There is a lot of talk these days about the “new normal,” which might be more accurately described as not normal. COVID-19 has impacted many aspects of our daily lives and if you’re nearing or in retirement, you may be wondering if it will impact your retirement plan. Below are a few items to consider as we navigate these uncertain times.
1. Understand the impact of sequence-of-returns risk
Given the market volatility that has accompanied the pandemic, retirees and pre-retirees should take sequence-of-returns risk into consideration to help preserve their portfolio’s value and ability to recover from a downturn. Sequence-of-returns risk refers to the possibility that you’ll have to withdraw funds at the same time your portfolio is losing value. Because you have to sell more shares to get the same amount of cash, you’re left with fewer shares to compound in the future.
You can reduce the impact of sequence-of-returns risk by reducing your withdrawal rate during a downturn and focusing the withdrawals you do make on cash and other less-volatile assets.
From just $107.88 $24.99 for Kiplinger Personal Finance
Be a smarter, better informed investor.
Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free 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.
Tips:
- The Schwab Center for Financial Research (SCFR) recommends that you keep a year’s worth of expenses in cash, and another two to four years’ worth in assets that can be easily liquidated.
- If you find yourself caught in the middle of a downturn, be strategic about your withdrawals. Focus first on cash, maturing bonds and CDs and other less-volatile investments. If you need to draw on growth investments, consider sales that are needed for portfolio rebalancing and investments that no longer meet your goals.
2. Increase contributions, decrease distributions
For the second year in a row, the IRS has increased contribution limits for 401(k)s by $500, allowing you to contribute up to $19,500 in 2020, and $6,500 in catch-up contributions for investors age 50 or older. You can also contribute $6,000 to an Individual Retirement Account (IRA), and an extra $1,000 in catch-up contributions if you’re age 50 or older.
Meanwhile, the new CARES Act allows for waivers on required minimum distributions (RMDs) for 2020. This means retirees can keep their investments in the market longer, potentially increasing their value over time and avoiding the withdrawal of funds during a low point in the market.
Review both of these changes and determine if you can use them for your advantage.
Tips:
- Max out your retirement contributions if you can.
- Avoid taking unneeded withdrawals from retirement accounts in 2020.
3. Revisit your estate plan
COVID-19 has increased uncertainty across all aspects of life, highlighting the importance of planning. After ensuring your assets are secure, it’s also important to make sure those assets go where you want them to, whether to your family, your favorite charity or both.
Estate planning can help organize things during both life and death. Take steps to make sure the needs of you and your loved ones are secure.
Tips: Meet with an estate-planning attorney to…
- Ensure you’ve updated your beneficiaries and other estate-planning documents.
- Discuss a gifting strategy for your assets.
- Consider your charitable giving options.
4. Give virtual financial planning a try
Companies are focused more than ever on making it easier for you to manage your finances virtually. Many transactions that used to require an in-person visit — such as check deposits — can now be completed through your mobile device.
There are also virtual options for financial planning including online tools, consultations by phone and video appointments. If you don’t have a financial plan, consider one of these options to help establish one. If you have a plan in place, this may be a good time to review or update it, especially if you’ve had lifestyle changes or unexpected expenses.
Tips:
- Familiarize yourself with your options for managing finances from home.
- Assess how your lifestyle has changed and impacts to your spending.
Investing involves risk including loss of principal. Diversification strategies do not ensure a profit and do not protect against losses in declining markets.
The information here is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered an individualized recommendation or personalized investment advice. The type of securities and investment strategies mentioned may not be suitable for everyone. Each investor needs to review an investment strategy for his or her own particular situation before making any investment decision.
©2020 Charles Schwab & Co., Inc. (“Schwab”). All rights reserved. Member SIPC.
-
Refinance Applications Surge as Mortgage Rates TumbleThe window to refinance is reopening as mortgage rates hit their lowest level in nearly a year. Here’s what the market shift means for homeowners.
-
Average Spending by Age for Those 55 and Up: Are You Thrifty?Everybody has their own number for how much they’ll spend in retirement. See if your's is in line with the averages.
-
Wages Aren't Keeping Up With Inflation: A Financial Adviser's Tips to Bridge the GapWhile we can't control inflation, there are some simple things each of us can do to help keep our heads above water.
-
New Rules, New Opportunities for Student Loans: An Expert Guide to Preparing for What's NextMajor changes are coming to federal student loan rules, so it's a good time for borrowers to understand how these shifts will impact their financial planning.
-
Gray Divorce Can Throw Your Retirement a Curveball: What to KnowIf you're entering retirement and going through a divorce at the same time, you've got some work to do to shore up your long-term financial security.
-
I'm a Real Estate Investing Expert: Optional 721 UPREIT DSTs Can Be the Best of Both WorldsBefore investing in any 721 UPREIT exchange, look for one that offers a straightforward, investor-friendly exit.
-
How an Expired Passport Thwarted Blackmail (and What Other Important Documents You Should Keep)An optometrist produced his expired passport to foil a blackmail attempt by the daughter of a former employee. After proving he was out of the country on the date of a forged diary entry, he took it a step further.
-
Optimize, Grow, Retain: The Power of Annual Client ReviewsFinancial advisers can use annual reviews to help enhance client outcomes, strengthen relationships and build their practice.
-
I'm a Real Estate Investing Pro: This Is What Investors Should Know About Truck Stop InvestmentsTruck stops might seem like good investments, but they can actually be a risky gamble due to unstable fuel prices, unreliable operators and coming changes in transportation. Instead, consider safer options like industrial or residential properties.
-
Don't Disinherit Your Grandchildren: The Hidden Risks of Retirement Account Beneficiary FormsStandard retirement account beneficiary forms may not be flexible enough to ensure your money passes to family members according to your wishes. Naming a trust as the contingent beneficiary can help avoid these issues. Here's how.
