Often, spouses don’t retire at the same time. Frequently, one spouse may retire before the other due to health problems or a layoff, not necessarily because the spouse chooses to retire early. No matter what the reason, keep these points in mind if you are in that situation:
- Try to minimize withdrawals from retirement accounts. Although you will only have one salary instead of two, it’s best to minimize withdrawals while one spouse is working. It’s a good opportunity to test your retirement budget and to try reducing your expenses.
- Utilize all available benefits from the working spouse’s employer. One of the most significant retirement expenses, especially if you don’t qualify for Medicare, is health insurance. So, before one spouse retires, find out if that spouse is eligible for health insurance benefits through the working spouse’s employer. If he/she is not currently on that plan, find out how he/she can enroll. Does he/she have to wait for the annual open enrollment period or will retiring qualify him/her for coverage immediately?
- Delay Social Security benefits. Especially if you are retiring before full retirement age, it typically makes financial sense to delay Social Security benefits. For a significant number of married couples, the man is older, has higher earnings, and will not live as long as the woman. Because the surviving spouse can elect to receive 100% of the other spouse’s benefit, it typically makes sense for the man to wait until age 70 to claim Social Security benefits, to provide his wife with the highest possible benefit after his death. On the other hand, there is usually no reason for the woman to wait beyond ages 62 to 66 to start Social Security benefits, provided she can claim benefits on her own earnings record. While the wife’s benefit may be lower when her husband is alive, she will receive his higher benefit after his death.
- Consider all defined-benefit plan payment options. If you are lucky enough to be covered by a traditional pension plan at work, make sure to consider all the payment options carefully before selecting one. Typically, you will have numerous options, but your choice will be irrevocable.
Randall Wealth Management Group and Vanderbilt Financial Group are separate and unaffiliated entities.
Vanderbilt Financial Group is the marketing name for Vanderbilt Securities, LLC and its affiliates. Securities offered through Vanderbilt Securities, LLC. Member FINRA, SIPC. Registered with MSRB. Clearing agent: Fidelity Clearing & Custody Solutions Advisory Services offered through Consolidated Portfolio Review Clearing agents: Fidelity Clearing & Custody Solutions, Charles Schwab & TD Ameritrade Insurance Services offered through Vanderbilt Insurance and other agencies Supervising Office: 125 Froehlich Farm Blvd, Woodbury, NY 11797 • 631-845-5100 For additional information on services, disclosures, fees, and conflicts of interest, please visit www.vanderbiltfg.com/disclosures
This newsletter was prepared by Integrated Concepts Group, Inc. The opinions expressed in this newsletter are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific investment advice or recommendations for any individual. It is suggested that you consult your financial professional, attorney, or tax advisor with regard to your individual situation. The views expressed are those of the author and may not necessarily reflect those held by Randall Wealth Management Group or Vanderbilt Financial Group. Material presented is believed to be from reliable sources and PSEC makes no representation as to its accuracy or completeness.