Very recently a couple of us from the office attended a retirement income planning seminar. The seminar was titled, “Don’t Live a Just in Case Retirement.” Tom Hegna, an internationally renowned expert on retirement planning, was the presenter.
The seminar concepts were helpful and timely. Many points were reminders, but a couple of points struck a chord with me and are worth discussing.
Retirement Success
One key point was this: “The success of your retirement is really not about assets.” Well, that’s controversial. Isn’t retirement about having a certain number? (i.e. How much do you have in your retirement nest egg?) Assets can be lost, stolen, divorced, etc.
His argument was that the success of your retirement really depends upon how much guaranteed, lifetime retirement income you have. His argument is not just based on emotion, but research.
I have to agree. Our most joyful, content clients are the ones that know each month a set, guaranteed direct deposit is coming that doesn’t depend upon market performance. It’s backed by a pension guaranty, Federal government or an insurance company. This deposit is what used to be called the “mailbox check.”
But what’s the problem? There are fewer and fewer companies offering the pensions of one to two generations ago. It’s too costly and risky for employers. Therefore, we see defined contribution plans more today, such as 401ks, 403bs, and deferred compensation.
The risk has been transferred from the employers to the employees. The employees are in charge and responsible for saving enough for retirement. Problem is, how much is enough? Is it a certain number? We’ve dispelled that myth before. There’s no magic number that works for every person. Each person and financial plan are unique.
What’s the good news? We firmly believe a joyful, content retirement is possible, but it must come with a plan.
Avoiding Risks
The second and last point that struck home with me was this: “How will you avoid risks detrimental to your plan?” Great question. Ignoring current and future risks is not wise, they need to be addressed. What are some of those risks?
- Not maximizing your social security benefit
- Inflation
- Long-term care expenses
- Sequence of returns risk (How the market performs in the early years of your retirement is a critical factor to be addressed.)
- Longevity risk (outliving your assets)
The purpose of this writing is not to invoke panic and hysteria. Really, it’s not. I do, however, hope the items discussed moves you to taking action. “Any plan is better than no plan!”, said Tom.
And let’s not forget to address this topic from a spiritual standpoint. Are the items above important? Yes. Are they ultimate? Absolutely not. For those who’ve trusted in our loving, heavenly Father, we know that our ultimate care is in His hands. So much so that he cares for us in this way:
“Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? 27 And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life?[a] 28 And why are you anxious about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin,29 yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. 30 But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? 31 Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ 32 For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. 33 But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.
34 “Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.” – Matthew 6:26-34 (ESV)
Living in the “already but not yet” is not easy. The ultimate battle has already been won, but we also know that on this side of eternity, the struggle and fight is real. Brokenness, hurt, loss and pain do exist. So how are we to respond? We trust, we follow, we love, we ask for help and forgiveness and, we don’t give up.
Ask us for help. We’d love to walk alongside you through this journey of life. It’s not just about money for us. It’s a much bigger conversation.
*For financial planning clients of Rivertree Financial Planning: Please contact us as soon as possible if you have had any changes in circumstances, objectives, goals or risk tolerance.