10 Myths about Retirement

EP 29 - 10 Myths About Retirement

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Welcome to the Ask Ralph podcast, where we dive deep into the world of finance, taxes, business growth, and personal success. I'm your host, Ralph Estep, Jr.,. And today we have a topic that will make you rethink your retirement plans.

Are you ready to navigate your post-employment life with confidence?

Well, buckle up, because we're about to debunk 10 common myths. About retirement. They may be holding you back from your true financial freedom. Stick around to find out how to master your finances, lower your taxes, grow your business, and find personal success after retirement.

 [00:01:00] Hello, everyone. And welcome back to another exciting episode of the ask Ralph podcast.

Today, we're going to tackle the topic of retirement

head on. Retirement is often seen as the golden years, a time to relax and enjoy the fruits of your labor. However, there are many myths surrounding retirement that can hinder your financial and personal success. If not properly understood.

So, let's dive right in and debunk these 10 myths about retirement.

Myth number one. Retirement means no work.

You may be thinking that retirement is all about endless days of leisure, laying on a beach somewhere, but the truth is, many retirees.

find. Great fulfillment in continuing to work, frankly keeps their mind sharp. Whether it's pursuing a passion project, starting a side business, or working, part-time, staying active and engaged in work and provide a sense of purpose. And contribute to your overall wellbeing. Let's move on to myth. Number two.

Myth number two.

So security will cover all my expenses. [00:02:00]

While social security is a valuable source of income and retirement. It's unlikely to cover all your living expenses. Dependence on social security alone may leave you struggling. As you try to maintain your desired lifestyle. It's absolutely crucial to have additional source of income, such as personal savings. Investments. Or a pension plan, to ensure a comfortable retirement. I will tell you from my personal experience that many of my clients have found that social security just is not enough for them to live the life they want to live in retirement.

Let's move on to myth.

Number three.

Myth number three. I don't need to save for retirement until later in life.

Oh, boy is a big one. The truth is the earlier you start saving for retirement, the better. Time is truly your greatest asset when it comes to building a nest egg. Starting early allows your money to grow through the power of compounding. Making it easier to reach your financial [00:03:00] goals? So I'm going to say this to you folks.

Don't delay. Start saving for retirement as soon as possible.

You will see the impact of this the sooner and the earlier you start.

Myth number four. I can withdraw as much money as I want in my retirement accounts.

While your retirement accounts are there to provide income during your golden years. It's crucial to be mindful of how much you withdrawal. Premature and excessive withdrawals can deplete your savings faster than anticipated.

And will leave you struggling in your later years, it is so important to consult with a financial advisor, to determine a sustainable withdrawal strategy that aligns with your financial goals. These are meetings you should be having with a trusted person. A financial advisor that can guide, you can take a look at, you know, what is your life expectancy and what your expense is going to be.

And they can tell you how much you can withdraw from your. Assets. And it really comes down to lifestyle and return on those investments.

Let's move [00:04:00] on to myth.

Number five. Myth number five is I can't have any debt in retirement.

I want to put this one to rest. It's ideal to enter retirement with as little debt as possible. But the truth is it's not always feasible for everyone. Managing debt and retirement is about finding a balance. You need to prioritize, paying off high interest debt, such as credit cards, but be strategic about low interest debt, such as a mortgage. Those things can be paid off over time while still maintaining financial flexibility.

Now let me be clear. I am not at all. Endorsing someone in retirement going and getting a 30 year mortgage. Unfortunately, I've seen that in my practice and that is a recipe for disaster. But that said there are ways to structure retirement and some debt is not always bad debt.

Let's move on to myth.

Number six. Myth number six, I'll spend less in retirement, so I don't need to save as much.

While some expenses may decrease [00:05:00] in retirement.

Other such as healthcare costs. And trust me, this is a big one. Or travel expenses, may increase. It's important to have a realistic understanding. Of your retirement expenses and plan accordingly to ensure a comfortable lifestyle. Don't underestimate the impact of inflation. We're seeing that right now and it's hurting people in retirement. And unexpected expenses on your retirement budget. The truth is I see my practice that most of my clients tend to spend more in retirement. Especially, as we talked about on medical services. That is crippling to some people. They also have more time to travel. And enjoy other things that aren't cheap to do, you know, there's other expensive pursuits. that they are able to do.

So. You know, to say that you're going to spend less in retirement. I just don't see that in practice. Now it could be that you have to, because you don't have the income to do it, but it's not what I see in my practice.

Myth number seven. My taxes will be lower in retirement. [00:06:00]

The truth is retirement. Doesn't always equal lower taxes. Tax planning and retirement is just as important.

And I will add maybe even more important. Then when you're during your working years, Factors such as withdrawal some retirement accounts, social security benefits, and other sources of income can impact your liability. It is absolutely important that you consult with a tax advisor. To help develop a strategy to minimize your taxes and maximize your savings. There's a myth out there. That you're going to pay zero tax in retirement. The truth is. If you've planned well for retirement, that's not going to happen. Because the only way that can happen to be blunt with you. Is if your only source of income is social security.

And we talked about this. That you're not going to be able to rely solely on social security.

So let's move on to myth.

Number eight. Myth number eight, Medicare will cover all of my healthcare costs.

Let me make this simple folks. No,

it won't. [00:07:00] While, Medicare provides valuable healthcare coverage.

It doesn't cover everything. There may still be out of pocket expenses, such as deductibles, copays, and services, not covered by Medicare. Consider supplemental insurance options to ensure complete coverage and protect yourself from unexpected medical costs. These can be crippling. I've seen this in my practice. With people who weren't prepared for the medical expenses, they're going to listen.

The truth is. As our bodies age. If we want to stick around. We're going to spend more money on medical that's just an inevitability. So, you have to plan for that accordingly.

Let's move on to myth.

Number nine. Myth number nine, retirees should avoid taking risks with their investments.

While it's true that retirees need to protect their savings. Avoiding all investment risk may lead to missed opportunities for growth. Well, diversified investment portfolio, tailored to your risk tolerance and financial goals. Can help you [00:08:00] generate income and stay ahead of inflation. It's vital that you work with a financial advisor to develop an investment strategy that aligns with your retirement goals. It also really depends on how well you prepared for retirement. So again, I stress meet with somebody. That is a professional financial advisor and put, you know, put pen to paper. Make sure that you're going to be okay in retirement.

Let's move on to myth.

Number #10, our final myth. And that is estate planning is only for the wealthy.

Wrong again. As we discussed a few weeks ago on our podcast interview with attorney Kevin Baird. Estate planning is important for everyone. Regardless of wealth. It allows you to control how your assets are distributed. Minimize your taxes, and protect loved ones.

Financial future. It's vital that you don't overlook the importance of creating a comprehensive estate plan, including a will. Power of attorney, and healthcare directives.

I encourage you to go back and listen to that podcast. Where we talked about estate [00:09:00] planning documents with the attorney.

And there you have it.

My friends, 10 myths about retirement debunked. It's important to challenge these common misconceptions. And approach retirement with a clear understanding of the financial realities.

And opportunities that lie ahead.

Remember. Retirement doesn't mean the end of work. Social security alone may not be sufficient. Start saving early. Be mindful of your withdrawal strategy. Manage debt strategically. Plan for realistic expenses. Consider tax implications, explore supplemental health insurance. Diversify your investments.

And most importantly, create a financial plan.

Before we wrap up this episode, I want to remind you to visit the podcastPage@askralphpodcast.com. There, you can leave a review, share your thoughts, and even send us a message. With any questions or topics you'd like us to cover in future episodes? It's really cool.

Just click on the microphone icon. and you can record a voicemail message for us. Your feedback [00:10:00] is important to us. And we appreciate your participation is community of

financial savvy individuals.

Well, thank you for tuning in to today's episode of ask Ralph, I hope you found the debunking of these retirement myths, enlightening and helpful. Remember, by challenging these myths and implementing smart financial strategies, you can master your finances, lower your taxes, grow your business, and find personal success.

Even after retirement.

As we wrap up, I want to leave you with one final thought.

Being financially savvy is a lifelong journey. And with the right mindset and strategies, you can thrive. In any stage of life.

So, take action today. Challenge these myths, plan for your retirement, and make smart decisions with your money.

Before I close today, please allow me a quick remembrance. My mother would have celebrated her birthday today. but was was taken from us last March with a brain tumor. Today I reflect on her heritage and just remind each of you to love those around you and [00:11:00] never allow a day to pass without telling them how you feel. And what they mean in your life? You simply never know when you will no longer have the chance. So happy birthday, mom. We love you only miss you, but my faith tells me we will see you soon.

Well folks, thanks for listening.

God bless, you. And as always stay financially savvy.

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