average life expectancy has increased significantly over the years. In the United States, a person who reaches age 65 can expect to live, on average, an additional 19.4 years. This means retirees need to plan for a longer retirement period.
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- Social Security as a Supplement: Social Security benefits replace only a portion of pre-retirement income. On average, Social Security replaces about 40% of a worker's pre-retirement earnings. This underscores the need for additional retirement savings.
- Healthcare Costs in Retirement: Healthcare expenses tend to increase in retirement. Fidelity's annual estimate for healthcare costs in retirement projected that a couple retiring in 2021 at age 65 would need approximately $300,000 to cover medical expenses throughout retirement.
- Decline of Traditional Pensions: Traditional pension plans (defined benefit plans) have become less common, with many employers shifting to 401(k) plans (defined contribution plans). This shift places more responsibility on individuals to save and invest for their retirement.
- Inflation Impact: Inflation erodes the purchasing power of money over time. Without adequate retirement savings, the impact of inflation can reduce the real value of retirement income.
- Financial Stress in Retirement: A survey by the Employee Benefit Research Institute (EBRI) found that many retirees are concerned about outliving their savings. This financial stress can negatively affect the quality of life during retirement.
- Retirement Savings Gender Gap: Women often face a retirement savings gender gap. They tend to have less saved for retirement due to factors like wage disparities and time out of the workforce for caregiving responsibilities.
- Retirement Confidence: The Employee Benefit Research Institute's annual Retirement Confidence Survey consistently shows that many Americans lack confidence in their ability to afford a comfortable retirement.
- Early Planning Pays Off: Starting to save for retirement early can make a substantial difference. The power of compounding allows investments to grow over time, making it easier to accumulate the necessary savings.
The message is clear: proactive retirement planning is essential. We must save and invest wisely to ensure financial security during our retirement years. It's never too early or too late to start. Whether you're in the early stages of your career or nearing retirement, take charge of your financial future. Seek guidance, explore investment options, and make informed choices. Your future self will thank you for it.
Let's collectively work towards a future where retirement isn't a source of anxiety but a well-deserved period of relaxation and fulfillment. The journey begins with a single step, and that step is securing your golden years through prudent retirement savings.
DISCLAIMER: This newsletter is intended to provide thought-provoking commentary. The information presented herein has been obtained from and is based upon sources and vendors deemed to be reliable, but may be incomplete. Parkside Financial Bank Trust does not itself endorse or guarantee, and assumes no liability for, the accuracy or reliability of any third party data or the financial information contained herein.
Parkside Financial Bank & Trust does not provide tax, legal, or accounting advice. This material has been prepared for informational purposes only, and is not intended to provide, and should not be relied on for, tax, legal, or accounting advice. You should consult your own tax, legal, and accounting advisors before engaging in any transaction. Investments are not insured by the FDIC or any government agency, provide no bank guarantee, are not a deposit and may lose value.
