Ways to ensure your assets can generate the retirement income stream you need today and keep up with the rising cost of living that inflation pressures can exert requires expert planning.
Which income streams do you have control over? Some like Social Security and pensions are automatic. Others like distributions from your retirement and investment accounts or annuities require specific decisions as to when and how much you should take out. Some of your accounts may allow you to take a guaranteed income stream that you can't outlive.
Helping you plan your income in the most tax efficient manner to meet your needs involves a well thought out plan to evaluate your special needs concerning risk of assets, liquidity needs for emergencies and feeling comfortable with the possible changes in your income needs from changes in the cost of where you live to changes in the cost of your health care.
Call Robert Sayman today or Click Here for a free, no obligation consultation to see how Income Planning can put Peace of Mind into your future retirement income needs.
704-542-5499
Where will my retirement income come from?
Sources of Retirement Income
Most retirees derive their retirement income from three primary sources: Social Security retirement benefits, qualified retirement plans and individual savings/investments.
Social Security Retirement Benefits
Social Security retirement benefits are intended to provide only a portion of an individual’s retirement income. Traditionally, retirement benefits begin at age 65. For those born after 1937, however, normal retirement age, when full retirement benefits begin, will increase gradually until it reaches age 67 for those born in 1960 and later. A reduced benefit is available, beginning at age 62. The monthly benefit amount is based on an individual’s past earnings record. A worker can earn a larger retirement benefit by continuing to work past retirement age. Up to 85 percent of a retiree’s Social Security retirement benefits may be taxable as ordinary income. Retirement benefits are adjusted for inflation on an annual basis.
Qualified Retirement Plans
A retirement plan is considered to be “qualified” if it meets requirements set by the federal government. In general, employer or employee contributions to a qualified plan are currently deductible and the earnings are tax deferred until paid out of the plan. Mandatory distribution rules typically apply and withdrawals before age 59 ½ may be subject to an additional 10% penalty tax. ²
- Employer sponsored qualified plans : Employer sponsored plans can generally be classified as either defined benefit or defined contribution. Defined benefit plans specify the benefit amount a participant will receive at retirement; an actuary estimates how much be contributed each year to fund the anticipated benefit. The investment risk rests on the employer. Benefits are generally taxable. Defined contribution plans, such as 401(k), 403(b) or SEP plans, typically put a percentage of current salaries into the plan each year. The retirement benefit will depend on the amount contributed, the investment return and the number of years until a participant retires. The investment risk rests on the participant. Benefits are generally taxable.
- Individual qualified plans : Include the traditional individual retirement account (IRA) and the Roth IRA. Contributions to a traditional IRA may be deductible to the extent of deductible contributions and growth. Contributions to a Roth IRA are never deductible and earnings grow tax deferred. If certain requirements are met, retirement distributions from a Roth IRA are tax free.
- Nonqualified retirement plans : An employer may set up a plan, often in the form of a deferred compensation plan, which does not meet federal requirements to be considered “qualified”. Benefits are generally taxable when received. Such plans are often used as a supplement to qualified retirement plans.
Individual Savings
Individual savings and investments are the third primary source of retirement income. An individual can choose to accumulate funds using a wide range of investment vehicles. The appropriate type of investment will depend on a number of factors such as an individual’s investment skill and experience, risk tolerance, tax bracket, and the number of years until retirement. Below are listed some of the more commonly used choices.
- Savings accounts : Including regular savings accounts, money market funds and certificate of deposit (CDs) at banks, savings and loans and credit unions.
- Common stock : May also include other forms of equity ownership such as preferred stock or convertible bonds. Stock can be owned directly, in a personal portfolio or indirectly through a mutual fund.
- Bonds : Includes corporate, government, or municipal bonds. Bonds can be owned directly, in a personal portfolio or indirectly, through either a mutual fund or unit investment trust.
- Real estate : Individually owned investment real estate or indirect investment through a real estate investment trust or limited partnership.
- Precious metals : Such as gold or silver, in the form of coins, bullion or in the common stock of mining companies.
- Commercial deferred annuities : Commercial, deferred annuities are purchased from a life insurance company and can provide tax-deferred growth through a variety of investment choices.
Other Income Sources
Other retirement income sources can include the following:
- Continued employment : On either a full or part-time basis. Wage and salary income is usually taxable and before-age-65 earnings above a certain level may affect the amount of Social Security retirement benefits.
- Home equity : If a home is completely paid for, a reverse mortgage may provide addition income, without giving up home ownership.
Call Robert Sayman today or Click Here for a free, no obligation consultation to see how Income Planning can put Peace of Mind into your future retirement income needs.
704-542-5499
