Financial Links & Resources RETIREMENT PLANNING

RETIREMENT PLANNING

Retirement is the great challenge for a generation that doesn’t get a lifetime pension. Use these resources to see if you’re on track for a successful retirement, and figure out how to make your money last your lifetime. Understand how to make the most of your Social Security benefits. These calculators take the guesswork out of retirement planning.

Start by getting the best estimate of how long you’re likely to live! It’s the great unknown – and it has the most significant impact on your need for retirement savings and your withdrawal plans. So don’t skip this step. Here is a calculator that will make the process easy – but don’t lie about your exercise and eating habits!

Livingto100.com

https://livingto100.com/
Click on the Life Expectancy Calculator, which is completely private and takes only a few minutes. Answer the lifestyle and family demographic questions. Another click gives your projected life expectancy, which might be surprising!

Now you’re ready to look at the significant retirement numbers. Below are several great calculators that will give you a clear look at where you stand, where you’re likely to end up if you stay on the same path, and how you can improve the outcome starting now. Remember, time is more valuable than money, so don’t procrastinate!

Maximize My Social Security – Best Calculator for all issues!

https://maximizemysocialsecurity.com
Discover tens of thousands in extra retirement dollars!

  • Find your maximized strategy
  • Unlimited “what-ifs” with break-even date
  • Step-by-Step filing instructions

New Retirement – Do it Yourself.

Take Retirement Planning into Your Own Hands | New Retirement
The tools are self-directed and easy to use. Take classes to learn about planning. Need reassurance? Talk to a coach or get the expertise of an advisor.

Fidelity’s Retirement Score Calculator

https://www.fidelity.com/calculators-tools/fidelity-retirement-score-tool
Are you on track to meet your retirement savings goals? Or will you fall short? Click on this link to Fidelity’s calculator and answer six simple questions to find out.

Vanguard Nest Egg Calculator

http://retirementplans.vanguard.com/VGApp/pe/pubeducation/calculators/RetirementNestEggCalc.jsf
How long will your savings last at retirement? How much should you invest and at what rate can you safely withdraw? Click on this link to run simulations.

Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) Calculator

https://www.calculator.net/rmd-calculator.html
Every major mutual fund company has an online RMD calculator, so for simplicity’s sake here’s the one from AARP, along with a good explanation. There are huge penalties for failure to correctly calculate the amount the government requires you to withdraw from pretax retirement plans such as IRAs and 40lks, starting in the year you reach age 70-1/2. You don’t have to take it from each account, but you must keep records of year-end valuations on all retirement accounts to calculate the withdrawal, which can be made from any account. (You can always withdraw more!)

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