As retirement approaches, you’ll likely face a number of big decisions. How should you allocate your investments? Which Medicare options should you choose? Do you continue to work part time? Should you downsize?
One of the biggest decisions you will face, though, is when you should file for Social Security benefits. It’s an important decision because it’s permanent. Once you file and begin receiving benefits, you won’t have an opportunity in the future to change your selection. That’s why it’s important for you to take some time and consider your needs and objectives. According to a 2014 study by American Consumer Credit Counseling, nearly one-third of American households provide financial support to adult children.1 It’s a common phenomenon for parents of young adults: The child leaves the house and graduates from school, only to return for financial support because of student loan debt, a weak job market and other factors.
The phenomenon is so common that these grown children have a nickname: “boomerang kids.” The name is fitting because of their propensity to return home rather than set out on their own. The statistics are depressing no matter how you look at them. Nearly 40 percent of Americans have given little or no thought to retirement planning.1 More than half of Americans have less than $10,000 saved for retirement. One-third have nothing saved.2 Nearly two-thirds of Americans don’t use a budget.3
Why is retirement such a challenging goal for so many Americans? There are a number of possible answers. One is that many may feel retirement is far in the future, and they believe they have more pressing concerns today. Others may face financial difficulties that make it difficult to save. |
Kirt CarstensCarstens Financial Group focuses on providing comprehensive asset management, estate planning and life insurance solutions. Allow us to help you secure your financial future. Archives
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