We’re going back to the mailbag and taking questions that specifically deal with concerns from pre-retirees. Let’s look at strategies for building your 401k, how much you might need for retirement, and preparations to make as you approach your retirement date.

 

As part of our summer podcast series, we're going back to the most popular topics of the past year and revisiting them once again. 

 

Read more and get additional financial resources here: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/7-questions-from-pre-retirees/ 

 

What we discuss on this episode: 

0:23 – Mailbag Question #1: I’m retiring in three years and I have almost a million in my 401k but I also have about $60K in consumer debt. Is it worth it to take money out of the 401k to pay it off now while I’m working?

2:09 – Mailbag Question #2: I’m retiring later this year and I’ll have about 16 weeks unused vacation and sick leave that they’ll have to pay me. I’m told I can take this all in my final paycheck or continue being paid on my normal schedule every two weeks after I retire. Does it matter which way I do it?

4:02 – Mailbag Question #3: I’m ready to retire but I won’t be old enough for Medicare for another six months. Should I just stick it out until then?

4:50 – Mailbag Question #4: I’m starting a new job with a lower base side but higher commissions. My base salary is too low to contribute to my 401k and pay my bills. Is it ok to just use my commissions for retirement savings?

6:15 – Mailbag Question #5: My company matches my 401k savings but they do it in company stock. I’m not excited about owning a lot of company stock but don’t want to miss out on the match. Should I still try to put in as much as I can?

8:25 – Mailbag Question #6: I’ve heard that you need between 15-20x your annual salary in savings to be able to retire comfortably. Is that accurate?

9:59 – Mailbag Question #7: My husband and I argue everyday about money because we haven’t done a great job saving for retirement and it’s stressing us out. Is this normal?

12:15 – How we can help with all of these things.