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Pensionless

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Pensionless

The 10-Step Solution for a Stress-Free Retirement

Adams Media,

15 min read
10 take-aways
Audio & text

What's inside?

Retirement planning expert Emily Brandon offers 10 steps Americans can take to plan for life after work.


Editorial Rating

8

Qualities

  • Applicable
  • Well Structured
  • For Beginners

Recommendation

Emily Brandon, US News & World Report’s retirement planning expert, tells US workers how to plan for retirement. Americans once could rely on pensions from the companies where they worked. They also had monthly US Social Security checks from funds they paid to the government over their working lives. Today, unless some measure replenishes Social Security, Brandon says the government won’t be able to pay full benefits after 2034. US workers who fail to plan ahead and maximize savings may end up in trouble. Given all that, she spells out 10 productive, detailed steps people can take to get ready for retirement. getAbstract recommends her knowledgeable, helpful manual to older Americans who want to enjoy life after work.

Summary

No Pension? Get Proactive

One day in the future, you may plan to quit work and enjoy a carefree retirement. Covering your expenses as an older person with no regular salary or income can be a challenge. You may be stretching to pay your bills now – when you have a job with a reasonable income. How will you manage with no salary or self-employment income?

Decades ago, some workers could rely on retirement pensions from their companies. In 1980, approximately 39% of US workers had pension plans. Now, most companies don’t fund employees’ pensions. Pensions meant that if you worked for a company for the required number of years, when you retired, the company would send you monthly checks for the rest of your life. Today, most American workers’ retirement money comes from their monthly Social Security checks and any savings they have put aside, usually in a 401(k) or an IRA.

With smart financial planning, you can take proactive measures to maximize the income that will be available to you during your retirement. To do so effectively, familiarize yourself with the rules and regulations affecting the various types of retirement benefits now available...

About the Author

A senior editor at US News & World Report, Emily Brandon covers retirement planning. 


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