Some say it’s the unknowns in life that make the journey interesting. For others, uncertainty is a constant source of worry. While we can’t control most aspects of the future, we can act on what we know. And when it comes to preparing for retirement, there are “realities” that need to be accounted for in anyone’s plans.
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Ø Reality #1: Longer life spans coupled with inflation pose a threat to retirement income.
People now expect to live 20 or more years in retirement.1 That makes longevity risk, or the risk of outliving your assets, a very real threat — even more so when you factor in the effects of inflation. In 20 years, inflation can reduce a portfolio’s value by half.2
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What to do now? Make investment decisions that can help ensure your assets will stay ahead of inflation both before and after retirement.
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Ø Reality #2: Social Security and Medicare are not "sure things".
Today the number of workers supporting the Social Security and Medicare systems is shrinking while the number of retirees is growing. As a result, these programs will come under increasing pressure to meet growing demand.
What to do now? Plan ahead to help provide the difference in the short comings of your other retirement assets needed for your own retirement income and health care costs.
Ø Reality #3: Retirement may cost more than you think.
People tend to underestimate their retirement income replacement needs. While mortgage payments and college bills may go away, health care costs and leisure expenses will likely rise. Now it may be necessary to replace as much as 90% of your preretirement income.
What to do now? Luckily, you don’t have to face this — or other — retirement challenges alone. You can rely on the products, services and professional guidance of John Hancock. Together with your Financial Consultant, we’ll take the steps needed to help secure your financial future.