If the IRA holder turns 73 this year, he or she can defer the first distribution until April 1 of the next year. If the holder is older, he or she would normally be required to take an RMD before December 31 of this year. RMDs are considered taxable income for the year in which they are taken.
Do not include income from your own retirement savings, such as IRAs or employer-sponsored savings plans, but remember to include any pension benefits you may have earned in a previous job. If you are unsure how much you may receive in pension benefits from an employer plan, speak with your human resources department.
A retiree's Social Security benefit is based on his or her earnings history and when they retire. A spouse with little or no outside earnings is generally entitled to one-half the primary wage earner's benefit rate. The average Social Security benefit in 2024 was $1,976 per month. You can find an estimate of your projected benefits at www.ssa.gov/myaccount/. You can also call the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213.
Alternatives include investments in non-traditional asset classessuch as real estate, commodities, emerging markets, and TIPS.
Many people plan to retire at or around the age at which they will receive full Social Security benefits (currently age 66-67, depending on the year you were born). The earlier you plan to retire, the more savings you will need at retirement and the less time you will have to accumulate it. So, delaying retirement for even a year or two can affect your financial picture significantly.
Keep in mind that retirements are growing longer. The average life expectancy of a 65-year-old is 18.9 years.
As a general guideline, people often think in terms of having 75%-80% of their pre-retirement income after they retire. While you might no longer have mortgage payments, retirement contributions, and commuting expenses, your health care expenses will likely increase. Consider your individual circumstances.