Planning for Retirement Needs: 7 Common Myths That Will Wreck Your Retirement Preparation

There are a lot of myths out there around planning for retirement needs. Some are based on assumptions that used to be true, but most are just plain false. And these myths are so common, you may even believe some of them yourself.

Unfortunately, acting on these false assumptions can have real, negative consequences for your life post-retirement. So today we’re setting the record straight and debunking seven common myths about planning for retirement needs.

Social Security will be enough 

Why bother saving for retirement? Social Security has got you covered … right?

Not so fast! If you’re banking on Social Security as your main or only source of income in retirement, you’ve got an unpleasant surprise coming.

The Social Security program was never designed to be more than a safety net. It’s a great resource for supplementing your savings, but it’s not a replacement for your savings.

On average, Social Security benefits will only replace 40 percent of your pre-retirement income, and as little as 25 percent if you were a higher earner ($100,000+) during your career.

Retirement will only last 10 to 15 years 

It used to be reasonable to expect only 10 to 15 years of retirement, but with advances in medical care and technology, people are living well into their 80s and 90s and even to 100. If you retire at age 65, you should be prepared to fund at least 25 to 30 years of retirement.

My inheritance will be enough

Think your inheritance will fund your retirement?

Remember, people are living longer than ever. There’s a strong chance you’ll retire before your parents die, or that they’ll end up spending much of your inheritance on their own health care and living expenses.

This is not a gamble you want to take. Do the smart thing by taking real steps to save and plan for your retirement needs.

Medicare will cover all my health care needs

Sorry, this isn’t Scandinavia. Medicare is a great safety net, but it only covers the basics.

You’ll have to pay out of pocket for routine things like dental care, eye care and hearing aids, as well as long-term home health care, extended nursing home stays, and specialized prescription drugs.

Studies have shown you’ll still be responsible for about half of your health care expenses, and couples typically pay upwards of $250,000 for medical care over the course of retirement.

Investing in supplemental medical insurance and long term care insurance is a wise move for your retirement preparation.

I’ll start planning for retirement needs late in life 

Mortgages and college funds may seem like top priorities, but the longer you wait to save for retirement, the less you can take advantage of compound interest.

At age 25, if you put $5,000 in an IRA with a 7 percent rate of return, and never added a cent to it, you would have $74,800 by age 65. If you waited to open the same account at age 55, after 10 years you would only have $9,800.

Remember, it’s much easier to take out a loan for college than a loan for your retirement.

My spending will decrease when I retire 

Think you’ll only need 70 percent of your current income during retirement?

It turns out spending typically increases with retirement, as many retirees travel and engage in an active lifestyle. Then in later years spending on travel decreases, and expenses due to health care costs and inflation increase.

You can calculate a more realistic income target by creating a retirement budget based on your unique situation.

My taxes will be lower when I retire 

If you plan poorly and have a much lower income during retirement this myth may come true.

However, with good planning your income will likely be similar to what you have now, but minus the tax breaks you currently enjoy like deductions for dependent children, mortgage payments, student loans, and retirement plan contributions.

Many people also have the misconception that Social Security is tax-free. Depending on your income level, up to 85 percent of your Social Security benefits could be taxed.

Have you bought into any of these retirement myths? What are you doing now to plan for your retirement needs?

Learn more about how to save at AAA.com/Financial.