For years, your retirement planning has probably centered around this idea of "do I have enough?" While that's an important question to ask yourself, preparing for retirement is about more than how much you've saved. It's about a full-picture plan to accommodate all areas of life: your health, your living situation, and your support system.
5 things women should consider when retirement planning
Women tend to face different financial realities and often have longer lifespans, have higher health care expenses, and have less saved for retirement than men.1,2,3 So while saving is important, it's also crucial to plan holistically. Here are a few things to consider.
- Start with Social Security when you make your retirement income plan.
Social Security isn't just supplemental income—it can be foundational, providing a dependable source of guaranteed (predictable) income. However, there are many nuances to understand before deciding when to claim your Social Security benefit, like how delaying your benefit past full retirement age can increase your monthly payments. To learn more around how your benefit is calculated and what your potential monthly payouts would be, use the tools on SSA.gov.
- Prioritize health care costs in retirement.
Annually, women spend up to 18% more on higher health care expenses.2 Medicare may become your primary coverage—however, it isn't always easy to navigate, and it might not cover everything. Explore Fidelity's Medicare Services to find valuable resources and help you understand your options. Consider starting with our Medicare basics learning guide for an interactive walkthrough of what Medicare is, what it offers, and what you should know before making a Medicare decision.
For health care–related out-of-pocket costs, see how a health savings account (HSA) may be especially beneficial for women.
- Plan for long-term care before you need it.
Discussions (and decisions) around later-in-life planning can be difficult—so difficult that Fidelity's Later-In-Life Conversations Study found that 66% of baby boomers aren't talking or aren't willing to talk about later-in-life topics, like long-term care, with their families. But long-term care is one of the most common yet least-planned-for expenses facing most US households. The US Department of Health and Human Services reports that nearly 56% of people age 65 or older will need some form of long-term care in their lifetime, so consider being proactive and not reactive.4
Long-term care can look different from person to person since it depends on your needs, wishes, means, and support system. It could range from part-time support with daily activities, like bathing or dressing, to full-time in-home help to assisted living facilities. Each type of care varies in price and availability, so it's important to plan for long-term care costs and choose who to involve in these conversations. This prep work can help manage the financial and emotional challenges that may arise. Consider asking yourself these 3 questions:
- What type of care would I prefer (in-home or in-facility)?
- How will I pay for it?
- Who can help me plan and facilitate the transition when it's time?
- Organize your wishes and important documents.
American women live, on average, 5 years longer than men,1 so at some point, women may take on the role of full-time decision maker—for everything. That's why organization matters. Have important documents ready and accessible. That includes a will or trust, power of attorney, and health care proxy. Just as importantly, know where all your accounts are and what their standing is. Make sure your beneficiaries are updated too. All these pieces can come together to make up an estate plan, which helps clearly define your wishes for managing and distributing your assets. Note: No estate plan is the same as any other and is likely to shift over time as families or other situations change. Consider seeking professional guidance when drafting your estate plan.
It also may help to have a letter of instruction drafted and accessible for your loved ones. This letter can provide additional context and clarity for will instructions and other important information your loved ones may need, like:
- Key players' contact information (tax consultant, financial professional, estate attorney, emergency contacts, and power of attorney)
- Copies of IDs and licenses
- Life insurance policy documents
- Family, property, and tax records
- Logins for accounts (social media, financial, medical, and utilities providers, for instance; just remember to keep passwords secure)
- Find your people and your purpose.
After years of balancing roles personally and professionally, retirement could feel like an ending. But this phase of life can be the start of something new. Don't think just about how you'll spend your money—also think about how you'll spend your time and with who. Whether your plan is to travel, take on a passion project, volunteer, or spend all your time with your family, the right support system can make all the difference in both quality of life and decision-making.
As we get older, our circle may get smaller, but research shows strong connections can boost longevity.5 So as we age, it's more important than ever to foster relationships with your family, friends, and community and cultivate a supportive network for yourself.
As for logistics, consider building your financial support team and establishing relationships with those who can assist with planning, protecting, and potentially growing your money, assets, and lifestyle. That can help you make informed, confident decisions.