For many, early retirement is its own reward. Being freed from the “rat race” of long commutes, deadlines, workplace stress and continual attempts at work-life balance makes the leisurely pace of retirement just that much sweeter. Also, having the time to dedicate to a healthier lifestyle — exercise, eating well, getting enough sleep — is generally understood to contribute to a sense of well-being. The logic, then, suggests that retirement might positively influence a retiree’s health and wellness.

If you have clients walking through your door, they likely understand the need to supplement any Social Security benefits they’ll receive in retirement. Without question, Social Security is a relied-upon source of guaranteed income for most seniors, but its ability to serve as the sole source of income and still allow them to live a comfortable lifestyle is often insufficient.

When your clients express concern over whether they’ll make ends meet, leveraging a combination of the following income sources may help them alleviate economic hardships in retirement.

Retirement can be exciting, but it’s also a major life and financial transition. The stress brought about by the inevitable changes surrounding retirement may even cause significant rifts that strain a marital relationship. Married couples who don’t have a shared vision of their golden years may need to confront what could be difficult realities, including financial discord.

If you look for a Hallmark card to recognize America Saves Week, you’ll be hard pressed to find one. Still, the annual celebration of savings held each February may serve as a great conversation starter with clients.

In light of recent economic events and record unemployment, establishing sustainable financial practices and saving habits may be more important than ever. Consider whether this “holiday” may serve as an additional way to engage and help your clients.

Like any good advisor, you keep up with economic news, subscribe to investment insights, analyze portfolio performance, stay abreast of the latest tax laws and much more. Staying informed about these and other findings is an important part of helping your clients build a solid retirement strategy.

Meanwhile, sitting quietly in the background is potentially one of the highest yielding opportunities available to them, a reliable and considerable stream of income that’s guaranteed for life, one that could mean the difference between making a huge mistake and making ends meet. 

Social Security benefits are a perennially popular topic of discussion — will they continue to be available? What percentage is available when, and for whom?

What deserves even greater attention, especially among women, are the decisions about working, retirement and Social Security benefits that could negatively impact their long-term financial security. This subject is particularly pressing because women represent over 55% of all adult Social Security beneficiaries, and at age 85 and over, they represent nearly two-thirds of all beneficiaries.¹

Most Americans are acutely aware of their financial situations. A recent report reflects that 40% of U.S. consumers have had difficulty paying bills in the last year. Others who were unemployed, had reduced work hours, or couldn't work because of an illness were nearly twice as likely to experience a shortfall and live paycheck-to-paycheck.¹ In light of recent global events and millions claiming unemployment in the U.S., those numbers could be staggering.

When you conduct a portfolio review, it’s common practice to factor in investments held outside your firm to help determine your client’s projected income in retirement. In addition to disbursements from an employer 401(k), a pension or other income-generating ventures like rental property, Social Security stands out as a reliable source of future income.

A major concern you’ve likely heard from clients is whether they’ll run out of money in retirement. While Social Security can provide a base income to cover fixed costs like insurance, utilities, food and housing, it may fall short, especially for those who’ve come to expect a certain standard of living. If those individuals also missed out on opportunities to build savings and invest during their working years, the chasm widens. 

As a result of the global pandemic and its economic fallout, many companies are looking for ways to remain financially solvent by reducing their workforce. On top of millions of employees across the U.S. filing for unemployment, some are weighing decisions over whether to accept a voluntary buyout or early retirement package.

In addition to talking with clients about the market impact of the Coronavirus, they may come to you for advice on whether to take their employer up on such an offer. Getting answers to some of the following questions may help them determine next steps.

We’ve heard about the Great Wealth Transfer and how all those years of saving and investing by Baby Boomers will benefit the next generation. It’s generally assumed that parents who have a nice nest egg will leave the majority of that wealth to their children as an inheritance. But that’s not always the case.

Some wealthy retirees may choose to buck tradition and leave a different kind of legacy, one that supports their community or other charitable causes they care deeply about. Or, some might simply plan on enjoying the money they’ve made by spending it on travel, entertainment or other hobbies. It is their money, after all.

No matter how your clients choose to distribute their estates, it’s best for them to manage their children’s expectations sooner than later. The following approaches can help.