Retirement isn’t what it used to be. I’ve seen too many people enter their golden years with outdated expectations—thinking they’ll spend 10, maybe 15 years in retirement, only to find themselves still going strong at 90. It’s a blessing to live longer, but it’s also a financial challenge that too many overlook.
Think about this: Half of 65-year-old men today will live past 85, and half of women will make it to at least 88. And if you’re in good health and have had access to quality healthcare throughout your life, your odds of living even longer are even higher. That means your savings need to stretch further—potentially for decades.
Yet, when surveyed, most Americans drastically underestimate how long they’ll live in retirement. Many plan for a 10- to 15-year window when they should be thinking 25 to 30 years. This misconception can lead to costly mistakes, like claiming Social Security too early, under-saving, or failing to plan for later-life expenses, including healthcare and long-term care.
The True Cost of a Longer Life
A longer retirement isn’t just about more years but more expenses. Medical costs tend to rise as we age, and inflation chips away at purchasing power. If you’re not adjusting your retirement strategy for a longer life, you might be setting yourself up for financial stress in your later years.
One of the biggest mistakes I see is claiming Social Security too early. Social Security is one of the only inflation-adjusted income sources many retirees have, and claiming at 62 instead of 70 can significantly reduce lifetime benefits. If you’re in good health and can afford to wait, delaying Social Security may be one of your smartest moves.
Beyond Social Security, ensuring your savings last requires careful planning. A basic guideline—planning for savings to last until age 90—isn’t enough anymore. Many retirees will live past that, meaning a traditional approach could leave you short. And if you’re part of a couple, there’s an even higher chance that at least one of you will live into your mid-to-late 90s.
What Can You Do?
So, how do you plan for a retirement that could last 30 years or more? Here are a few key steps:
- Get Real About Longevity – Don’t assume your retirement will mirror your parents’ or grandparents’. With advances in medicine and healthier lifestyles, you’re likely to live longer. Use updated life expectancy tools and plan accordingly.
- Delay Claiming Social Security (If Possible) – Every year you delay beyond full retirement age increases your benefit. If you have other resources, delaying can significantly boost your financial security.
- Diversify Income Sources – Relying on Social Security alone won’t cut it. Consider annuities, pensions, investment accounts, and other sources to create a more stable and lasting income stream.
- Plan for Inflation – The cost of living will rise over time. Inflation-protected investments, like Treasury Inflation-Protected Securities (TIPS) or annuities with inflation adjustments, can help preserve your purchasing power.
- Think Beyond Age 90 – Traditional retirement planning models often assume your money only needs to last to 90. In reality, many retirees will live beyond that. A plan that only works until 90 leaves too much to chance.
The Bottom Line
Retirement isn’t just about stopping work—it’s about funding a lifestyle for decades. Your choices today can determine whether you enjoy those extra years with financial confidence or worry. By acknowledging the reality of longer life expectancies and adjusting your plan accordingly, you can help ensure a fulfilling and financially secure retirement.
Don’t let outdated expectations leave you unprepared. The future is longer than you think—make sure your money is, too.
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