I’m a Retirement Planner: 3 Categories Wealthy Retirees Spend the Most on During Year One
Written by
Nicole Spector
Edited by
Rebekah Evans
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Just as they dream of home ownership, quality education, good healthcare and no debt, Americans long for a stress-free retirement. And let’s be real: that means having wealth.
Yet even wealthy retirees can find themselves up against tough financial times, particularly when they’re newly retired and not completely educated on the expenses that will inevitably arise (or continue) in their post-working years.
Here’s what wealthy retirees spend the most on during year one — and how to get ahead of these costs, according to retirement planning experts.
Uncovered Healthcare Costs
Healthcare bills come for us all, even those on Medicare and they can derail you in retirement no matter how wealthy you are.
“Recent research shows that 76% of Americans don’t know or underestimate healthcare costs in retirement and at the same time many Medicare beneficiaries overlook benefits that could help offset those expenses,” said Whitney Stidom, vice president of consumer enablement at eHealth. “With health insurance premiums and out-of-pocket medical expenses rising, many Americans are surprised to learn they may already have benefits that function like a built-in ‘payout’ — they’re just not using them.”
Get ahead of these costs by being proactive with your health and taking full advantage of available benefits you may not know about.
“Things like preventive screenings covered at no cost, dental or vision benefits through Medicare Advantage or quarterly over-the-counter allowances can add up to hundreds of dollars in value each year,” Stidom said.
Home Maintenance or Moving
Even with a paid-off mortgage, housing expenses remain. And if you’re planning to move, that’s a whole ‘nother can of financial worms to be prepared for.
“You typically still have property taxes, insurance and maintenance to upkeep during retirement,” said Daniel Gleich, board member and shareholder at Madison Trust Company. “Many retirees also consider moving early in retirement, which can add additional costs such as moving expenses, closing costs and more.”
To get ahead of these expenses, consider a self-directed IRA, a retirement account that allows you to invest in alternative assets such as real estate or private loans.
“These alternative assets can potentially generate consistent cash flow that can help cover costs and living expenses during retirement,” Gleich said. “Proactively planning for first year spending and leveraging tools like Self-Directed IRAs to enhance income strategies, can potentially help better position retirees to maintain financial security throughout retirement.”
Travel and ‘Bucket List’ Expenses
Wealthy retirees may have big and exciting plans to kick off their retirement. Maybe it’s a “bucket list” adventure or major home renovation they didn’t have time or money to do when younger. Jeff Judge, certified financial planner (CFP), accredited estate planner (AEP), chartered financial consultant (ChFC), chartered life underwriter (CLU), managing partner and CFP practitioner at Chesapeake Financial Planners recommended that retirees set solid boundaries around these to enjoy them without taking on debt.
“The best ways to save without feeling like you’re cutting the fun short are to put simple guardrails around travel and home projects so they don’t become the new normal and to keep a clear line between essential spending and discretionary spending so you have flexibility if life or markets change,” Judge said.
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