Where Will Your Retirement Money Come From?

Retirement income may come from a variety of sources

The Insured Retirement Institute 2016 survey stated that 30% of baby boomers have found it difficult to pay mortgages or rent and have postponed plans to retire! Here’s a quick review of the six main sources of money for retirement:

  • Social Security
    Social Security is the government-administered retirement income program. Workers become eligible after paying Social Security taxes for 10 years. Benefits are based on each worker’s 35 highest earning years. If there are fewer than 35 years of earnings, non-earning years are averaged in as zero. According to the Social Security Administration, in 2017, the average monthly benefit is estimated at $1,360.
  • Personal Savings and Investments
    A survey published by the Employee Benefits Research Institute found that nearly 70% of today’s workers expected that their personal savings and investments outside their IRAs and employer-sponsored retirement plans will be either a major or minor source of retirement funds. The same survey found that only 61% of current retirees report personal savings and investments are a source of funds.
  • Individual Retirement Accounts
    Traditional IRAs have been around since 1974. Contributions you make to a traditional IRA may be fully or partially deductible, depending on your individual circumstances. Distributions from a traditional IRA are taxed as ordinary income and, if taken before age 59½, may be subject to a 10% federal income tax penalty. Generally, once you reach age 70½, you must begin taking required minimum distributions.

    Roth IRAs were created in 1997. Roth IRA contributions cannot be made by taxpayers with high incomes. To qualify for the tax-free and penalty-free withdrawal of earnings, Roth IRA distributions must meet a five-year holding requirement and occur after age 59½. Tax-free and penalty-free withdrawal also can be taken under certain other circumstances, such as a result of the owner’s death. The original Roth IRA owner is not required to take minimum annual withdrawals.

  • Defined Contribution Plans
    According to the Employee Benefits Research Institute, well over one-third of workers are eligible to participate in a defined–contribution plan such as a 401(k), 403(b), or 457 plan. Eligible workers can set aside a portion of their pre-tax income into an account, which then accumulates tax deferred.

    Distributions from defined contribution plans are taxed as ordinary income and, if taken before age 59½, may be subject to a 10% federal income tax penalty. Generally, once you reach age 70½, you must begin taking required minimum distributions.

  • Defined Benefit Plans
    Defined benefit plans are “traditional” pensions—employer–sponsored plans under which benefits, rather than contributions, are defined. Benefits are normally based on factors such as salary history and duration of employment. The number of traditional pension plans has dropped dramatically during the past 30 years.
  • Continued Employment
    In another survey by the Employee Benefits Research Institute, 79% of workers stated that they planned to keep working in retirement. In contrast, only 29% of retirees reported that continued employment was a major or minor source of retirement income.

In the end, what workers anticipate in terms of retirement income sources may differ considerably from what retirees actually experience. If you’re ready to start planning for retirement, contact our team today, as we have the experience to help you retire the way you want to!

Disclaimer: The content is developed from sources believed to be providing accurate information. The information in this material is not intended as tax or legal advice. It may not be used for the purpose of avoiding any federal tax penalties. Please consult legal or tax professionals for specific information regarding your individual situation. This material was developed and produced by FMG Suite to provide information on a topic that may be of interest. FMG Suite is not affiliated with Grandview Asset Management, LLC. The material provided is for general information, and should not be considered a solicitation for the purchase or sale of any security and does not constitute individualized investment advice. Copyright 2020 FMG Suite.

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