Financial Planning

Bold retirees sport the bumper sticker “I am spending my children’s inheritance.” The sentiment might seem selfish, but it’s good financial planning.

Trying to leave a bequest could put older people in a tight spot. Finance author Chris Farrell once told me about a panicked 83-year-old woman with four kids who was on track to run out of money in three years because she was trying to save for her kids’ inheritance. She is not atypical.

Read the entire article: Personal Finance: Should I Leave My Kids an Inheritance? – Bloomberg

Most U.S. workers don’t contribute 90% or more of the maximum annual 401(k) contribution limit, nor do most invest at least 15% of their income in retirement accounts.

However, a small number of Americans do. They’re called “super savers” and representatives from the Principal Financial Group recently surveyed more than 1,700 of them between the ages of 20 and 54.

Read the entire article: 4 Habits You Can Learn From Super Savers to Supersize Your Retirement Investments | Personal-finance | fredericksburg.com

Retirement planning is all about numbers. It centers around one question: Do my financial assets — pension, 401(k)s/IRAs, Social Security, property, sale of a business, etc. — provide enough income to fund my desired retirement lifestyle?

At least, that is what most people think. But ask any retiree, and they will likely tell you that it is only half the story. You’ll need enough money to get by, of course, but you don’t have to be super-wealthy to be happy. In fact, life satisfaction tops out at an annual salary of $95,000, on average, according to a study by psychologists from Purdue University. Enough money to never have to worry about going broke or paying for medical care is important.

But money is not the only or most important piece of a fulfilling retirement.

Read the entire article: 7 Surprisingly Valuable Assets for a Happy Retirement | Kiplinger

I recently had a conversation with a colleague about retirement and was told I’m saving too much! My wife and I are both 57 and have been aggressive savers ever since my brother, an institutional retirement financial expert, told us to max out our savings when we were 25 years old. As a result, we have saved 25-30% of our income and invested aggressively over the years.

We have a very healthy nest egg in the low- to mid-seven figures and no debt other than our home, which is very low interest and will be paid off before retirement.

Read the entire article: I have a seven-figure nest egg — am I saving too much for retirement? – MarketWatch

Having the option to take an early retirement is a really nice thing to have. But is 55 too early to retire? If you want to retire early, you’ll need a solid plan, masterful control over your expenses, and savings outside of retirement accounts. Here’s how you’ll know if 55 is too early to retire.

Is 55 too early to retire?

Perhaps you’ve worked hard and want more free time to enjoy your success.

Read the entire article: Is 55 Too Early To Retire? What You Need To Retire Early