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Single retirees face more challenges, but they’re not impossible

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Money Lady:

Could you please address retiring alone? I always hear comments about “couples” retiring, but I have always been single and I would like you to comment about all us “singles” that have to retire soon.

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Thanks, Jan

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That is a great request Jan – thank you. It is very common now for Canadians to retire as a single – either by divorce or death or perhaps by never marrying in the first place. In the past, retirement was seen as a “couple event” but this is no longer the case. The fact is, even if you are a couple now, there is a strong likelihood that you will find yourself single at some point during your retirement.

Couples are more likely to have dual incomes and have more access to health and pension benefits. They also tend to discuss retirement plans together more often. Singles on the other hand, are less likely to be informed about their financial well-being in retirement and will need to make this a priority to get more involved and start a plan for retirement as soon as possible.

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Loss of wealth throughout retirement is becoming more common as people live well into their 90’s, and this is even more pronounced if you are a single. The typical retirement of only 10 to 15 years is no longer the norm, with many retirements now lasting 25 to 35 years. Today, singles must devote a larger share of their income to basic living expenses and this leaves them at a disadvantage when trying to save for retirement. Everyone knows that you must try to save enough money and then invest wisely to acquire an adequate rate of return on your investments to be able to cover future monthly expenses. But these will not be fixed costs, we also need to anticipate the rising costs of basic necessities like food, fuel, and clothing due to inflation. As a single, doing this all on your own, can be an even greater challenge since they will need to save even more than other “coupled” retirees.

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Paying into a company savings plan or pension plan is a necessity for singles to ensure they limit their risk of outliving their money. It is very important that they be cognizant of all income sources and have an estimated budget for the future which helps to lay out expenses and spot potential gaps in savings. Housing is one expense that will hit hardest with singles, especially women who tend to live longer and will have to bear this cost on their own. Paying off debt, especially a mortgage, is imperative at retirement. If this is not a possible task, then whether you are single or as a couple, you should be considering downsizing or renting during retirement. You must always have alternatives if your situation becomes financially challenged. Why not explore different housing options such as communal living for singles or even having a boarder in your home to provide the extra income you may need?

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Remember that saving for the future should be something you make part of your regular routine. A saving plan of even $100 a month can grow over time. If you start when you are young it could grow to $46,204 in 20 years, $100,452 in 30 years and $199,149 in 40 years (based on a six per cent average return, compounded monthly).

Single or as a couple, stop rationalizing your spending and making excuses for not saving. Right now – make the changes you know you need to do to keep more money in your pocket.

Good luck and best wishes

Christine Ibbotson

Written by Christine Ibbotson, author of three finance books and the Canadian best-selling book, “How to Retire Debt Free & Wealthy”. Go to www.askthemoneylady.ca or send a question to info@askthemoneylady.ca .

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