Myths and Misconceptions About Retirement Planning

Numerous studies have shown that Americans’ greatest fear regarding retirement is running out of money. Even so, myths abound about planning for retirement, Social Security, the cost of medical care, and more. Let’s explore the reality behind some of the most common retirement planning myths.

Retirement Planning Myth 1: Social Security is going broke.

Approximately 50 percent of elderly Americans derive at least half of their income from Social Security. For decades, Social Security has collected more than it paid out, with excess income going into the Social Security Trust Fund. According to the Social Security Administration, this fund held $2.91 trillion by the end of 2020. However, due to the retiree population growing faster than the working population, as well as the fact that people are living longer, Social Security is starting to pay out more than it takes in. Without changes to the way Social Security is financed, the trust fund is projected to run out in 2034.

Of course, Social Security still collects taxes and pays benefits. According to recent estimates, however, it will only be able to cover 78% of scheduled benefits after 2034. To avoid that scenario, Congress will have to take measures to strengthen Social Security’s finances, as it did in 1983 when the program’s reserves were nearly exhausted. Given the program’s importance to retirees, and the fact that millions of older Americans have been paying into the system for decades, it is highly unlikely Congress would fail to take the necessary steps to protect it.

Retirement Planning Myth 2: You can receive your full Social Security benefit when you turn 62.

While it is true that you can begin taking Social Security benefits at age 62, this will lead to a lower monthly benefit than if you wait until full retirement age. What is your full retirement age? It depends on when you were born. If you were born:

• In 1960 or later, your full retirement age is 67
• Between 1955 and 1960, full retirement age ranges from 66 and two months to 66 and 10 months
• Between 1943 and 1954, full retirement age is 66
• Between 1938 and 1942, full retirement age ranges from 65 and two months to 65 and 10 months
• Before 1938, full retirement age is 65

Should you take your benefits at age 62? “Expert opinion” differs, but the consensus seems to be that if you are in good health, and you have enough money to live comfortably without Social Security benefits, you may want to delay taking them to maximize your monthly benefit later on.

Retirement Planning Myth 3: All of your medical care will eventually be covered by Medicare.

Medicare does not pay for all of a person’s medical care. Original Medicare (Parts A and B) covers hospital visits and outpatient care but not dental and vision care. Nor does it cover the cost of prescription drugs. Although Medicare Advantage plans can provide greater coverage, they generally have high premiums. Most Americans fail to include enough money in their retirement budget to cover the expense of annual medical care, let alone the cost of long-term, in-facility care. It is estimated that for a couple aged 65, out-of-pocket medical costs will approach $600,000 over the course retirement.

Retirement Planning Myth 4: You don’t have to plan for retirement because you want to keep working.

This may seem like a reasonable assumption when you have a well-paying and satisfying job, you’re young, and you’re healthy. The reality is quite different. According to a Retirement Confidence Survey, 43 percent of current retirees left the workforce earlier than they expected. While mandatory retirement at a set age was abolished in 1986 by an amendment to the federal Age Discrimination in Employment Act, many of us lose our jobs for other reasons or cannot continue to work due to health problems. Simply put, you may not be able to work as long as you want. The best protection against running out of money in retirement is to have a realistic, detailed retirement plan.