Retirement Planning Tips for Women

Retirement planning is a critical part of financial security that many women still overlook. However, remember that as a woman, you have a longer life expectancy than a man, which means retirement planning is even more important. You need to plan for a longer retirement period and ensure you have enough of a nest egg to accommodate your needs. The good news is, by concentrating on a few key areas now, you can increase your chances of spending your golden years happy, comfortable, and secure.

1. Consider life expectancy.

According to the Centers for Disease Control, the average life expectancy for women in the United States is 81.89 years. That means you should plan for your retirement savings to last at least 18 years, if not more. And when you do calculate how much in retirement savings you’ll need, you have to factor in inflation and the cost of health care, which is likely to rise in the decades ahead.

Running out of financial resources during retirement is more risky for women, who commonly outlive their spouses and become solely responsible for caring for themselves and their finances. That’s why now is the time to save, invest, and prepare for this eventuality.

2. Plan your investments.

Once you decide to invest, you must consider where to put your money best.

As a long-term investor, your savings must provide growth to sustain your retirement lifestyle. Suppose you significantly reduce your stock investments close to or after retirement. In that case, you may be sacrificing the return you need for a comfortable life—especially if you plan on living 20-30 years in retirement. That’s why you must actively understand how each investment plays into your portfolio. Generally speaking, look for the best stocks for long term growth of your retirement savings. Stocks tend to provide higher returns than bonds, and they tend to rise in value over time. When selecting stocks, focus on those with long track records of success and the best potential for future growth. Look for low-cost index funds, which allow them to diversify your retirement savings and decrease risk.

3. Consider early retirement tax planning.

Retirement accounts like 401(k)s and IRAs provide the advantage of tax-deferred growth, saving you significant amounts of money in taxes over the long term.

Also, consider a Roth IRA, which doesn’t offer tax-deferred growth but does allow for tax-free withdrawals after retirement. A Health Savings Account is specifically designed to help you cover medical expenses in retirement without having to pay taxes on the funds withdrawn or used for qualified medical expenses in certain cases, such as long-term care costs or prescription medications that are not included in the coverage provided by Medicare Part D plans. An annuity is a contract between you and an insurance company that provides guaranteed income payments immediately or at some point in the future (depending on the type of annuity). Research different retirement accounts and investments to determine which is best for your individual needs.

4. Take advantage of retirement calculators.

Determine how much you should save for retirement with a good retirement calculator for a compound annual growth rate. It should consider inflation, current savings, and investments’ expected compound annual growth rate. This will allow you to plan for retirement and ensure you have enough funds to meet your needs.

5. Educate yourself about finances.

If you don’t know the basics of investing – like asset allocation, diversification, and compounding – then a quick web search can help. You’ll find tons of free resources to teach you about these key concepts and give you the confidence to invest without fear.

Retirement planning is an important part of financial security for women. With a longer life expectancy than men, you need to plan for longer retirement periods and take steps to ensure you have enough savings to accommodate your needs. By considering the United States female life expectancy, selecting the best stocks for long-term growth, taking advantage of early retirement tax planning, and using a retirement calculator, you can safeguard the financial resources required to achieve a retirement that is both secure and comfortable.

To initiate the process of developing your retirement strategy, reach out to Talon Wealth Management. We can provide a comprehensive plan that meets your needs as a woman so you can retire with peace of mind.

Get your complimentary financial plan and portfolio analysis today from Talon Wealth Management.