Adapting your retirement strategy (and outlook) may be necessary.
Involuntary retirement can be emotionally and financially unsettling. Here are some questions to ask yourself if it happens.
Do you want to keep working? You may have to rely on your spouse or partner’s income—or your emergency fund—for many months if you look for another full-time job. Finding part-time work may be more realistic.
How much retirement income can you generate? Consider your investment accounts, your savings, and any passive income streams. If your significant other still works, factor in their pay. Determine whether to apply for Social Security at 62 or later. Claiming benefits at 62 results in smaller monthly lifetime income payments; claiming later results in larger monthly payments.1
Can you draw on employee benefits as you exit? See if you are eligible for severance pay or an early retirement
package and/or COBRA or retiree health benefits.
Can you trim any expenses? In this situation, your spending should reflect your needs, not your wants. You can probably
lower some household costs.
Can you reduce your taxes? You may soon derive income from investment and retirement accounts. You will need to
make tax-efficient withdrawals from them, so both the timing and order of these withdrawals is critical.
Look for a silver lining. An early retirement may turn out to be a net positive, leading to a new chapter of your life.
Next Step: Speak to a Financial Advisor
Required Attribution
Tracking #1-697855 (Exp. 02/19)
1 smartasset.com/retirement/how-to-improve-your-social-security-benefits [12/14/16]
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