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POST-RETIREMENT RISKS

retirement risks

The term “Post-Retirement Risk” refers to any and all financial security issues that an individual may face after retirement. Unexpected costs or lesser income are two consequences of post-retirement risks, both of which can undermine even the best-laid retirement plans.

People who consider post-retirement risks are better equipped to live comfortably once they cease working. That savings account could dwindle if you don’t plan ahead for the hazards.

The Society of Actuaries has identified a number of post-retirement risks, which have been divided into four categories: personal and family, health care and housing, financial, and public policy.

1. Personal and Family Risks

These dangers frequently impair seniors’ personal lives. The following are some of the most common dangers in this category:

  • Death: The loss of a spouse can lower pension benefits or increase a retiree’s financial difficulties, particularly if medical expenses or other debts must be paid.
  • Risks Associated with Longevity or Outliving your Assets: As people live longer, they will require more money. Retirement income has a finite lifespan, so the longer you live, the less money you’ll have in your savings account.
  • Change in Marital Status: Separation or divorce can drastically diminish your retirement income because you’ll almost certainly have to split your assets.
  • Financial Aid to Family members: Your children or other dependents may need financial assistance at some point, and they may look to you for assistance. You can expect a dip in your finances if you opt to assist them.
2. Healthcare and Housing

These risks can be for either the retiree, their spouse, or their family members.

  • Unexpected Health care Bills: An average retired couple age 65 in 2021 may need approximately $300,000 saved (after tax) to cover health care expenses in retirement, according to the Fidelity Retiree Health Care Cost Estimate. Premiums can be a significant drain on the income of average American seniors.
  • Changes in Housing: Retirees may be forced to downsize or, in the case of health-related concerns, live in a care facility. This may have an influence on a person’s retirement funds, depending on the circumstances.
3. Financial Risks

Financial concerns associated with post-retirement include:

  • Inflation: Over time, the rate at which prices rise might erode a retiree’s purchasing power. If a retirement fund has $100,000 in it but it is all cash, the purchasing value of that money will erode over time. Unfortunately, inflation keeps increasing. Most financial advisors can direct retirees to inflation-protected products that keep pace with rising prices.
  • Interest rates: Interest rates influence the growth of a person’s retirement savings in part. Low-interest-rate conditions are fantastic for individuals trying to borrow money, but they aren’t so terrific for those looking to save money. When interest rates are low, banks and other financial organizations typically pay minimal returns on investments.
  • Stock market risks: The performance of the stock market might have a significant impact on your retirement fund. Although stocks outperform other investments, losses can lower the value of an investment. As a result, many retirement portfolios are designed to be reduced risk, with a significant portion of the principle invested in less volatile securities than individual equities or stock market index funds.
4. Public Policy

Taxes, Social Security, Medicare benefits, Medicare premiums, and other benefits could all be altered at any time. Because the majority of current and future retirees rely on these benefits to fund their retirement, any changes to these programs pose a significant danger to their retirement security.

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