Don't Be Fooled: 6 Common Retirement Misconceptions
Conventional wisdom can steer retirement savers wrong. So, don't just follow the standard financial advice: Challenge convention instead.


In an effort to keep things simple for people who are nervous about retirement — whether they are 42 or 62 — conventional planning strategies focus on how to save and invest money. If you save X amount and invest wisely, you will live happily for N years. That is how retirement misconceptions begin.
Saving is good but hard. Smart investing is good — and also quite difficult if the appropriate strategy is not employed.
Hoping for the best as you draw down that savings to meet your budget in retirement — while absorbing the ups and downs of the stock market, inflation, medical and caregiver expenses — virtually ensures that you will remain nervous about your financial health up to and through retirement.

Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free E-Newsletters
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail.
The problems with conventional wisdom
Misconception No. 1: 401(k)/IRA plans offer retirement income. Vehicles such as 401(k) plans and IRAs are good ways to save because you can build tax-deferred savings. And if you simply follow the mandated required minimum distributions, you will have a retirement drawdown strategy. The problem: While you are required to take distributions out of these plans starting at age 70½ — whether or not you need the money — it is not a retirement income strategy in the true sense of income, since “income” consists of money received without any other financial effect. Withdrawals impact your total savings and, as such, are not truly income. P.S. You can’t avoid paying taxes, but you can minimize them, as I explain here.
Misconception No. 2: Retirement calculators are accurate. When you research a plan for retirement, you will find many versions of devices called retirement calculators. It’s OK to fill in the blanks and let them provide a number. The problem: Calculators might give you a rough idea of how much money you must accumulate, but they won’t address your personal situation or help you plan for guaranteed, lifetime income.
Misconception No. 3: Set your asset allocation and forget about it. Most people know that you should make sure the money in your 401(k) or IRA is diversified. Your savings shouldn’t be invested in just one type of asset class, like growth stocks, for example. The problem: What the advice doesn’t say is this: When you are about to retire, you need to reconsider your pre-retirement asset allocation and add other choices to the mix. The plan you developed when you were 35 won’t work at 65.
Misconception No. 4: All annuities are bad. That is what you will hear in a drumbeat of advertising and social media from advisers who have built businesses out of selling products based on the stock market and other returns. The problem: The headlines do not distinguish between different types of annuities. An income annuity, for example, is the only product that provides guaranteed lifetime income, similar to Social Security or a pension. So, for many people, it makes good sense to include an income annuity as part — but never 100% — of your portfolio.
Misconception No. 5: All reverse mortgage strategies are bad. As with annuities, an industry has grown to convince you never to utilize a reverse mortgage. The problem: Again, retirees should consider whether this option might provide benefits as part of a diversified retirement strategy. In moderation, and properly managed, a reverse mortgage can provide peace of mind in the form of tax-free cash flow and long-term liquidity for a retirement plan.
Misconception No. 6: Financial advisers consider all options. Your financial adviser has discussed asset allocation with you. How much of your money should be invested in stocks, bonds, mutual funds, ETFs, cash? The problem: Advisers don’t talk enough about product allocation. What do you do specifically with your major sources of savings — rollover IRA/401(k), personal savings, deferred annuities and equity in your house — to create retirement income? Each has its own tax and other considerations. Deciding how to use them most efficiently in your retirement income plan may be the greatest contributor to retirement income success.
The bottom line
Saving money is a simple but important concept. As you approach retirement, it is just as important to determine how much income your savings can provide. When you concentrate on the income power your savings has, your decisions will become easier.
Profit and prosper with the best of Kiplinger's advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and much more. Delivered daily. Enter your email in the box and click Sign Me Up.

Jerry Golden is the founder and CEO of Golden Retirement Advisors Inc. He specializes in helping consumers create retirement plans that provide income that cannot be outlived. Find out more at Go2income.com, where consumers can explore all types of income annuity options, anonymously and at no cost.
-
Here's Why Walmart Deals are Better Than Amazon Prime Day
With sales for Walmart Deals and Amazon Prime Day running comparable on price, one factor separates them.
-
How to Get Rid of the Things Your Kids Don't Want While Downsizing
Whether moving by necessity or choice, downsizing means deciding what to do with your stuff. Here's what to do if the kids and grandkids don't want it all.
-
Five Things You Can Learn From Jimmy Buffett's Estate Dispute
The dispute over Jimmy Buffett's estate highlights crucial lessons for the rest of us on trust creation, including the importance of co-trustee selection, proactive communication and options for conflict resolution.
-
I'm a Financial Adviser: For True Diversification, Think Beyond the Basic Stock-Bond Portfolio
Amid rising uncertainty and inflation, effective portfolio diversification needs to extend beyond just stocks and bonds to truly manage risk.
-
I'm a Retirement Psychologist: Money Won't Buy You Happiness in Your Life After Work
While financial security is crucial for retirement, the true 'retirement crisis' is often an emotional, psychological and social one. You need a plan beyond just money that includes purpose, structure and social connection.
-
Retiring Early? This Strategy Cuts Your Income Tax to Zero
When retiring early, married couples can use this little-known (and legitimate) strategy to take a six-figure income every year — tax-free.
-
Ditch the Golf Shoes: Your Retirement Needs a Side Gig
A side gig in retirement can help combat boredom, loneliness and the threat of inflation eroding your savings. And the earlier you start planning, the better.
-
Roth IRA Conversions in the Summer? Why Now May Be the Sweet Spot
Converting now would enable you to spread a possible tax hit over more than one payment while reducing future taxes.
-
A Financial Expert's Three Steps to Becoming Debt-Free (Even in This Economy)
If debt has you spiraling, now is the time to take a few common-sense steps to help knock it down and get it under control.
-
I'm an Insurance Expert: This Is How Your Insurance Protects You While You're on Vacation
Here are three key things to consider about your insurance (auto, property and health) when traveling within the U.S., including coverage for rental cars, personal belongings and medical emergencies.