Short On Time?  Here’s a Quick Summary:

• Initial Retirement Spending: New retirees may spend more initially, but spending tends to decrease over the years. For example, average annual spending drops from $70,570 for households headed by 55-64 year-olds to $52,141 for those aged 65 and older, and further to $45,820 for those 75 and older.
• Spending Trends: Retirement spending can be represented by a U-shaped graph, initially rising, then falling, and increasing again due to potential medical expenses. However, research by BlackRock indicates that overall spending declines slightly over time, with medical costs spiking for only a small percentage of retirees in their final years.
• Planning for Retirement: Personal spending patterns in retirement will vary based on individual choices and circumstances. Developing a strategic plan can help ensure financial stability and enjoyment throughout the retirement years.

New retirees sometimes worry that they are spending too much, too soon. Should they scale back? Are they at risk of outliving their money? This concern may be legitimate. Some households “live it up” and spend more than they anticipate as retirement starts to unfold. In 10 or 20 years, though, they may not spend nearly as much.

By The Numbers

The initial stage of retirement can be expensive. The Bureau of Labor Statistics figures show average spending of $70,570 per year for households headed by pre-retirees, Americans age 55-64. That figure drops to $52,141 for households headed by people age 65 and older. For people age 75 and older, that number drops even further to $45,820.1

Spending Pattern

Some suggest that retirement spending is best depicted by a U-shaped graph — It rises, then falls, then increases quickly due to medical expenses.

But a study by the investment firm BlackRock found that retiree spending declined very slightly over time. Also, medical expenses only spiked for a small percentage of retirees in the last two years of their lives.2

What’s the best course for you? Your spending pattern will depend on your personal choices as you enter retirement. A carefully designed strategy can help you be prepared and enjoy your retirement years.

_{1. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2023}

_{2. BlackRock.com, 2023. (Based on a 2017 landmark study that looked at retirement spending.)}

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