Retiring between ages 62 and 67 is a no-brainer for many people. You’ve saved and planned, and you’re finally ready to enjoy the freedom you worked decades to earn.
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However, this phase can come with blind spots that many new retirees don’t see until they’re in it. GOBankingRates spoke to William Connor from SAX Wealth Advisors about what catches people off guard in those critical first years of retirement.
Many people imagine retirement as an instant lifestyle change — from working life to permanent leisure. In reality, it takes time to figure out what you truly want your days to look like. “Retirement is a big transition for most people, and it can be hard to truly understand what you want until you are actually retired,” he said.
Activities that sound appealing may become boring as years go by. Connor recommended treating your first year or two as a trial period to figure out what you really desire.
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When to claim Social Security is one of the most debated retirement decisions. Delaying your benefits is often worth it. As Connor put it, “It pays to wait; you’ll earn about an extra 8% annually in your benefit by delaying the start. This extra income can potentially result in greater retirement security.”
However, he stressed this decision needs a holistic evaluation, including your health outlook and whether you need to leave money for heirs. “Social Security terminates at death, while retirement accounts and other assets can be passed on,” he said.
Healthcare is one of the most underestimated retirement expenses, especially for those retiring before age 65.
“The cost of health insurance can increase dramatically when retirees no longer have employer support,” Connor said. “It’s critical that health considerations be taken into account prior to retirement, evaluating the out-of-pocket cost for required medications and doctor visits.”
How you access your money matters just as much as how much you’ve saved. Spending directly from retirement accounts is something many new retirees underestimate.
Connor recommended setting up a monthly paycheck system, transferring a set amount from your retirement and investment accounts into your checking account. “This helps to create discipline around retirement spending and can help to avoid overspending, especially in the early retirement years which can create problems later in life,” he said.