Understand the 10 Greatest Retirement Risks Factors

Could you see yourself retiring on just $35,107 per year? 

This is the reported median household income for the retired population today (with inflation and time value of money considered) according to Forbes.com, along with a reported median spending that averaged $31,165. How long can you afford to outspend what you earn? Will you have a 401(k), IRA, Roth IRA, or other type of qualified retirement savings plan in place to fall back on?

At 57% of the median income of Americans of working ages ranging from 45 to 64 it is not what most would consider a lavish stipend for most Americans.

“Nearly 20 million seniors — almost half of the elderly population – are living on incomes that put them living close to the bone. In addition, women, blacks and Hispanics more likely to struggle financially in retirement”, according to a recent report from the Economy Policy Institute.

While lacking sufficient income may be the greatest threat to retirement, there are worse risks often overlooked that can do significant harm.

Retirement Threats to Consider 

Most people will work about 45 years until retirement.  In today’s economy some are being forced to retire early since they cannot find a job.  The real question is whether you will have enough money whenever you choose or need to retire.

We already know that many of us are not saving enough for retirement.   However there are many stories of those who saved plenty and/or had generous pension plans and had to file for bankruptcy to save their retirement.

One of the biggest reasons people struggle through retirement is they wait too long to start saving.  If you saved $100 per month beginning at age 21 you could have upwards of $143,000 by retirement.

Today some who started retirement flush with lots of cash are struggling.  Today due to substantial changes in our economy and markets some who waited 45 years will have to take on jobs and what jobs can a 67 year old get?  Starbucks?  Some are lucky enough to get consulting work however most will end up in low paying hourly roles, if they can get them.

Today’s unemployment numbers do not represent the percentage of people unemployed.  The numbers reflect those who are collecting unemployment insurance.   Those unemployed after 26 weeks, when most unemployment benefits end, are not being counted.  Some have estimated the true unemployment number at 17% of the population.

You’ll be competing with applicants of all ages at Starbucks, Walmart and other hourly jobs.  At the current rate of job creation compared to those entering the work force every year the numbers could go higher!  How easy will it be to get a job when 25% of the US is looking?

The way to minimize your chances of competing for hourly jobs at $8 to $12 per hour is to create a comprehensive retirement plan that includes all the issues that you will face.

We’ve prepared a FREE REPORT,  The Ten Greatest Threats to Your Retirement, which you can obtain by participating in our retirement education.  Once you submit your information below we’ll immediately send you a link from which you can download the report.

Its never too early to plan for retirement.  At least find out what you need to know for your plan. Sign up below to learn what you need to know to start your plan.   Don’t leave yourself vulnerable to bankruptcy. Don’t spend your later years searching for an $8 an hour job.  Spend them with your children, grandchildren and on vacations.