Retirement During COVID-19: What Has Changed?

While retirement is an exciting time, it can also be nerve-racking for many people. For some, living on a fixed income, coping with declining health, and dealing with the worry that they’ll outlive their savings is a concern. Unfortunately, retirement during COVID-19 has heightened risks.

Transamerica Center for Retirement Studies Survey

Transamerica Center for Retirement Studies conducted a survey in 2020 to learn more about retirees’ finances during the pandemic and how they prepared for retirement during COVID-19  and their working years. Here are some noteworthy findings:

• Savings: Fifty-six percent of retirees stated that they would depend on their savings if the pandemic took a toll on their finances. Others mentioned they’d rely on credit cards and stimulus money.
• Debt: Forty-five percent of retirees stated that paying off debt is their financial priority. Building an emergency fund and covering living expenses are other priorities.
• Legal Documents: Thirty-two percent of retirees have a healthcare power of attorney. Thirty percent have an advance directive, and 28% have a financial power of attorney.
• Long-Term Care: Twenty-one percent of retirees revealed they don’t have any plans for long-term care. While 41% stated they would rely on their loved ones if their health declines and need help with daily activities, 19% revealed they would move to a nursing home or an assisted living facility, and 17% explained they would use an in-home caregiver.

Lessons From Retirement during COVID-19

The pandemic’s economic impact on retirees can teach us several valuable lessons, including:

• Save Consistently: Rather than saving money every once in a while, save consistently. Seventy-eight percent of retirees in the survey reported wishing they would have regularly saved.
• Educate Yourself: Since retirement planning isn’t generally part of high school academics, it’s a topic where we may need more education. Sixty-six percent of retirees wish they knew more about how to plan for and invest for retirement.
• Avoid Debt: Debt can make it difficult to focus on financial goals like saving for retirement. 48% of retirees disclosed that debt got in the way of their retirement savings plans.
• Start Early: The power of compound interest reinforces just how important it is to save for retirement sooner rather than later. Fifty-three percent believe they waited too long to think about and save for retirement.
• Seek Professional Help: Retirement planning can be complicated. It is wise to find an expert to help. Thirty-eight percent feel they should’ve worked with a financial professional to plan for their retirement.

Consult Your Financial Professional

Together you and your financial professional can review your unique situation and determine how retirement during COVID-19 may affect your plans and options to help you save more. Contact your financial professional to get started.

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As a retirement income specialist and 38-year veteran of the financial services industry, August H. Velten understands what his clients need in order to enjoy a comfortable retirement. Augie is a former instructor for the Life Underwriter Training Council. He once occupied the legislative seat for the Maine Association of Life Insurers. At August H Velten & Associates, we know that it is your retirement, and you should have control over it. We offer our experience and knowledge to help you design a custom strategy for financial independence. Contact us today to schedule an introductory meeting!