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.
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.
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.
-
Stock Market Today: Nasdaq Spirals as Netflix NosedivesA big earnings boom for credit card giant American Express helped the Dow notch another win.
-
Get These 40 Earth Day Deals and DiscountsMonday, April 22, is Earth Day. Many of your favorite retailers are celebrating with deals on sustainable products, recycling services, and more
-
Is 100 the New 70?Eating well, exercising, getting plenty of sleep and managing chronic stress can help make you a SuperAger. Funding that long life requires longevity literacy.
-
Nine Lessons to Be Learned From the Hilton Family Trust ContestDisclaimers, good communication, post-marital agreements and more could help avoid conflict in a family after the owners of a wealthy estate pass away.
-
Strategies to Optimize Your Social Security BenefitsTo maximize what you can collect, it’s crucial to know when you can file, how delaying filing affects your checks and the income limit if you’re still working.
-
Don’t Forget to Update Beneficiaries After a Gray DivorceSome states automatically revoke a former spouse as a beneficiary on some accounts. Waivers can be used, too. Best not to leave it up to your state, though.
-
What’s the Difference Between a CPA and a Tax Planner?CPAs do the important number crunching for tax preparation and filing, but tax planners look at the big picture and come up with tax-saving strategies.
-
Charitable Remainder Trust: The Stretch IRA AlternativeThe SECURE Act killed the stretch IRA, but a properly constructed charitable remainder trust can deliver similar benefits, with some caveats.
-
Three Ways to Take Control of Your Money During Financial Literacy MonthBudgeting, building an emergency fund and taking advantage of a multitude of workplace benefits can get you on track and keep you there.
-
How Did O.J. Simpson Avoid Paying the Brown and Goldman Families?And now that he’s died, will the families of Nicole Brown Simpson and Ron Goldman be able to collect on the 1997 civil judgment?
