4 Steps to Take if You Lose Your Job Near Retirement
Being let go from a job later in life can lead to financial disaster, but there are some things you can do to help lessen the damage.
Many people are finding themselves out of work right now, and some may be getting close to retirement. If you suffer a job loss near retirement, there are steps you can take to make sure your finances are safe.
1. Assess and Adjust Your Budget.
Do you know what you are spending money on every month? One of the first steps you should take after a job loss is assessing your budget. Sit down and make a list of all of your expenses. Determine what is essential, like your mortgage, car payments and health care. Are there places where you can cut back? You could get rid of cable or any streaming services. This may be difficult, but a smaller income means you need to have fewer expenses.
If you are close to retiring and hit with a job loss, depending on what your budget shows you, you may have to delay your retirement. This is a tough situation, and it’s an important time to meet with a financial adviser to see what may be the best plan for you.
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.
2. Evaluate Your Savings.
This is an excellent time to look at what you have saved. If you were a budgeter before you lost your job, you should have a substantial emergency fund saved. Look at all of your accounts, and calculate how long they will last. If you are out of work for six months, will your savings last you?
Between employee retirement accounts and any personal retirement accounts you may have, you need to understand how much you have set aside.
If possible, roll your current 401(k) accounts into an IRA. There are many low-cost investment options. You can roll your 401(k) into a traditional IRA without paying any income taxes. Or you can roll your contributions into a Roth IRA and pay income taxes now, so you can take money out tax-free in retirement. This will also help your money continue to grow tax-free. By rolling your accounts into a traditional or Roth IRA, you are putting this chunk of your money in one place, making it much easier to keep track of.
3. Assess Your Social Security Options.
Are you eligible for your Social Security benefits? The earliest you can take Social Security benefits is 62 years old. For people born in 1960 or later, the full retirement age when you can collect 100% of your benefits, is 67. Claiming your Social Security benefits at 62 will lock you in at a lower amount because you need these benefits to last longer. If you wait until after 67 to claim them, they will grow 8% each year you wait until age 70.
Usually, I would recommend waiting until the full retirement age to claim Social Security, but if you need the income, this can be a good option for you.
4. Have a Plan in Place.
Whether it’s losing a job or encountering another type of financial crisis, we have to be ready to face it. Having a plan in place for that possibility is the best way to protect your finances and keep your retirement on track.
Also, remember that most of the time a job loss is temporary. While it’s very stressful now, it’s likely you’ll eventually return to having a regular income. Working with a financial adviser will help you put together the right plan for you.
Get Kiplinger Today newsletter — free
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.
Tony Drake is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ and the founder and CEO of Drake & Associates in Waukesha, Wis. Tony is an Investment Adviser Representative and has helped clients prepare for retirement for more than a decade. He hosts The Retirement Ready Radio Show on WTMJ Radio each week and is featured regularly on TV stations in Milwaukee. Tony is passionate about building strong relationships with his clients so he can help them build a strong plan for their retirement.
-
What’s Happening With Taxes on Overtime Pay?
Income Tax Donald Trump’s latest idea to eliminate overtime tax has ignited chatter.
By Kelley R. Taylor Published
-
Starlink is taking over the space market
The Kiplinger Letter Satellite broadband provider Starlink is taking over the space market. Amazon’s mega-constellation will soon join the fray, adding to the unprecedented disruption.
By John Miley Published
-
Four Common Misconceptions About Life Insurance
Just because you have no dependents and no debt doesn't mean life insurance wouldn't come in exceedingly handy for someone in your life or even a charity.
By Karl Susman, CPCU, LUTCF, CIC, CSFP, CFS, CPIA, AAI-M, PLCS Published
-
Should You Keep Your 401(k) When You Retire?
Here are three primary reasons you might want to consider moving your retirement money from your 401(k) to an IRA once you retire.
By Joe F. Schmitz Jr., CFP®, ChFC® Published
-
Want to Move to Italy? What to Consider Financially
Once you've decided that you and Italy are compatible, you'll want to work out your tax planning, investments, retirement accounts and benefits.
By Alex Ingrim, Chartered MCSI Published
-
Estate Planning: How to Protect Family Treasures
Items like antiques, art and jewelry, as well as family photos, can carry huge emotional ties. The more specific you are in your plans, the better for everyone.
By Patrick M. Simasko, J.D. Published
-
529 Plans: A Powerful Way to Tackle Rising Education Costs
Contributions to 529 plans grow tax-free and are not taxed when they are used to pay for qualified educational expenses for the beneficiary.
By Denise McClain, JD, CPA Published
-
Saving to Be a 401(k) Millionaire? Plan for Taxes Now
Your tax bite in retirement could be excruciating. Here's why super savers need to get serious about protecting themselves.
By Brian Gray Published
-
Considering a 721 Exchange? Adopt a Buyer Beware Mindset
Having a tax-smart exit strategy for your real estate investment is a great idea, but if a 721 exchange is part of your plan, here's what you need to consider.
By Dwight Kay Published
-
Five December 31 Tax Deadlines for Retirees
The end of the year will be here before you know it, so it might be a good idea to start thinking soon about what you need to do for taxes before it arrives.
By Evan T. Beach, CFP®, AWMA® Published