Reduce your consumer debt as much as possible
and consider the pros and cons of paying off your mortgage early. But if you think you'll need to borrow money
during retirement, determine whether you want to refinance your mortgage, take out a home-equity loan, apply for
a credit card or otherwise take out a loan before you retire. You might have more options for getting a
loan when you still have employment income. No matter what loans you have or how old you are, it's important to
keep your debts manageable.
Consider reducing your stock ownership and
increasing your conservative investments. Possible portfolio: 30 to 60 percent in stocks or stock mutual funds
and most of the rest in CDs, bonds, bond funds or money market accounts.
Your Retirement
The rules governing retirement can be
complicated. So, about a year before you plan to retire, discuss your situation with a Social Security
Administration claims representative. After you decide on a retirement date, apply for your Social Security
benefits and other pensions about three months in advance. If you plan to work part-time, find out how this will
affect your Social Security income or taxes.
Arrange to have your periodic payments, such as
Social Security benefits, directly deposited into your checking account. Ask your personnel department or
financial advisor about whether to receive your 401(k) money in a lump sum or periodic payments.
Reduce your debts as much as possible. Be
careful before taking on new debt, such as a home-equity loan or a reverse mortgage.
Lean toward conservative, income-producing
investments, but don't rule out stocks or stock funds. Possible portfolio: 20 to 40 percent in stock or stock
mutual funds and most of the rest in CDs, bonds, bond funds or money market accounts.
10 Tips for Retirement
Know Your
Retirement Needs
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Retirement is
expensive. Experts estimate that you’ll need about 70 percent of your preretirement income –
lower earners, 90 percent or more – to maintain your standard of living when you stop
working. Take charge of your financial future.
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Find Out
About Your Social Security Benefits
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Social Security
pays the average retiree about 40 percent of preretirement earnings. Call the Social Security
Administration at 1.800.772.1213 for a free Social Security Statement and find out more about
your benefits at www.socialsecurity.gov.
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