In 7 Signs You're Spending Too Little In Retirement, we explored signs that you're spending too little in retirement. We learned that not spending enough can be a major issue. The bigger problem, of course, is spending too much because, for the most part, when the money is gone, you can't get it back.
How can you tell that you're spending more than your savings will support? If any of these 5 signs describe you, it's time to make some changes.
1. You don't know how much you should be spending.
If you don't have a budget, you're probably spending too much. The Center for Retirement Research at Boston College found that 53% of households risk falling more than 10% short of their retirement goal, and more than 40% of retirees may run out of money for basic needs. Other statistics show that more than two-thirds of Americans don't use a budget.
If you don't follow a disciplined spending plan, start today. Reading Budgeting Basics will help.
2. You're spending more than 6% of your savings per year.
How much you should spend post-retirement depends on many factors, but retirement experts say that depleting more than 4% to 6% of your savings annually is ill-advised. If you have $750,000 saved, a 5% withdrawal rate would give you $37,500 per year plus Social Security benefits. If you want to be safe, go with the traditional guideline of 4%.
3. You're paying too much to service your debts.
Recent data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics found that the average retiree is spending 31% of his or her income on a house payment. That works out to about $13,833 per year, assuming an average income of $44,713. (And that's just the house payment.)
Experts advise no more than a 36% debt-to-income ratio. (For more on this, read Too Much Debt For A Mortgage?) Debt hurts you in two ways. First, the interest drives up the cost of the item, and second, you're using money that could remain invested to service the debt. The more money that remains invested, the more your accounts will continue to grow. This is even more important now that you're no longer bringing home a salary.
4. You're displaying evidence of a cut loose mindset
You spent decades working more than full time, supporting a family, paying into Social Security and delaying the fun things that come with making a comfortable salary. Now you've reached retirement and it's time to do all those things you've always dreamed of doing.
That's true, but not all at once. Rewarding yourself in the first year by purchasing a Corvette, going on an around-the-world vacation and purchasing a summer home will give you very few years of comfortable living. Spread those purchases over time if they fit into the budget.
5. You aren't supporting your excess spending with a side job.
If you didn't save enough for retirement – or you discover that your desire for adventure is costing more than your budget can support – working to support your spending can fill in the gap. Even a part time job that brings in $15,000 per year allows you to spend a lot more than the confines of your retirement budget may allow. Don't fall into the trap of spending without a plan to augment your retirement income if you find yourself falling short.
The Bottom Line
It's true that your thinking should change from amassing money to using it once you retire. But you need to create a transition plan. Your money may have to last 30 years or more – you probably hope you need it that long. Just keep in mind that over time, as your healthcare requirements rise, you may naturally spend more. Be sure you leave yourself enough of a cushion.
