More retirees than ever are in debt. Here are tips for paying it off
A growing number of older adults are in debt in retirement, and this can be a big challenge because people’s income in retirement is traditionally limited.
According to the 2022 Survey of Consumer Finances from the Federal Reserve, among people ages 65 to 74, the share with debt rose to 65% in 2022, up from 50% in 1989 (the first time this question was asked). For people 75 and over, 53% report holding debt in 2022, compared with 21% in 1989.
But there are strategies for tackling your balance sheet later in life.
Take note: Not all debt is bad debt. “It’s not necessarily the worst thing to have,” said Jack Heintzelman, a certified financial planner in Boston. If it’s debt that earns you a tax deduction, such as a mortgage, he said, it may be fine to hang on to it while you give your money elsewhere a chance to grow.
But if debt is straining your retirement budget or you’re paying a high interest rate, a pay-it-off plan is key. Here are some methods that can help.
The 50/30/20 budget was popularized by Sen. Elizabeth Warren and her daughter Amelia Warren Tyagi in their book, “All Your Worth: The Ultimate Lifetime Money Plan.”
Pick up side work
The traditional retirement model — work for 40 years and then quit forever — may not be the most appropriate approach anymore. Supplementing retirement savings and Social Security benefits with part-time earnings can make your money go further and help you pay off remaining debt.
For some people, consulting in their field is a natural step between full-time work and full-time play. Other people can monetize an interest or pick up hourly work a few days a week.
“We have a client who works in a music repair shop for part-time income,” said Colin Day, a certified financial planner in St. Louis. “They get to explore their hobby while also getting some level of income.”
There are a number of variables involved, including whether you live in a community property state such as California.
Consider moving or downsizing
Your home is usually one of your biggest expenses, and if you live in a high-cost area, you might be paying high property taxes and maintenance costs, which eat into your ability to pay for other things.
Moving to a smaller home or to an area with a lower cost of living can free up room in your budget. You might also get better weather, to boot.
“We have a fair amount of clients who are moving from more northwestern states with a higher income tax and colder weather down to places like Florida,” said Crystal McKeon, a certified financial planner in Houston, who noted that Florida has no state income tax and decidedly warmer weather.
Andrew Herzog, a certified financial planner in Plano, Texas, said he has a client who’s considering moving to a smaller home that’s closer to his daughter, easier to maintain and potentially mortgage-free if he can sell his current house for a high enough price.
“Downsizing can absolutely work,” Herzog said. “It’s best when you do it for multiple reasons.”
The higher earner’s benefit determines what the survivor gets. By delaying Social Security, the higher earner boosts how much the remaining spouse will have to make ends meet.
Time your Social Security benefits
The Social Security equation — when to claim, when to wait — depends on your health, your marital status and your savings. But debt can also affect your plans.
Taking Social Security early might give you the income you need to get rid of your balances. “As long as I’m not blowing up my plan by drawing Social Security early, it could help sustain me by not having to draw down my investment assets,” Day said.
On the other hand, waiting to claim means you’ll have a higher Social Security check later — benefits increase by 8% per year after full retirement age until age 70. Depending on the type of debt, it may be better to wait until you can throw more money at it. Talk to a financial professional about the best option for you.
“I would do the calculations,” Herzog said. “That’s a pretty big asset for people when you’re older.”
A surprisingly low rate promised on a home equity line of credit is probably just a “teaser” rate, which eventually could go much higher.
Tap home equity — cautiously
If you have equity in your home, you might be able to get a home equity loan or line of credit to help you consolidate or pay down higher-interest debt. Take your time in considering this, however, because an inability to keep up with these payments puts your home at risk of foreclosure.
“You have much more to lose if you mess that up,” Herzog said.
Keep in mind, too, that the interest on a home equity line of credit is deductible only if you use it for home improvement-related expenses. And this is a better option for a one-time debt, not ongoing expenses.
“Those living expenses are just going to continue,” McKeon said. “Home equity loans should not be a first priority.”
Ashford writes for personal finance website at NerdWallet. This article was distributed by the Associated Press.
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