We're Pushing Retirement Even Farther Into the Future. Is That Bad?

That American dream of someday stepping back from a long career and retiring may be moving farther and farther into the future.

A new report from Boston College says that since 1994, the average age of of retirement has risen from 61 to 64 for men and from 59 to 62 for women.

‘Not surprising,” said money and business expert Derrick Kinney, ‘financially, but also emotionally.”

Researchers say Americans are living longer and staying healthier, and our jobs aren’t as physically demanding.

Social security has pushed the age of “full retirement” from 65 to 67.

Medicare doesn’t offer health coverage until age 65 and employers have become less likely to give health insurance to workers who retire before 65.

Meanwhile, instead of pensions with guaranteed income, more of us now have 401(k) accounts which can run out, meaning it’s a better idea to keep earning.

“Many people get surprised at how much money they need to retire,” Kinney warns. “They believe their expenses will go down. But with the prices of eggs and bacon and milk and inflation  all of those things raise prices in places that people don’t expect."

The transition from having that career network, to being on your own, can also be a jolt. 

“When they do retire, they sort of give up their business card, and they’ve got to reestablish a new identity. That can feel lonely, giving up all those relationships can lead to problems down the road.”

Kinney says don’t be too quick to step away from work, and maybe give your retirement finances a test drive. "I advise people to live on a 'practice retirement' budget 6 to 12 months before they retire, to practice it, to confirm how much they’ll actually need. Oftentimes that means they decide to work longer, or they may retire earlier, but knowing how much money they need, to not run out of money down the road.”