The GOLDen Years: Five Financial Changes You Need to Make When You Hit 60

After spending a lifetime building a career and working toward your retirement goals, it can be an adjustment financially once hitting the age of 60. Although you may be used to living a certain lifestyle, financial adjustments may need to be made to preserve your retirement savings and have your needs met. There are a few changes to make to ensure that the funds last for several decades and are well preserved—keep reading to learn about the most influential changes you should make to your finances once you hit those golden years. 

Reallocate Your Investments

To protect your assets, you might consider shifting to low-risk investments to prevent loss from occurring if you feel comfortable with what you have saved for retirement. If you expect to live longer, you can shift to more aggressive investment options for a few years before you evaluate the success and projected future of your investments. Depending on your financial situation, reallocating your investments could provide you will a little buffer cash to put your mind at ease.

Establish Scheduled Distributions

It's important to reassess your budget each year and make adjustments where inflation may occur for the cost of living. Contact your financial services provider to schedule payments weekly or quarterly, which will ensure that you live within your means and preserve your retirement fund. Look for areas where you can and should make adjustments so that you can take care of payments in a timely manner while still enjoying your finances set aside for retirement.

Downsize Your Home

For those who are in their 60s and have children who have moved out of the home, they are likely living in a property that is too large for their needs. After raising a family that is now on their own, it may be time to downsize and reduce the cost to maintain the home. Consider relocating to gated community or condo where landscaping and maintenance won't be a concern and costs for home upkeep will be lower. When it comes to home insurance, the professionals at Underwriters Insurance Brokers Ltd who specialize in Vancouver home insurance suggest that you increase your deductible so that you can enjoy lower monthly premiums. Living in a house that is too big, and paying too much for home insurance will drain your hard-earned retirement funds much faster than necessary, so consider downsizing before too much money is wasted.
Use the Money from Taxable Accounts First

To avoid paying more in taxes with your 401(k)s, make it a point to use the money from the accounts that will be taxed the most after also using the accounts that are not a part of your IRAs or 401(k)s. Using your taxable accounts first will be more efficient, and will keep you from cringing too much when tax season rolls around.

Take Advantage of Tax Breaks

Each state has age-related tax breaks that offer deductions and exemptions for ample savings each year. Research what you qualify for through the state department or talk to a financial advisor to find out what types of tax breaks you might be eligible for. Many people have no idea that they qualify for any tax breaks, so they miss out—do your research and talk to your accountant or financial advisor to see if there are any breaks you should know about or look into.

By making a few financial changes once you turn 60, it can preserve your retirement funds and make it possible to live more comfortably in your golden years. Although it may take time each year to manage your investments and downsize in certain areas, the changes will ensure that you enjoy a happy and healthy retirement while taking advantage of the fruits of your labor.