Why 2022 has been a dangerous time to retire — and what you can do about it. Stocks and bonds are down and inflation is high — a rare (and worrisome) combination for new retirees. “Sequence of returns” risk is acute for those who've just retired.
A lot goes into figuring out how much money you need to retire, but one common piece of advice is that you need about $1 million — and some sources suggest even more. In fact, according to a 2021 survey by Schwab Retirement Plan Services, people commonly believe they need to save $1.9 million to be able to retire.
Are you ready for the retirement tsunami of 2022? This year is when a record number of Americans will retire. Several factors are driving this retirement surge, including the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. Two million more workers retired during the pandemic than trends predicted.
After the normal retirement age (NRA) reaches 67 for those age 62 in 2022, index the NRA to maintain a constant ratio of expected retirement years (life expectancy at NRA) to potential work years (NRA minus 20). We assume the NRA will increase 1 month every 2 years.
Top Performing Retirement Funds in 2022
That's led to a drop in the average value of a 401(k). According to Fidelity, the average 401(k) balance fell from $130,700 in the fourth quarter of 2021 to $121,700 in the first quarter of 2022.
29, 2022 is the end of leave period two for most federal employees next year. Not a bad date to retire. But Monday, Jan. 31 is even better.
But if you can supplement your retirement income with other savings or sources of income, then $6,000 a month could be a good starting point for a comfortable retirement.
The survey, on the whole, found that Americans have grown their personal savings by 10% from $65,900 in 2020 to $73,100 in 2021. What's more, the average retirement savings have increased by a reasonable 13%, from $87,500 to $98,800.
According to data from the Federal Reserve, the average amount of retirement savings for 65- to 74-year-olds is just north of $426,000. While it's an interesting data point, your specific retirement savings may be different from someone else's.
Here's how to tell if you're ready to retire: You are financially prepared. You have eliminated debt. You have a plan to cope with emergencies.
For such workers, the best time to retire might be at the very beginning or very end of the year. “This way, you're not pulling a lot of money out of your retirement accounts during a year where you might be in a higher tax bracket with earned income,” Silverberg said.
If you're just curious about the average age people retire, the answer is simple: 62. We get why you'd want to know what age most people retire. You can use that as a benchmark and work backwards to figure out how much time you have left to work and save until you can think about retiring.
Probably the biggest indicator that it's really ok to retire early is that your debts are paid off, or they're very close to it. Debt-free living, financial freedom, or whichever way you choose to refer it, means you've fulfilled all or most of your obligations, and you'll be under much less strain in the years ahead.
The Importance of FRA
If you wish to begin Social Security when you turn 66, the exact day of the month not important. “Full retirement benefits are payable beginning with the month FRA is attained regardless of the day of the month,” explains Stump. In fact, you might even be able to start the month before.
This could leave Frannie in a bit of a “pickle” because she won't be getting any pension until the next month. That's why the general rule of thumb in FERS is to retire on the last day of the month—no matter what day of the week!
For example, if you retire June 10th then your pension will start July 1st. And if you retire on June 30th then your pension will still start on July 1st. Because of this it may make sense to retire toward the end of the month so there is less of a gap between your paychecks and retirement income.
The average 401(k) plunged nearly $10,000 in the first quarter of 2022, according to one major fund manager, as the major indexes flirted with falling into bear market territory.
The Bottom Line
There's no way of knowing if the stock market will crash in 2022. While there are absolutely concerning indicators, there are also signs of strength in the underlying economy. Wise investors should keep investing for the long run and stick to their overall financial plan.
Retirement savers with a 401(k), 403(b), most 457 plans and the federal government's Thrift Savings Plan can contribute up to $20,500 in 2022, a $1,000 increase from the $19,500 limit in 2021.