30 Reasons It’s Hard To Retire at 65

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Sixty-five has long been the magic age for retirement. But the expected age of retirement is becoming more diverse for the majority of non-retired U.S. adults, according to a Gallup Poll. Twenty-five percent of polled adults expect to retire at the age of 65, whereas 39% think they'll retire after the so-called magic age.
See: 29 Brilliant Retirement Ideas for Any Age
Find Out: The Average Retirement Age in Every State
Find out the reasons why you probably won't retire as early as you might think.

Last updated: April 21, 2021

You Haven’t Saved Enough
Many people think that if they contribute to an IRA or a 401(k), they should have enough money to retire. Despite our best intentions, sometimes life gets in the way. You might think you've been fully funding your 401(k), but sometimes you only contributed enough to get the company match.
Read: 15 Retirement Mistakes and Why They'll Shrink Your Nest Egg

Worried man looking at laptop screen while sitting at modern cafe.
You Haven’t Saved Anything
The only good thing about not having anything saved for retirement is that you're not alone. A GOBankingRates Retirement Savings Survey found that one-third of Americans have nothing saved for retirement -- and 55% have less than $10,000.
Get started now: Look at your budget and see where you can trim a few dollars, then put that amount away every week or every month. When you get a little extra cash or a pay increase, put that amount away too. Before long, you'll have a little nest egg that will continue to grow.
Related: 50 Things Every 50-Something Should Know About Retirement

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65 Is No Longer Considered the Full Retirement Age
As we live longer, our retirements are becoming longer, which means people collect Social Security for longer. The Social Security Administration is adjusting the so-called full retirement age so that anyone born after 1937 will have to wait until after age 65 to collect their full retirement benefit. And if you were born in 1960 or later, your full retirement age is 67.
Read More: Social Security Cost-of-Living Adjustments Aren’t Enough to Pay Higher Costs for Seniors

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You Don’t Want To Leave Money on the Table
You can start collecting Social Security at age 62, but you'll get a smaller check each month. If you wait until your full retirement age, you'll get your full benefit. Wait until age 70, and you'll get even more -- up to 8% per year more, depending on your year of birth.
Find Out: Here’s Exactly How Much Savings You Need To Retire In Your State

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You Don’t Know How Much You’ll Need
No one holds a crystal ball, so it's difficult to predict how much money you'll need to live comfortably in retirement. However, that doesn't mean you shouldn't try to estimate. By discussing your situation with a qualified financial advisor, you can get a much better handle on how much you'll need to retire.
Save More: Savings Tricks From Regular People Who Are Sitting on Millions

Young Asian Indian businessman using a notebook computer or laptop during office break at cafe, relaxing with a cup of coffee.
You Didn’t Start Saving Early Enough
When you get your first job, retirement seems an awfully long time away. It's easy to put off contributing to your retirement plan. Most Americans get married, buy a house and have a few children -- and all those things cost money -- leaving you little no extra money to put aside.
Starting early has lots of benefits. You get into a habit of saving, and you don't feel like it's a burden. Plus, you get the benefit of compound interest that helps your savings grow.
Watch Out: 14 Key Signs You Will Run Out of Money in Retirement

Young couple exploring a temple in Bangkok.
You Did Your Traveling Before Retirement
A lot of people look forward to traveling in retirement, taking up golf or visiting grandchildren. But if you've put a lot towards vacation or other luxuries during your working years, you might not have enough money to retire. Contrary to popular belief, it might not be the lattes or avocado toast that's preventing you from sourcing a comfortable retirement -- it could be larger splurges.
Read: 17 Biggest Budgeting Mistakes You’re Making

Mature men at his cottage resting on pprch with his dog.
You Claimed Social Security Early
You can claim Social Security retirement benefits as early as age 62, and many people will claim as early as they can. But if you claim at age 62, you'll receive a benefit that's 30% less than what it would be at your full retirement age, assuming you were born after 1959.
It's more beneficial if you can delay until age 70. The amount you get when you first claim is the amount you'll continue to get -- plus cost of living adjustments. Bottom line: If you claim early, you'll get a smaller check for the rest of your life.
Check Out: Best Cities To Retire on a Budget of $1,500 a Month

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You Cashed In Your 401(k)
Your retirement savings will take a big hit if you take money out of an IRA, 401(k) or another qualified retirement plan before you reach age 59 ½. You'll have to pay income taxes on the money, and you'll probably pay a 10% penalty as well unless you used the money for certain qualifying expenses.
You'll also have to contribute more to make up for the taxes and penalties, making it that much more difficult to reach your goals. Make it a point not to touch your retirement savings until retirement.
Read: Tips To Keep Your Finances in Order Without Sacrificing What You Want

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Your Spouse Has Passed Away
Postponing your retirement can become more appealing for a couple of reasons if your spouse happens to pass away before you retire. You might want the company of co-workers and the routine of going to work every day to help you with the loneliness that comes with being widowed.
In addition, you will only collect one Social Security benefit rather than the two you would have received had you still been married when you began receiving benefits. Granted, the benefit you receive will be the larger of yours or your spouse's, but it will still be only one benefit.
Try: 50 Easy Things You Should Do To Save Money

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You Didn’t Contribute To an IRA When You Could
You can contribute to an IRA or Roth IRA even if you have a retirement plan at work. You might not be able to deduct your contribution on your income taxes, so you would be contributing after-tax dollars. You can still get the benefit of savings that grow tax-deferred, however.
Stop Now: 50 Terrible Ways To Try and Save Money

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You Think You’ll Spend Much Less in Retirement
Certain expenses are associated with working that will stop once you retire, such as commuting expenses, a work wardrobe and lunches out. But you'll also have lots of free time, and that can be a temptation to spend. Make a retirement budget so that you'll know what you need to have saved, and then stick to it once you've retired.
Read: 25 Tips for Saving Money With Your Spouse

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You’re Relying Exclusively on Social Security
Social Security is designed to replace only about 40% of your pre-retirement income. Even if you delay receiving your benefits until age 70, you won't come close to the money you were making during the time period when you were working. To continue the lifestyle you have, you'll need additional income.
Helpful: 16 Effective Ways To Trick Yourself Into Saving Money

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You Want To Have a More Lavish Retirement
You might want to keep working if you want to spend more money in retirement your savings, projected income from Social Security and other sources might allow. For example, if your retirement plans include expensive travel, a second home or costly hobbies, you'll need the extra funds.
Good To Know: 16 Splurges That Save You Money in the Long Run

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You Want To Keep Working
Retiring after 65 isn't always a necessity. Some people choose to continue working, either at the same job or a different one. They might cut back to a few days a week or choose to work fewer hours a day, but they want to keep working. A recent Gallup Poll found that 74% of Americans plan to work past retirement age.
Keep Reading: 25 Ways To Save 20% More of Your Paycheck Without Even Trying

A couple in their 50's moves in to their new home, unpacking boxes and enjoying the time together.
Your Mortgage Isn’t Paid Off Yet
Low-interest rates have made it attractive for a lot of people to refinance their homes. But for those in their 50s or 60s, refinancing to a 30-year mortgage means potentially making mortgage payments into their 90s. A 15-year mortgage might be a better choice, but if you have a 30-year, try making double payments to get it paid off quicker. Entering retirement with little or no debt will help your savings go farther.
Try: Cutting Out These 25 Expenses Will Save You $16,142.08 a Year

Woman using credit card withdrawing money from an ATM machine outside a branch of savings bank.
You Have Too Much Other Debt
Just like interest compounds to make you richer, debt compounds to make you poorer. And debt has been on the rise for people in the retiree age group. In fact, debt held by 50- to 80-year-olds increased 60% between a twelve year period, according to the Center for Microeconomic Data. Consider beginning to reduce your debt now because being debt-free in retirement could help your savings go a lot farther.
Read More: 27 Best Strategies To Get the Most Out of Your 401(k)

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You’re Still Paying Off College
Even if you did the right thing by not robbing your retirement account to pay for the children' college, you might have had to take out loans. These loans can have terms of 15 or 20 years, so you might still be making payments if your children cannot. It's a good idea to get those student loans paid off before you stop working.
Find Out: 31 Dumb Things That Are Keeping You From Being Wealthy

Senior adults talking with their adult children.
Your Children Still Need You
Some people postpone retirement because their children still need them. Having children later in life means they might not have finished college by the time you are 65 and might need your support. Or, they might be just starting families, and you want to be in a position to help them financially, which requires that you continue to work.
See: 42 Easy Ways To Save For Retirement

Elderly woman relax on wheelchair in backyard with daughter.
Your Parents Need You
In a development that was nearly unheard of a generation ago, some people who are approaching retirement are still caring for aging parents. Although a 65-year-old might not be actually providing the care for an 85-year-old parent, they might be paying for it, which would prohibit them from retiring at 65.
Take Action: Do These 13 Things To Boost Your Retirement Savings Now

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You’re Afraid You Won’t Have Enough To Live On
You're not alone if you wonder how far the money you'll have saved at retirement will take you. There are a lot of variables, but sitting down with a financial professional will help you make sense of your situation and let you come up with some strategies to get from where you are to where you want to be.
Learn: What Is a Savings Bond and How Does It Work?

Depressed African woman at work.
You Made a Risky Bet That Didn’t Pay Off
Sometimes people who are concerned about having enough money to retire comfortably will take unnecessary risks with the money they do have. They think they have to go big in order to boost their savings.
Your retirement savings should be invested based on your age and how much risk you are willing to take, according to The Vanguard Group. Determine the right asset allocation for your situation. But stick with your NCAA bracket or Super Bowl square if you feel like gambling.
Avoid: 35 Retirement Planning Mistakes That Waste Your Money

Senior woman using ATM in the city.
You Fell Victim to ‘Sequence of Returns Risk’
You might have done a good job saving for retirement and feel you have enough put aside to live comfortably. Then you run up against the dreaded 'sequence of returns.'
You might plan to withdraw $40,000 per year for the rest of your life if you retire with $1 million. But if the market drops 50%, now it's as though you were taking out twice as much money each year. In addition, you'll need a 100% return to get back to where you were.
Read: 19 Things You’ll Need To Sacrifice Now for a Healthy Retirement

A married senior couple is using laptop at home.
You Didn’t Account for Taxes
When you withdraw from your IRA or 401(k), that money is treated as taxable income. You didn't pay taxes on it when you invested it, so you have to pay them now. Most people think they will be in a lower tax bracket in retirement, but that might not be true. Be sure to account for taxes when you're calculating how much to withdraw from your IRA.
Check Out: Here’s How To Retire Early and Quit the Daily Grind

Worried mature man checking his domestic bills at home, he is concerned and reading his financial statements.
You Assumed You Wouldn’t Be Taxed on Social Security
You might have to pay taxes on up to 50% of your Social Security if you are single with an income between $25,000 and $34,000 or married with a combined income between $32,000 and $44,000. The amount you'll pay varies based on your income and filing status, but you will never pay taxes on more than 85% of your benefit.
Find Out: How Much You Should Have in a Retirement Fund at Every Age

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You Didn’t Master the Market
Some people simply have the bad luck to reach age 65 just at the moment the market takes a nosedive. Unless they have saved considerably more than they need, they might need to postpone retirement so they can save more and wait for market conditions to improve. Careful planning can keep the negative effects of a downturn to a minimum, but in a serious market reversal, you might need to work a few more years.
Start Cutting Costs: How To Save Money on All Your Monthly Expenses and Bills

A cheerful African American man in his early 60's smiles, standing outdoors and looking relaxed, confident, and content as he talks on his smart phone.
You Love Your Job
Some people don't retire at 65 because they don't want to. Keep working as long as you want if you love your job.
Once you reach your full retirement age -- 67 for those born in 1960 or later -- you can collect Social Security and still work. But if you collect before full retirement age, your benefit might be reduced if you work. It might make sense to wait until age 70 to collect your Social Security retirement benefit and get a bigger check every month.
More Tips: 20 Ways To Save Money Fast

Love lives forever! Senior couple at home.
You Have a Dream
Sixty-five is the new 45, and many people feel they still have a lot more living to do. Even if you retire from your lifelong career at 65, you could start a new venture. Perhaps you've always wanted to start your own business. Or you might want to teach, imparting the wisdom you've gained from your years of working.
Read: Why It’s Harder To Save For Retirement Today Than 50 Years Ago

Mature woman is talking and laughing with someone out of the frame while she makes dinner at the cooker.
You Make Money From Your Hobbies
You might find a new way to keep your mind sharp, interact with other people, and earn a little money -- maybe even something related to a hobby you enjoy. For example, if you're a golfer, you might enjoy teaching lessons or being a caddy. You could also teach cooking or art appreciation lessons if those things appeal to you. Think about what makes you happy, and then find a way to make it a second career.
See: 10 Signs You’re Not Saving Enough for Retirement

Shot of senior woman canoeing in lake on a summer day.
You Don’t Want To Be Bored for 30 Years
Sixty-five became the retirement benchmark in the United States in 1935 when the Social Security Act was enacted. Since the program first began paying monthly Social Security benefits in 1940, the average life expectancy for men reaching age 65 was 77.7 years old and 79.7 years old for women.
Today, life expectancy for someone reaching 65 has increased nearly seven years for both men and women -- to 84.3 years old and 86.6 years old, respectively. Retirements now are far longer, and many people will miss the stimulation and socialization of working.
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[*]David Hardin contributed to the reporting for this article.
This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: 30 Reasons It’s Hard To Retire at 65






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