When is the latest I can retire?

If you’re nearing retirement and your nest egg isn’t where you want it to be, you may be asking yourself when is the latest you can retire to maximize your retirement savings. Of course, the answer to this question depends on a variety of factors, including your age, health, and retirement goals. Here, we’ll discuss when you should retire and how to maximize benefits when you’ve stopped working.

At what age does it make sense to retire?

Generally speaking, the best time to retire is when you are financially ready to do so. While the amount you have saved up for retirement will vary based on your geographic location and lifestyle, financial experts recommend having 10-12 times your annual income in your retirement fund. When compiling a figure, you should also account for variables such as inflation, healthcare, and home repairs.

Considering social security benefits

Social Security is a significant part of retirement funding for many people. To maximize your Social Security benefits, you should wait to draw on them as long as possible. If you claim Social Security before age 66, your benefit will be reduced by a percentage annually. If you want to maximize Social Security benefits, you should wait until age 70 to claim them. This is because the Social Security system rewards individuals who wait with a higher benefit rate than those who start collecting at an earlier age. However, retiring past 70 will not increase your benefit amount.

Maximizing benefits from retirement accounts

In addition to Social Security, you should consider how much you have saved in retirement accounts. These accounts may include 401(k)s, Traditional IRAs, and Roth IRAs. It is helpful to use a 401k calculator to estimate your retirement savings goals and determine when it will make sense to begin withdrawals. Additionally, you may want to consider delaying withdrawals from your tax-deferred accounts until the required minimum distributions (RMDs). RMDs are federally mandated annual withdrawals beginning at age 72. Taking RMDs too early or not withdrawing enough can incur penalties.

If you worked in a career that offered a pension, you should also factor this into your retirement planning. Pensions can provide a steady income stream during retirement and may offer survivor benefits for spouses.

Other considerations when deciding when to retire

Of course, there are many other things to take into consideration when deciding when to retire. As we age, our health often declines, requiring additional care, and associated healthcare costs should be taken into account when making decisions about retirement. Medicare and other health insurance policies may also influence your decision, as they will become more expensive the longer you wait to retire.

Furthermore, if you wish to continue working, either part-time or full-time, you can do so! This can provide a sense of purpose and connection with others, as well as additional income that can be used to offset living expenses and maximize retirement savings.

Bottom line

At the end of the day, deciding when to retire is a very personal decision and can be one of the most important decisions you make in your life. It’s important to assess your financial situation and consider how much income you’ll need in order to maintain your desired lifestyle during retirement. By looking at the different factors that play into retirement planning, such as social security benefits and retirement account contributions, you’ll be better equipped to make the right choice for your retirement.