Retirement planning isnât something you want to get almost right. A small misstep today could mean years of financial stress down the road. And in 2025, with shifting economic conditions, new tax laws, and increasing longevity, planning wisely has never been more critical.
At LaTour Asset Management, weâve seen the same mistakes trip up retirees again and againâmistakes that can cost them security, peace of mind, and thousands of dollars in lost income. The good news? You donât have to make them. Hereâs what to avoid if you want a financially stable, stress-free retirement.
1. Underestimating How Long Youâll Live
A generation ago, retirement meant planning for 10 or 15 years. Now? Many retirees will need to fund 25 to 30+ years of expenses. Medical advances are extending lifespans, but many people still plan as if theyâll only live to 80. The problem? If you outlive your savings, Social Security alone wonât be enough. We can help you avoid that situation by:
- Planning for a retirement that lasts until at least age 95.
- Planning steady income streams that wonât run dry.
- Considering long-term care planning earlyâbecause healthcare costs donât shrink as you age.
2. Over-Reliance on Social Security
Social Security was never designed to be a primary income source in retirement. Yet too many people assume it will be enough. The reality, though, is that the average monthly benefit is around $1,976âbarely enough to cover basic expenses, let alone a comfortable lifestyle. Hereâs what to do instead:
- Treat Social Security as a supplement, not your foundation.
- Have multiple income streamsâIRAs, 401(k)s, annuities, and other investments.
- Get expert advice on when to claim benefitsâwaiting until 70 can increase your monthly check by 77%, compared to claiming at 62.
3. Ignoring Inflationâs Impact
Prices donât stay the same, and your retirement budget shouldnât either. The cost of housing, healthcare, and everyday essentials keeps risingâeven when markets are down. If youâre not adjusting for inflation, youâre setting yourself up for financial strain. You should:
- Make sure your retirement income plan accounts for at least 3% annual inflation.
- Factor in rising healthcare costsâMedicare doesnât cover everything, and long-term care can cost over $100,000 per year.
4. Paying More Taxes Than Necessary
One of the biggest retirement mistakes? Not planning for how and when you withdraw your money. If you donât have a tax strategy, you could end up paying thousands more in taxes than you need to. We can help you:
- Use Roth conversions strategicallyâpay taxes now, so you donât get hit later when rates may be higher.
- Diversify your income sources between taxable, tax-deferred, and tax-free accounts.
- Minimize tax burdensâmistimed withdrawals can trigger steep tax bills.
Retirement Planning Isnât a DIY Job. Weâre Here to Help
Thereâs no room for guessing when it comes to your future. The difference between a stable retirement and one filled with stress often comes down to expert guidance and strategic planning.
LaTour Asset Management in Springfield works tirelessly to make sure you avoid these costly mistakes and create a retirement strategy that works for you. Call us today at (877) 888-5724 and start building a plan that gives you confidenceânot uncertainty.