When our parents retired, living to 75 amounted to a nice long life, and Social Security was often supplemented by a pension. The Social Security Administration (SSA) estimates that today's average 67-year-old woman will live to age 88. Given these projections, it appears that a retirement of 20 years or longer might be in your future.1

Are You Prepared For a 20-Year Retirement?

How about a 30-year or even 40-year retirement? Don't laugh; it could happen. The Society of Actuaries predicts that an average healthy woman that reaches age 65 has a 48% chance of living past 90, and a 26% chance of living to be older than 95.2

Whether through inertia or trepidation, investors who put off important investment decisions might consider the admonition offered by motivational speaker Brian Tracy, "Almost any decision is better than no decision at all."

This investment inaction is played out in many ways, often silently, invisibly, and with potential consequences to an individual’s future financial security.

Let's review some of the forms this takes.

A living trust is a popular consideration in many estate strategy conversations, but its appropriateness will depend upon your individual needs and objectives.

What is a Living Trust?

A living trust is created while you are alive and funded with the assets you choose to transfer into it. The trustee (typically, you) has full power to manage these assets. But using a trust involves a complex set of tax rules and regulations. Before moving forward with a trust, consider working with a professional who is familiar with the rules and regulations.

As Teddy Roosevelt once observed, "Old age is like everything else. To make a success of it, you've got to start young."

The challenges seniors have met throughout their lives have made them wiser and stronger, preparing them for the unique challenges that come with aging.

As we age, the potential for cognitive decline increases, ranging from simple forgetfulness to dementia. Long-term illness can sap time and energy from tending to your financial affairs in retirement. Even a decline in vision may make it harder to manage your financial affairs.

A retired couple age 65 can expect to need about $315,000 saved to cover healthcare expenses in retirement. With healthcare expenses in the spotlight, it's incumbent upon us to make sure our retirement strategy anticipates these costs.'

But that's not enough.

Remember, healthcare coverage (including Medicare) typically does not cover extended medical care. And it's a prospect we shouldn't overlook. About 70% of people will need extended care at some point in their lives?

If your family relies on your income, it's critical to consider having enough life insurance to provide for them after you pass away. But too often, life insurance is an overlooked aspect of personal finances.

Preparing for retirement can look a little different for women than it does for men. Although stereotypes are changing, women are still more likely to serve as caretakers than men are, meaning they may accumulate less income and benefits due to their time absent from the workforce. One study estimates that 66% of caregivers are women. Women who are working also tend to put less money aside for retirement. According to one report, women contribute 43% less to their retirement accounts than men.1,2

These numbers may seem overwhelming, but with a little foresight, you can start taking steps now that may help you in the long run. Here are three steps to consider that may put you ahead of the curve.

If your family relies on your income, it's critical to consider having enough life insurance to provide for them after you pass away. But too often, life insurance is an overlooked aspect of personal finances.

In fact, according to a 2023 study conducted by Life Happens and LIMRA, which closely follows life insurance trends, nearly 50 percent of Americans say that they have no life insurance coverage at all, even though 39% say they intend to obtain life insurance coverage within the next year.1

In a 2022 survey, 35% of all workers reported they were either “not too” or “not at all” confident that they would have enough money to pay for their medical expenses in retirement. Regardless of your confidence, however, being aware of potential healthcare costs during retirement may allow you to understand what you can pay for and what you can’t.

Financial independence is a term that is often thrown around, but its true meaning goes far beyond merely accumulating wealth. It encompasses the ability to live life on your terms, free from the constraints of financial stress and the need to rely on others for financial support. In this blog, we delve into the meaning of financial independence and explore how it varies based on age. Additionally, we will provide actionable tips on how you can work towards achieving financial independence in your own life.

If your family relies on your income, it's critical to consider having enough life insurance to provide for them after you pass away. But too often, life insurance is an overlooked aspect of personal finances. In fact, according to a 2023 study conducted by Life Happens and LIMRA, which closely follows life insurance trends, nearly 50 percent of Americans say that they have no life insurance coverage at all, even though 39% say they intend to obtain life insurance coverage within the next year.

When our parents retired, living to 75 amounted to a nice long life, and Social Security was often supplemented by a pension. The Social Security Administration (SSA) estimates that today’s average 65-year-old woman will live to age 86½. Given these projections, it appears that a retirement of 20 years or longer might be in your future.