Debt Profile of Older Americans
The percentage of older Americans with debt is at its highest level in almost 30 years, and the amount and types of debt are on the rise.
In recent years, the increase has largely been driven by the 75-and-older age group – a somewhat surprising revelation.
From 2010 to 2019, the percentage of this group that carried debt rose from 38.5% to 51.4%, the highest level since 1992.
Retirement Confidence Remains Strong, Despite Pandemic
Despite the economic shock of the coronavirus pandemic, American workers and retirees remain largely optimistic about their financial prospects for retirement.
In its annual Retirement Confidence Survey conducted in January 2021, the Employee Benefit Research Institute (EBRI) found that 80% of retirees and 72% of workers were either very or somewhat confident in their ability to afford a comfortable retirement.
IRA and Retirement Plan Limits for 2021
Many IRA and retirement plan limits are indexed for inflation each year. While some of the limits remain unchanged for 2021, other key numbers have increased.
IRA contribution limits
The maximum amount you can contribute to a traditional IRA or a Roth IRA in 2021 is $6,000 (or 100% of your earned income, if less), unchanged from 2020. The maximum catch-up contribution for those age 50 or older remains $1,000. You can contribute to both a traditional IRA and a Roth IRA in 2021, but your total contributions cannot exceed these annual limits.
Deciding When to Retire
For most of our lives, retirement is a distant thought that seems years and years away. Then, as with all things time-related, we find this new phase of life to be just around the corner. But, how exactly do we know when to retire?
Deciding When to Retire: When Timing Becomes Critical
Deciding when to retire may not be one decision but a series of decisions and calculations. For example, you'll need to estimate not only your anticipated expenses, but also what sources of retirement income you'll have and how long you'll need your retirement savings to last. You'll need to take into account your life expectancy and health as well as when you want to start receiving Social Security or pension benefits, and when you'll start to tap your retirement savings.
A Closer Look At Retiree Confidence in 2020
At any given point in time, retiree confidence is an important measurement. People want to know that they will have the funds they need to live comfortably when it comes time to retire and that their healthcare needs will be met. In light of the current pandemic and accompanying economic downturn, retiree confidence has shifted.
Retiree Confidence Drops in 2020, As Some Workers Worry
The Retirement Confidence Survey conducted each year by the Employee Benefit Research Institute (EBRI) took a slightly different tack in 2020.
Estimating Your Retirement Income Needs
You know how important it is to plan for your retirement, but where do you begin? One of your first steps should be to estimate how much income you'll need to fund your retirement. That's not as easy as it sounds, because retirement planning is not an exact science. Your specific needs depend on your goals and many other factors.
Use your current income as a starting point
What You Should Know About Retirement
95% of Americans have not saved enough for retirement. Act now, your retirement is approaching.
Retirement: Get the Leadership You Need
You deserve to enjoy the rewards of your life's efforts. Discover how the right financial leadership can make a difference.