How to Maximize Social Security Benefits for Seniors

As you approach retirement, have you thought about how to maximize Social Security benefits? Having a solid Social Security strategy in place during retirement can help you get the most out of your benefits —and identify where you may need to supplement your income.

While monthly Social Security payments are a helpful addition to retirement savings, they’re not designed to be the sole source of income after retirement. Luckily, there are several strategies that can help seniors like you make the most of their Social Security payments. Take a look at the helpful Social Security tips below to maximize your benefits, and learn who may be eligible to opt out of Social Security.

Understanding Social Security: The Basics

Did you know that Social Security has been in place for nearly 100 years? The program was established in 1935 to prevent older Americans from falling into poverty. While Social Security has become a benefit that most elderly Americans participate in, financial experts agree that it shouldn’t be seen as the sole source of income for retirees. Why? Well, on average, most seniors receive $1,500 per month, which is barely above the national poverty level of $1,452 for a two-person household.

Unfortunately, Social Security has become the primary source of income for the majority of older Americans. About 25% of seniors are living on Social Security for at least 90% of their income and 50% of seniors use Social Security for half of their retirement livelihood. Despite the majority of older Americans relying on Social Security to fund their retirement, the program doesn’t tend to keep up with inflation.

Over the past decade, there was an average Social Security Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) of 1.6%, while inflations during that time rose 2%. The good news: seniors recently got a deserved raise! Because inflation has risen so quickly in recent years post-pandemic, there was an annual COLA of 8.7% in 2023. While this recent raise certainly aided seniors with the latest rise in inflation, the wider lens shows that seniors shouldn’t rely on Social Security to keep up with the cost of living.

Social Security Tips: How Seniors Can Make the Most of Benefits

In retirement, every little bit counts. While you shouldn’t rely on Social Security for the entirety of your retirement income, there certainly are ways to maximize your Social Security payments. Here are five ways to get the most out of your monthly benefit!

1. Have A Work History of At Least 35 Years

Social Security payments are calculated by evaluating your highest earning years during your work history. If you do not have a work history of at least 35 years, then your overall payout will be lower because years without earnings are factored in as “0.” It’s likely that later in your career is when you will be making more money, so if you work for more than 35 years, you will be able to use your highest earnings as a baseline for payment calculations.

2. Delay Collecting Your Payments in Order to Maximize Your Benefits

The longer you wait to begin collecting Social Security, the more you’ll receive. People qualify for Social Security starting at age 62, however every year you wait to collect (up to age 70), the benefit increases. In 2023, folks who begin collecting Social Security at 62 will receive $2,572. However, if you wait until age 70, the payout is $4,555.

3. Consider Your Spousal Status

Depending on your spousal status, you may be eligible to collect your deceased or divorced partner’s benefits if they’re higher than your own. If a person’s spouse has passed and the living spouse is at full retirement age or older, the living spouse may collect 100% of their spouse’s benefit. If the surviving spouse is not yet of retirement age, then they can collect a percentage (71.5% – 99%) of their deceased spouse’s benefit.

If a person is divorced, they can collect up to 50% of their ex-spouse’s benefit if they are 62 years or older, were married at least 10 years, and are single. If a person divorces and decides to re-marry, they can still collect Social Security benefits based on their ex-spouse as long as they remarry after reaching the age of 60 years old.

4. Avoid Social Security Tax if You Continue to Work

A person can continue to generate an income while on Social Security without owing any tax penalty against their benefit. However, you have to be careful to avoid the tax consequences of supplementing your income. The IRS will calculate your adjusted gross income (AGI) and determine how much of your Social Security benefits are subject to tax.

One more important note: if you are younger than retirement age and you earn more than the yearly earnings limit, your Social Security benefits may get reduced. Once you reach full retirement age, you can earn as much as you want without any Social Security reductions.

5. Consult a Financial Advisor

It is a good idea to consult a financial advisor that specializes in Social Security benefits claims. They can help you understand your options and provide a recommended course of action for your individual situation. These specialized advisors will provide guidance to help you maximize your benefits.

Common Questions about Social Security Planning

Navigating the nuances of how Social Security works — and how you can get the most out of it — can be challenging! Here are some frequently asked questions about Social Security to help you create a plan that maximizes your benefit.

1. How is Social Security Funded?

Social Security is funded through payroll tax deductions. From your very first paycheck to your last, you are paying into Social Security. How much you pay into the system determines how much you receive in benefits later in life. The longer you work (and the more you make), the higher benefit you’ll receive in the future.

While the highest Social Security monthly benefit in 2023 is $4,555, the average payout is $1,827. No one should count on Social Security to be their retirement fund. It’s meant to be supplemental income that’s coupled with a lifetime of savings and investments that can sustain your cost of living when you stop working. People should consult a financial planner to prepare a sustainable retirement strategy and understand how Social Security can supplement a long-term financial plan.

2. Can I See How Much I’ve Saved in Social Security?

A common misconception about Social Security is that it’s an automatic savings mechanism for individuals. Even though working professionals pay into the system with every paycheck, there is no savings account tied to their name for the future. In fact, 25% of payroll taxes go toward the Social Security trust fund for future use and the remaining 75% pays for people’s benefits in real time.

3. When Can I Begin Collecting Social Security?

Folks can begin collecting their Social Security benefits at the age of 62. However, it may not be prudent to stop working and retire right at 62 for a couple of reasons:

  • Medicare eligibility doesn’t begin until age 65. Seniors who retire right at age 62 would need to pay three years of health insurance coverage out-of-pocket.
  • Delaying Social Security will result in a higher benefit. The longer you wait to collect, the higher your benefit will be. In 2023, the monthly benefit level for a person who retires having paid in the maximum contributions is $2,572 if starting at age 62 but $4,555 if starting at age 70. Lock in the highest benefit level for the remainder of your life by delaying Social Security collection.

4. How Should Seniors Protect Themselves from Social Security Scammers?

Scammers regularly target seniors and trick them into providing sensitive information over the phone. The scammers then use that sensitive data to falsely apply for bank accounts and credit cards. Their main objective? To get cash under someone else’s name.

Oftentimes, the scammers will falsely pose as representatives from the Social Security Administration to trick seniors into sharing valuable information, such as a full Social Security number or banking information. They’ll claim that the senior’s benefits are going to be shut off unless they can verify their identity by giving them their Social Security number or verifying bank account information, asking seniors to read those numbers. Other scams include telling seniors they’re eligible for other benefits — such as COVID relief — or they’ll tell seniors that their Social Security has been used by someone else in connection with a crime to falsely apply for bank accounts.

It’s important to know that Social Security will never:

  • Ask anyone to verify themselves by reading off their Social Security number.
  • Ask anyone to verify their banking or credit card information.
  • Ask anyone to send them money.

What to do when you think you’re being scammed:

  • When in doubt, hang up the phone. If you’re unsure whether or not Social Security actually called you, you can hang up and Social Security directly to ask them questions.
  • Do not click on any links in emails. No matter how official they may look, you could be clicking on a link that installs spyware, malware, or some other dangerous kind of program onto your computer.
  • Never share personal information with someone who has contacted you. Do not share your full Social Security number or banking information with anyone over the phone or through a computer that has contacted you asking for it.

Is the Future of Social Security Certain?

Recent economic projections show the Social Security Trust Fund could run out of money by 2033. What’s worse: Social Security tax revenues have been negatively impacted by the economic realities of the COVID pandemic and recent layoffs. Many workers lost their jobs in 2020 and massive layoffs continue into 2023, contributing to a loss of payroll taxes. To make matters even more complex: Social Security benefits cannot be reduced because of economic conditions. Even if payroll taxes decline, the money to cover Social Security benefits to people who have already begun collecting the benefit still needs to be paid.

While the future of Social Security appears grim, the way it’s funded may provide a glimmer of hope. A common misunderstanding around Social Security is how it is funded. Some people mistakenly think they pay into Social Security in an account under their name that will then support them when they retire. The truth is that most Social Security benefits are paid by taxes that are collected by today’s workers. When workers pay into Social Security every month about three-fourths of those dollars fund Social Security today and the remainder is set aside for the future in the Social Security trust fund. Plus, economies are cyclical. Jobs will return and markets will continue to fluctuate. The economy will adapt and find ways to put tax revenues into the system.

The Social Security Trust Fund nearing its end should be a wakeup call for Americans and their retirement plans. It’s time to get educated on how Social Security works, what you could receive as their benefit when they retire, and what you can do now to plan for financial security in retirement without being completely reliant on Social Security.

Make a Plan Today to Thrive in Retirement Tomorrow

So can seniors live off of Social Security in retirement? The truth is, you simply don’t want to rely on Social Security as your main source of income when you stop working. With unreliable cost of living increases and an average monthly benefit that is near the national poverty level, Social Security does not create a thriving outlook for most Americans’ retirement.

Rather, consult with your financial advisor for Social Security advice. Learn how to create a financial plan that uses Social Security as supplemental income and counts on other forms of personal investments and savings strategies to fund your retirement. Strategies your financial advisor may recommend for retirement include:

Start making a plan with your financial planner today to thrive in retirement tomorrow!

 

Sources

  1. Stanley, Maureen. “Resources for Seniors Surviving on Social Security.” SeniorLiving.Org, 17 Apr. 2024, www.seniorliving.org/finance/social-security/.
  2. Best, Richard. “5 Tips to Increase Your Social Security Check.” Investopedia, Investopedia, www.investopedia.com/articles/retirement/081616/5-tips-increase-your-social-security-check.asp. Accessed 26 Apr. 2024.
  3. Bieber, Christy. “3 Reasons You Can’t Live on Social Security Alone.” The Motley Fool, The Motley Fool, 10 Dec. 2021, www.fool.com/investing/2021/12/10/3-reasons-you-cant-live-on-social-security-alone/.

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Top 10 Best Countries to Retire 2023

When a senior loved one can finally retire, it can be emotionally gratifying. For many seniors, the newfound freedom afforded to them by retirement is an opportunity to think about and start making significant, positive life changes — and key among them is making a move. So, helping the loved one who’s made such a difference in your life purchase a home somewhere new can be an exciting and satisfying experience.

Whether your loved one is retiring abroad alone, or with family, moving internationally can be overwhelming. There are many factors that can make a difference when choosing a country, including:

  • Cost of living
  • Climate
  • Daily life
  • Language
  • Banking and currency
  • Residency-visa process
  • Healthcare
  • Safety and stability
  • Distance from family

Read on to learn the best places for Americans to retire abroad, what living abroad may mean for your loved one, and how these factors will form the foundation for a new life for them.

International Retirement: Tips for Getting Started

Moving internationally for retirement is a huge commitment, and finding the best places to retire abroad takes a lot of thought and care. Here’s how to get started:

Evaluate Expectations

Ask your senior loved one what’s most important to them when thinking about where they want to move, and pay close attention to what comes to their mind first. These early thoughts can indicate any strong preferences and deal-breakers they have, which can be helpful to create a shorter list of choices.

For example, if they say they want to live somewhere affordable, moving to Denmark or the Bahamas might not be the best option because these countries are expensive. If they don’t want to worry about shoveling snow off the driveway in the winter, they probably wouldn’t enjoy life in Japan. Also, if a medical condition discourages them from being in the heat too long; they can’t afford to live in a country like Spain that’s hot year-round. Maybe they are only interested in the best english-speaking countries to retire.

Regardless of their desires, it’s not selfish to consider how you and the rest of their family will factor into their new life abroad. For example, is it financially feasible for someone in the family to travel to check in on them? After all, they likely won’t be taking the family with them to their new home, so picking somewhere that’s less of a hassle to visit can be beneficial.

Distance moves can also bring an overwhelming sense of culture shock, especially regarding language barriers. If your senior loved one is adamant about moving to a country where the primary language is unfamiliar, help them learn some of the basics of reading and writing. Or, consider choosing a part of the country with enclaves that speak their native language. The process of absorbing a new language may ultimately dissuade them from moving to that country — and it’s better to come to that realization early.

Native commerce and banking can be a language unto itself. It’s important your senior loved one understands how to convert from the dollar to the new currency. They should also know the legal rules and regulations for banking properly before they step off the plane and realize they can’t make a simple purchase. It’s also a good idea to help them understand the country’s system of government and laws. In doing so, you may come to realize that they may be considering an unstable country. They shouldn’t have to live in an unsafe place.

Immerse Your Senior Loved One in the Environment

It’s one thing for your senior loved one to commit to living in a new country when they’ve been there as a tourist, but spending time in that place can help them understand what it is. So, consider working with your senior relative to help them find and rent a home for three to six months. Give them the space to immerse themselves in this new country so they can understand what it means to live there daily.

How easy is it to procure food they like? Is paying their bills more complicated than they want? Will they be able to afford a hospital visit? Does the country’s healthcare system offer good long-term care support and services available when they need them?

Being able to answer questions like these and much more confidently is easier when a person has lived through the relevant conditions. It’s one thing to read about the typical drive time commute from a web page. But it’s another thing entirely to frequently experience traffic delays that result in a late arrival to an important appointment. It’s also not good to learn that electricity is three times as high for a smaller home in the US.

Commit to the Process

Once you’ve done your research and helped your senior relative spend plenty of time in the country where they intend to move, help them tie up any loose ends in their domestic affairs. Take stock of their belongings, store what they might want to keep if they return home, and sell off the rest to afford them greater financial security. For anything they plan to take with them, make sure they have a plan in place that ensures their goods are transported abroad safely and can make it to their new home without hassle.

Have them contact their bank and phone providers to inform them of their upcoming address, ensuring that necessary documentation doesn’t get mailed to their old location. If they want to sell their home, help them put it up for sale early to ensure they’re not making payments on a property that isn’t their primary address.

Check to make sure their passport is renewed and consistent with their most recent personal information well before they move. It’s critical that they are able to establish legal residency through the visa process. Receiving full citizenship may also be necessary in some cases. Without completing these legal processes, they may not be able to live in the country long-term. Likewise, if they decide to take up a part-time job to pass the time and earn some income, they’ll likely be required to prove their right to work in that country.

Best Places for Americans to Retire Abroad

Now that you have valuable information resources to plan your senior loved one’s relocation, you can get to work helping them figure out where to live. But with over 130 countries to choose from, even when you know what to look for, it can still be overwhelming.

Here are some lists that can help you narrow down the choice that’s right for your senior loved one:

Top 10 Places to Retire Abroad

After carefully reviewing the factors above, here are ten countries that score high on the Retirement Genius International Index:

Costa Rica ($1,400/mo.)

  • Known for biodiversity
  • Low cost of living
  • Good healthcare
  • Loved by people with an active lifestyle
  • Bolstered by a stable system of government
  • Friendly people
  • Supported by a sound banking system
  • Close distance to the US

Panama ($1,100/mo.):

  • Great climate year-round
  • Good healthcare system
  • Low cost of living
  • Strong network of expats
  • English commonly spoken
  • For those who enjoy cosmopolitan living
  • Low taxes
  • Uses US currency
  • Offers a National Senior Discount Program

Spain ($1,200/mo.):

  • Good healthcare system
  • Inexpensive food
  • Low cost of living
  • Beautiful beaches and mild weather
  • Very diverse climate

Thailand ($600/mo.):

  • Low cost of living
  • Excellent cultural and metropolitan life
  • Strong networks for US expats
  • Known for promoting an active lifestyle
  • High degree of biodiversity

Peru ($2,000/mo.):

  • Exotic, vacation-style lifestyle
  • Low cost of living
  • Semi-arid, subtropical climate
  • Many activities to take part in

Portugal ($1,700/mo.):

  • Amicable people
  • Highly safe and stable living
  • Low cost of living
  • English commonly spoken
  • Beaches and cosmopolitan living
  • Diverse climate
  • Easy visa with Golden Visa program (requires proof of $1,200 in monthly income)

Colombia ($1,000/mo.):

  • Good healthcare system
  • Low cost of living
  • Beautiful tropical climate
  • High degree of biodiversity
  • Cosmopolitan lifestyle filled with exotic locals
  • Easy visa with proof of $2,500 in monthly income

Malaysia ($1,300/mo.):

  • Exotic lifestyle
  • Low cost of living
  • Excellent climate
  • English commonly spoken

Ecuador ($1,500/mo.):

  • Humid tropical climate
  • Low cost of living
  • Uses U.S. currency
  • High degree of biodiversity
  • Mix of metropolitan and rural living
  • Strong network of US expats
  • English commonly spoken
  • Excellent local food
  • Great senior discount programs

Mexico ($1600/mo.):

  • Low cost of living
  • Tropical climate
  • Great biodiversity
  • Number of beautiful beaches
  • National healthcare system
  • Close distance to the US

Top 5 Most Expensive Countries to Live (out of 132 countries):

  1. Switzerland: Rent alone in many cities in Switzerland is over $2,200 with salaries to match — but your senior loved one is here to retire, so it may be too expensive for them.
  2. Norway: Seniors should expect to spend between $2,200 and $4,300 a month to live in this Nordic country.
  3. Iceland: A senior should expect to spend in the ballpark of $1,100 to live in Iceland — and that’s before rent.
  4. Japan: Making a new home in the land of the rising sun will cost your senior loved one about $1100 a month before rent.
  5. Denmark: Before rent, life in this Scandinavian country will set your senior loved one back around $1100 a month.

Best Countries to Retire on a Budget – Based on Region:

Europe

This country known for its sunkissed cities will cost your senior loved one around $590 a month before rent.

  • Slovenia: Living among this country’s beautiful landscapes before renting will cost a senior about $710 a month.
  • Montenegro: This Balkan country, a well-known tourist destination, costs $510 a month before rent.
  • Spain: Enjoying siestas and tapas in this country will cost the senior in your life $1,200 a month.
  • Italy: Life in the land of the Renaissance costs around $820 a month before rent.
  • Malta: This warm country with beautiful landscapes costs $810 a month before rent.

Latin America

  • Ecuador: Seniors can enjoy life among the Galápagos Islands for $490 a month before rent.
  • Mexico: Life in this vibrant country full of great beaches will cost about $450 a month before rent.
  • Argentina: Argentina’s daily living will cost about $430 a month before rent.
  • Belize: This country, beloved for its scuba diving sites, costs around $630 a month before rent.
  • Panama: Settling into this country infamous for its canals will cost $690 a month before rent.
  • Colombia: A senior building a new life in this country known for its coffee will cost about $400 a month before rent.

Asia-Pacific

  • Malaysia: Living in this country, well-known for its coastal locations, will cost about $460 a month before rent.
  • Indonesia: Relocating to Indonesia, home of various multicultural islands, will cost around $450 monthly before rent.
  • Thailand: This country full of natural wonder will cost around $600 a month before rent.
  • Borneo: Life in this country famous for its elephant and sun bear will cost around $490 a month before rent.
  • Vietnam: To live in this country where motorbikes rule the road will cost around $450 a month before rent.

Top 5 Countries for Safety and Stability (ranked by affordability):

  1. Czech Republic: Life in this country respected for its safe communities and low crime rates will cost around $610 a month before rent.
  2. Portugal: Living in this country known for low crime rates and a stable political scene will cost your senior loved one around $590 a month before rent.
  3. Slovenia: Your senior loved one will spend $710 a month before rent in this country known for low crime rates.
  4. Canada: Law enforcement is known for responding quickly in this country will cost around $890 a month before rent.
  5. Austria: This country known for legal and political stability will cost about $920 a month before rent to live in.

Countries With Well-Established Senior Living Communities and Long-Term Care Services:

  • England: Seniors in this UK country benefit from comprehensive long-term care legislation and structure and will spend about $850 a month before rent.
  • Panama: Living in this country known for providing quality personalized care for senior residents will cost a monthly total of around $1,100.
  • Mexico: This country is respected for its wealth of long-term care options costs around a monthly total of around $1,600 to live in.
  • Japan: Life in this Asian country famous for its technology and entertainment and excellent long-term care will cost about $1030 a month before rent.
  • New Zealand: To live in this country known for picturesque landscapes and excellent long-term care services costs around $930 a month before rent.
  • Malaysia: Living in Malaysia costs a monthly total of $1,300 and provides seniors long-term care through welfare homes, private nursing homes, and care centers.
  • Philippines: This Asian country costs around $500 a month to live in before rent and has many excellent senior living communities.

Conclusion

Being able to retire overseas comes down to making personal choices that reflect what a person wants out of life and what they can afford. But most importantly, a choice as big as this one represents who they are as a person. So the key to helping them decide the right place to move is to do extensive research. In doing so, you can help them fully understand everything there is to know about this significant life change — before they make a move.

Selling your senior loved one’s existing life insurance policy as part of a life settlement is a great way to ensure financial security as they transition to their new life abroad. Visit our life settlements page if you’re looking to help overcome the upcoming financial challenges your senior loved one may have as part of a move abroad. You can start turning their outdated life insurance policy into cash they can use now by selling their policy to a dedicated life settlement provider.

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How to Choose the Best Investment Strategies for Retirement

As you near retirement, it’s incredibly important to have a wise investment strategy in place to ensure financial security during your golden years. During retirement, you’ll rely on your investments to provide a steady stream of income that covers your expenses and maintains your desired lifestyle. A carefully crafted investment strategy can make a significant difference in how well you can meet your retirement goals. Let’s explore how to choose the best investment strategies for retirement so you can prosper in the later chapters of your life.

Why Is a Retirement Investment Strategy Important?

One of the most important reasons you need a thoughtful retirement investment strategy is that you want to prosper during the years you’re not working. Having an investment strategy is one of the smartest ways to grow your wealth so you can have the retirement you’ve always dreamed of. Read on to determine how to create an investment strategy that’s right for your retirement goals.

How to Choose the Right Investment Strategy for Retirement

Choosing the right investment strategy can be complex, but there are a few key things to consider: your risk tolerance, retirement goals, and timeline. Let’s explore how these considerations can create a well-designed investment strategy that manages risk and maximizes returns.

Consider the risk you are willing to accept

Your risk tolerance can set the pace for your investment strategy. Some people are more comfortable with risk than others. Start by assessing your risk tolerance to help determine the appropriate mix of assets for your portfolio.

Determine when you would like to retire

In addition to your risk tolerance, your timeline for retirement can impact your investment strategy. The longer you have to retire, the more risk you can afford to take because you have more time to recover from market downturns. Alternatively, if you have a short timeline, you may want to focus on more conservative investments to protect your principal.

Hone in on retirement goals

Before finalizing your retirement investment strategies, you need to determine your retirement goals. Things you’ll want to factor into your retirement goals:

  • Desired lifestyle
  • Ideal retirement age
  • Financial obligations (healthcare, long-term living plans, dependents, etc.)

Knowing what you want out of retirement can help you set the pace for a retirement strategy that aligns with your specific needs.

Finally, as you begin to craft your retirement investment strategy, remember this: working with a financial professional can unlock insights you may not realize were possible, such as income annuities, life settlements, reverse mortgages, and more. Reach out to a trusted financial professional to ensure your investment strategy aligns with your retirement goals.

What Are the Best Income Strategies For Retirement?

There are several income strategies to consider during retirement, including passive investment income and withdrawing funds from investments over time. Take a look at the strategies below and consider incorporating these ideas into your retirement income strategy. And, as always, be sure to consult with a financial professional before utilizing any of these strategies. The ideas below are meant for educational purposes only and should not be used as professional advice.

Utilizing passive investment income

Passive investment income refers to the income generated by investments that require minimal effort or time to maintain, such as rental properties, dividend-paying stocks, and ETFs. However, passive investment income can also come from the interest and dividends generated by your investments.

One of the primary benefits of utilizing investment interest and dividends as a source of passive income during retirement is that it provides a reliable income stream without the need to sell investments. Instead, you can reinvest the earnings generated by your portfolio to grow your nest egg or use them to cover your expenses during retirement.

To maximize the passive investment income generated by your portfolio, it’s essential to invest in high-quality assets that offer a steady stream of interest and dividends. This can include bonds, dividend-paying stocks, and mutual funds or ETFs that focus on income-producing assets.

Withdrawing funds from investments

Another income strategy is to withdraw funds from investments over time, rather than relying solely on interest and dividends. This approach involves selling investments as needed to supplement your retirement income. The advantage of this strategy is that it provides flexibility to adjust your income needs based on market conditions and your personal financial situation. However, managing withdrawals carefully is essential to avoid depleting your portfolio too quickly.

Utilizing your retirement accounts

Retirement accounts such as IRAs and 401(k)s can provide a reliable income stream during retirement. These accounts offer tax benefits and can help you accumulate funds over your working years, providing a reliable income stream during retirement.

Selling your life insurance policy

In addition to the income strategies mentioned above, there’s a little-known income strategy called a life settlement. It works for people who no longer want their life insurance policy and who are interested in selling it to a third-party buyer, typically a life settlement provider. The life settlement provider purchases your life insurance policy and assumes responsibility for the premiums (meaning you no longer have to pay premiums). They provide you with a lump-sum payment that’s typically four times the cash surrender value. Upon your passing, the life settlement provider receives all or a portion of the death benefit instead of or in addition to your beneficiaries. You’re free to use the life settlement proceeds on whatever you’d like, including retirement expenses.

How to Plan Your Retirement Investment Strategy

Planning your retirement investment strategy can feel like a daunting task, but it’s a critical process to make sure you can live your retirement dreams.

Here’s how you can get started:

  • Define your retirement goals. The first step in planning an investment strategy for retirees is to define your financial goals. This can include determining how much income you will need during retirement, when you plan to retire, and what lifestyle you hope to maintain during retirement.
  • Assess your risk tolerance. Staying true to your risk tolerance can help you determine the types of investments that align with your goals and — most importantly — your comfort level.
  • Consult with a financial advisor. Consulting with a financial advisor can provide valuable guidance when planning your retirement investment strategy. A financial advisor can help you develop a personalized investment plan that aligns with your goals, risk tolerance, and retirement timeline.
  • Choose a wise investment strategy. Once you have defined your goals and assessed your risk tolerance, you can choose an investment strategy that aligns with your objectives. This may include investing in stocks, bonds, mutual funds, or a combination of these assets.
  • Diversify your portfolio. Diversification is an essential component of any retirement investment strategy. By investing in a variety of assets, you can spread your risk and reduce the impact of market fluctuations on your portfolio.

It’s important to remember that investing for retirement is a long-term process that requires patience, discipline, and careful planning. By taking the time to define your goals, assess your risk tolerance, and choose an investment strategy that aligns with your objectives, you can build a retirement portfolio that provides financial security and peace of mind. Reach out to Retirement Genius for more tips, tricks, and retirement solutions today!

Disclaimer: Retirement Genius does not offer financial advice. This material has been prepared for informational purposes only and should not be relied upon for financial advice. Retirement Genius urges you to consult with your own tax or legal advisors before entering into any transaction.

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