Retirement calculator

What is the 90/10 rule for retirees?

Which is the biggest expense for most retirees?

For most retirees, healthcare is the biggest expense. Here are some key points to consider:

• According to Fidelity, a retired couple may need $300,000 or more for medical expenses throughout retirement.

• Medicare, the federal health insurance program for those aged 65 and older, may not cover all medical expenses, such as long-term care.

• The cost of prescription drugs and out-of-pocket expenses for medical services can also add up.

• As people age, they may need more medical care, which can increase healthcare expenses.

Other expenses in retirement may include housing, transportation, food, and entertainment, but healthcare is often the biggest cost. It's important for retirees to plan and budget for healthcare expenses in retirement. Sources of information include Fidelity's Retiree Health Care Cost Estimate and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.

Is $3 million enough to retire on at 55?

Whether $3 million is enough to retire at 55 depends on many factors, including one's lifestyle, expenses, and expected retirement income. However, in general, it is a substantial amount that can provide a comfortable retirement for many Americans. Here are some points to consider:

• According to Fidelity, a rule of thumb is to save at least 10 to 12 times your current income by retirement. So, if you earn $250,000 per year, you would need $2.5 million to $3 million saved up.

• The average retirement age in the U.S. is 62, so retiring at 55 means you would need to fund your retirement for potentially 7 more years.

• Inflation can erode the purchasing power of your retirement savings over time. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average inflation rate in the U.S. from 2010 to 2020 was 1.8% per year.

• Healthcare costs can be a significant expense in retirement, with Fidelity estimating that a retired couple may need $300,000 or more for medical expenses.

• Social Security benefits can provide some additional income, with the average monthly benefit in 2022 being $1,543 for a single person and $2,596 for a married couple.

Therefore, while $3 million is a substantial amount of money, it's important to consider your individual circumstances and consult with a financial advisor to determine if it is enough for you to retire comfortably.

How much cash should retirees keep?

The amount of cash retirees should keep depends on their individual circumstances and needs. However, it's generally recommended to keep enough cash on hand to cover at least 3 to 6 months of living expenses. Here are some key points to consider:

• Cash can provide retirees with a safety net for unexpected expenses or emergencies.

• Keeping too much cash can result in missed investment opportunities or inflation risk, where the value of the cash decreases over time.

• Keeping too little cash can result in the need to sell investments at a loss to cover expenses.

• Retirees should also consider their sources of income, such as Social Security and retirement savings, when determining how much cash to keep on hand.

It's important for retirees to work with a financial advisor to determine the appropriate amount of cash to keep on hand based on their individual circumstances and goals.