Retirement is a time of well-earned relaxation after decades of hard work. High-ranking employees nearing the end of their careers might be antsy to start the next chapter of their lives, but first, they need to do some careful planning.
Here are nine retirement strategies that aging executives should consider as their careers wind down.
1. Add New Income Streams
Although top-level executives aren’t pressed for money, they should still consider adding new income streams during retirement. People working part time tend to be more socially and physically active than those who stop working altogether. As any retiree will confirm, avoiding boredom and staying active are crucial components of a prosperous retirement.
If this strategy seems appealing, it’s important to start researching job opportunities before quitting. Executives shouldn’t leave their secure positions until they’re 100% sure they have something else lined up for them. They should think about available types of work. Some people turn an old hobby into a part-time job, while others try something new.
Retirees can also contribute to their savings by selling miscellaneous items. Many previously useful resources become obsolete during retirement. Here are some common examples:
- Electronics
- Toys
- Books
- Collectibles
- Work clothes
- Old jewelry
- Power tools
Anyone can use platforms like eBay and Facebook Marketplace to sell used items. It’s an easy, labor-free way to make some extra spending money for retirement.
2. Develop a Spending Plan
No matter how financially secure a retiree might be, they still must develop a spending plan. They must calculate how much monthly income they’ll need to maintain their desired lifestyle. It will take at least six months to make a reasonable estimate, so start planning soon. Write down all the month’s expenses, both random and recurring.
If the monthly budget feels tight, consider parting ways with larger assets like the family’s second vehicle or downsizing to a smaller house. Sorting out these details before starting retirement is crucial for long-term monetary stability. Executives are no strangers to financial planning, so this step should be a no-brainer.
3. Clarify the Health Care Plan
Thorough health care coverage is crucial for a stress-free retirement. Retirees aged 65+ don’t have to worry because Medicaid has them covered. Most executives retire earlier than that, so they must develop a post-employment health care plan.
Retirees younger than 65 can find many plan options by browsing the federal Healthcare Insurance Marketplace. They can also remain covered by their employer through the COBRA Insurance Act if the company offers a generous plan. Explore all available options, and don’t be afraid to spend a little extra. No one can put a price on their health.
4. Wait to Apply for Social Security Benefits
Most high-ranking employees might not need Social Security benefits, but they’re still helpful resources for anyone. Payments vary based on age and physical limitations. This arrangement works in favor of wealthy executives, as experts recommend that people take payments as late as possible to maximize the benefits.
Not everyone’s financial situation is the same. However, it’s generally better for retirees to stretch out their savings, draw from their 401(k)s and wait to apply for Social Security benefits. Sometimes it pays to wait.
5. Make Small, Diversified Investments
The goal of any investment is to outpace savings. Investing in one or two growing industries might bring high short-term returns, but they can also crash overnight. Look no further than cryptocurrency. Bitcoin and Ethereum made some people millions in the span of a few months, but their values have since plummeted.
If you have expendable income, it may be a good idea to make small and diversified investments in crypto and other emerging fields. Executives are more well-off than most investors, so there’s no reason to overcommit to any stock.
6. Reallocate Allocations
Making consistent withdrawals from an investment portfolio is crucial for a retiree’s financial freedom. Most people have a withdrawal rate of 3%-4% during retirement, but this percentage might decrease due to inflation and poor stock market conditions. Even top-level executives should consider reallocating their assets.
Nobody knows the next step the economy will take. Now isn’t the time to make bold investments. It might be wise for people nearing retirement to hire a financial adviser or transfer their assets to a professional planner.
7. Adjust the Living Arrangements
Many retirees have to relocate or renovate their homes as their health problems worsen with age because nobody wants to struggle to get around the house. Every senior must be honest about their physical limitations and consider all housing options, including retirement communities.
Retirement is a great time for people to start a new exercise schedule and focus more on their health. High-ranking employees often sacrifice their physical and mental well-being for success in their respective industries. Once their careers are over, they can realign their priorities to ensure a long and prosperous retirement.
8. Gather Essential Documents
Gathering essential documents is one of the most important steps in any retirement plan. All the retiree’s personal information must be up to date. Having this vital information in one place will make financial planning and the after-death process much easier for everyone:
- Birth certificate
- Social Security number
- Wills and trusts
- Pensions
- Bank accounts
- Health care proxy
All retirees should write a will before ending their careers. No one likes to think about it, but death isn’t too far away. Wealthy individuals can’t leave anything to interpretation when they pass away, or someone in the family will certainly try to take advantage.
9. Be Wary of Online Scams
Cybercriminals love to take advantage of aging retirees. People aged 60+ are five times more likely than young adults to fall victim to phishing and other common cyberattacks. Online scams rob retirees of their savings and peace of mind. Every senior must be aware of the various scamming strategies to keep their assets safe.
Never share personal information with strangers online or over the phone. All retirees should train themselves to identify suspicious activity on social media and their financial statements. Get help from younger relatives and friends if necessary.
Start Retirement on the Right Foot
Retirement is a significant emotional transition. These emotions can cloud the judgment of even the most shrewd executives and businesspeople. People nearing retirement should keep these nine strategies in mind to preserve their savings, prioritize their health and ensure decades of peace during their twilight years.
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