You Might Encounter Devastating Surprises in Retirement If You're Currently Ignoring This Personal Finance Metric Preparing for a comfortable retirement goes far beyond contributing to a 401(k).
By Amanda Breen Edited by Jessica Thomas
Key Takeaways
- Most Americans think they'll be able to retire — but having enough savings isn't the only thing that matters.
- A good credit score often means more opportunities in retirement, including lower interest rates and insurance premiums.
Although seven in ten Americans (69%) plan to retire, of those who don't think they will, 42% believe they'll never have enough savings to do so, according to a survey conducted by OnePoll on behalf of Prudential, per Talker Research.
However, as crucial as diligent saving in 401(k)s and other retirement accounts is, it's not the sole factor in determining a comfortable retirement. Even retirees with sizable nest eggs might struggle if they underestimated other personal financial metrics over the years — like their credit score.
Many people assume that their credit score won't impact their lifestyle in their golden years, according to Florida-based financial planner Landsberg Bennett Private Wealth Management.
Unfortunately for retirees who put off improving their credit score, it does remain relevant.
Not only do good credit scores matter for many of the same reasons pre-retirement (lower interest rates on loans, better terms on credit cards, etc.), but also for some that can coincide with increasing age, such as the ability to finance medical emergencies or ongoing healthcare.
Related: What Is a Good Credit Score and How Do I Get One?
Retirees with bad credit scores might encounter six unwanted surprises as a result, Landsberg Bennett Private Wealth Management notes:
1. Higher interest rates on loans
Retirees might face financial strain related to a home equity loan, reverse mortgage or personal loan and eventually accumulate significant debt.
2. Difficulty securing loans
With limited access to financial resources for miscellaneous expenses, retirees might have to dip into their retirement savings.
3. Limited access to certain rental properties
It might be difficult to secure housing in areas with enough amenities or conveniences, and landlords may require higher security deposits.
4. Higher insurance premiums
Insurers, including auto and homeowner's insurance, can charge more for coverage or, in rare cases, deny it altogether.
5. Utility service challenges
Utility companies might delay or prevent service setup or require higher security deposits and advance payments.
6. Job search struggles
Retirees who want to pick up part-time work for extra cash might face poorer job prospects, especially in roles involving financial transactions or sensitive information.
