Whether you want to travel through the world, start your new business or spend time with friends and family, the proper financial support helps. Many individuals seek early retirement. Some retire at the right age. How long the money will last in retirement depends on several life factors.
The blog discusses the factors that determine the same. Have a look at these stats first:
According to facts, “A pensioner requires €12,800 a year to survive comfortably.” This figure jumps to €19,900 a year for a couple.” It can clearly be attributed to the rise in state pensions in April 2023. The new state pension rose to €9627 a year to €10,600.
You may receive the pension count. What matters the most is the savings. The sum will be huge if you accumulate several workplace pensions throughout your employment journey. You can use the government’s free tracking service to track any lost pension.
Apart from pensions, other factors like- ISA accounts, investments and taxation benefits also contribute to the overall wealth generation.
Read ahead to know – how much you would need for a comfortable retirement.
5 factors that determine the deadline for wealth pot post-retirement
As you plan your retirement, analyse different sources to calculate total income. Figuring out the exact number is not science. Some factors like- inflation, recession, and unforeseen expenses may impact the total amount and its longevity. It also depends on the life expectancy.
As per Office for National Statistics, “a 66-year-old woman has an average life expectancy of 87 years.” Thus, “if you stop working at 66, your current pension age, savings should last for about 20-30 years after retirement.”
For example,
If you retire at 66 with €500000 as a pension and withdraw a net income of €3730/ year, you may run out of money by the time you reach 83. Here the expected income increase due to inflation is 2%.
You can take the help of an advisor to calculate the exact you would have and the deadline to which the money will last.
Meanwhile, check some factors that affect the retirement amount or wealth:
1) Income Sources
Individuals, before retiring, should know the total amount one generates from different income sources monthly. For example, if you are a technical expert, run a firm, earn from part-time projects as well, and calculate the monthly income. Align the amount with your retirement dreams. Check how much you would need for retirement fund and business.
2) State Pension you receive
The amount of State Pension you receive depends on the contributions to National Insurance. You can only receive this after reaching a particular age. You can even use the State Pension forecast to check your state pension service, which provides an estimate of the amount you will receive as a state pension.
3) Frequency of pension funds withdrawal
Though drawing a pension is a flexible way to achieve your life goals after retirement, avoid doing so frequently. It is the income that you have earned throughout your working years.
You would want it to last and support you for long. Thus, there are no limitations up to which you can access or withdraw funds from your pension account.
However, you can only withdraw 25% every time you need money. You can either go for monthly income or withdraw a lump sum amount. In most cases, individuals prefer lumpsum. It helps them meet any requirement without waiting until the month date.
4) Your life goals
It is also one of the criteria that define the duration of your money pot. No two persons have similar dreams and life goals.
For example, if two individuals – Joseph and Sam have €350,000 in pension, they would like to spend it in unique ways. Joseph would like to travel the world, start a business and donate a sum amount. He has only €75000 at the end.
He can save a maximum by avoiding using it for emergency expenses. They continue for life. Instead, he can tap external sources even with a pension. There are no restrictions if he has not loaned up anything or has low credit due to the same. He may check fast loans for bad credit for the smallest purpose quickly. It is easy on the purse and helps meet immediate requirements without tapping savings.
On th other hand, Sam plans to spend his retirement multiplying in wealth by investing more, and utilising the investments to achieve life goals, like- exploring the world, treating a costly illness or renovating the home to rent. He may have rounded off €3,00,000 topped with recurring income. So, his savings and money will last longer than Joseph’s. He can counter emergencies easily.
Thus, it is clear from the example that the timeline of the money depends on unique goals and perspectives. It is one of the critical aspects of post-retirement money management.
5) Economic Impact on Euros
Any political event, elections, natural calamities and disasters impact the economy. For example, a dip in economic markets affects export costs. Manufacturers of those goods pay more, and their stock prices fall drastically.
It may impact your investments and return on investments in the market. It is why investments fluctuate. One should invest at a younger age for investments to mature and reap good returns. Long-term investments do not get much impacted by market fluctuations.
If you build enough liquidity high and return on investments, your money pot may last long. You must be mindful of liquidating money clocked in investments at the right time.
How can I double up the savings pot?
If you are worried about running out of your pension pot, you can take a few steps:
a) Delay taking up your first pension
It would help you earn more interest and leverage better pay than you can get by tapping it now.
b) Contribute more Towards National Insurance
As per facts, you would need at least 35 qualifying Years of National Insurance to receive €185.50 per week as payments. You can fill the gap through voluntary contributions.
c) Leverage tax-efficient savings
A tax-efficient savings plan like ISA can help if you wish to invest extra. You can use savings and invest potentially in ISA. It would help you maximise retirement savings.
Bottom line
Understanding how long the pension will last grants lifelong peace and assurance. It helps you plan your life goals better. You can start with the above-mentioned factors. These are some tested factors that help one analyse retirement savings. You can accordingly take actions to top it up.
