6 Ways to Prepare for an Unexpected Early Retirement

“I’m going to work until I’m 65.”

Many of us may feel this way, but the startling truth is this: either due to health issues, downsizing, or the health of a loved one, nearly 50% of us will be forced to retire earlier than we had planned.¹

The old adage, “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure” could not be more apt when it comes to thinking about retirement. We may have every intention to keep working past the age of 62, 65, or later, but circumstances change, and so must our plans.

Why Me?

We might anticipate facing health difficulties as we age, and do our best to stay healthy and active. However, even the best laid plans meet unexpected obstacles. In 2017, there remains a big gap between the age in which workers plan to retire (65) and the age they actually do (62).¹Beyond ailing physical health, here are some of the top reasons we may least expect:

1. I lost my job
2. I have to care for my spouse or family member
3. Relocation (i.e., due to natural disaster, family obligations)
4. Mental health (addiction, depression, anxiety)

Think Again

A mere 4 out of 10 workers¹ have tried to calculate how much retirement will cost. Don’t wait! It could cost you more than you think.

If we consider these calculations² now, decisions we make today can make all the difference for us tomorrow. Here are some of the things you should consider:

1. What are your fixed costs?
   • Mortgage
   • Utilities
   • Insurance
   • Service payments
   • Real estate taxes
   • Alimony
2. What are your flexible expenses?
   • Travel
   • Entertainment
   • Luxury items
3. What are your income sources?
   • Social Security
   • Pension
   • Retirement accounts (ie, 401(k), IRA)
   • Inheritance
   • Rental income
   • Investment income
   • Stocks, Bonds, Mutual Funds, CDs
   • Part-time or full-time work
4. What are your healthcare costs/needs?
   • For yourself
   • For your spouse
   • For your dependent

Pound of Cure

There’s more to planning for retirement than money management. Regardless of when it happens—unexpectedly early, or on our own terms—we can develop certain habits now to mitigate problems and strengthen our viability later.

1. Rethink work – Look for a job now, when you’re not “looking for a job.” Start thinking out of the box about ways you might work part-time or in a different capacity. Having a work plan in place will give you peace of mind now, and provide you extra cash in hand should you need it later.
2. Practice streamlining – Make small adjustments to “fun” spending. Take a close look at your spending habits. What is wasteful or overly generous? By trimming luxury expenses here and there, we can build healthier spending habits in the event of financially leaner times. Need help tracking spending? Download our free budget template.
3. Review your benefits – Social Security and Medicare choices change yearly. Be sure you stay current on new tax laws, penalties, rules for eligibility, and benefit details.
4. Talk to experts – If you have an investment strategy in place, that’s great! If not, consider making one today. Regardless, yesterday’s plan may not fit tomorrow’s financial landscape. It’s important to stay diversified in an ever-changing market. Work with people you trust to ensure a secure future with a sound retirement plan.
5. Write it down – Globally, only 14% of workers have a written retirement plan.³ The good news: If you take the time to write a strategy, you significantly improve your chances of acting on those intentions.
6. Indulge in joy – Abrupt change in lifestyle can trigger anxiety and depression. Whether we face retirement unexpectedly or not, the shift from working to not working is no small thing. By staying connected to what makes us happy, we can decrease stress and encourage a positive outlook.

Conclusion

With retirement comes uncertainty—that much is certain. But uncertainty doesn’t have to mean insecurity. Take some time today to think about what you need to continue to be happy tomorrow. Prepare yourself for the unexpected. Craft a Plan B. Rethink your retirement plan. Do things today that make you happy, and make a habit of it.

¹Employee Benefit Research Institute, 2017 Retirement Confidence Survey

²Personal Decision Points: 7 Steps to Your Ideal Retirement Transition, Scott Hanson

³Aegon Retirement Readiness Survey 2017