The Surprising Reality of Retirement Income
When it comes to securing financial stability in retirement, many of us rely on traditional savings plans like IRAs and 401(k)s. However, a recent study by the Employee Benefit Research Institute (EBRI) reveals that these accounts play a surprisingly limited role in retirees’ overall income.
Retirement Income Sources: A Complex Picture
The 2024 EBRI Spending in Retirement Survey, which surveyed 3,600 American retirees aged 62 to 75, offers fresh insights into the income landscape for this demographic. The study found that IRAs provide income for only 20% of retirees, while 401(k)-style workplace retirement plans are an income source for 17%. Moreover, these plans’ contribution to total income is modest, with IRAs accounting for just 10% of retirees’ income and 401(k)-like plans contributing 15%.
Beyond IRAs and 401(k)s: Other Critical Income Sources
Social Security is a critical income source for many retirees, with nearly 92% of those aged 65 and older receiving benefits from this program. Other sources of retirement income include pensions (56%), interest, dividends, or rental income (42%), wages, salaries, or self-employment (32%), and cash transfers, other than Social Security (9%).
The Financial Challenges of Retirement
Retirees face significant financial challenges when their income doesn’t align with their expenses. The median annual income for Americans aged 65 and older is $50,290, while their average annual expenditures are about $57,818. This means that many retirees have a substantial gap to fill, particularly those relying heavily on Social Security income.
Financial Experts Weigh In
Financial experts recommend having a goal of saving or finding enough retirement income sources to replace 70-80% of your preretirement income. This means that Social Security alone won’t be enough to ensure a comfortable retirement.
The Struggle is Real: Financial Insecurity in Retirement
According to the National Council on Aging, nearly 45% of people aged 60 and up have trouble covering basic expenses. Pew Research estimates that by 2040, about 32.6 million retirement-age households will have yearly incomes below $75,000, facing a $7,050 gap between their income and needs.
Planning for a Comfortable Retirement
While IRAs and 401(k)s are valuable tools for growing savings and offering tax advantages, they’re not always enough to carry you through retirement on their own. For those nearing retirement, now is a good time to review your financial plan and consider where your income will come from. A financial advisor can help you review and plan for a comfortable retirement.
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