Dave Ramsey, a widely recognized top Social Security expert in the U.S., has issued a major warning to retirees. Millions of Americans, including retirees, bank on Social Security and 401(k)s to carry them through retirement, but Ramsey advises them to rethink this plan, citing that you cannot comfortably retire when depending on these two.
Social Security is Not a Retirement Plan
According to Ramsey, Social Security should be considered a supplement and not a solution. Considering that the average benefit in 2015 is approximately $1,980 per month, it could be so little if you eat three meals a day and have a decent roof over your head. Ramsey also warns that Social Security is never meant to be the only source of income.
Dave Ramsey says that initially, Social Security was designed to help retirees cover basic living expenses and not to fund meant for a 20-30-year retirement. Therefore, if you expect Social Security to fully fund your retirement expenses, you could be setting yourself up for disappointment.
The situation could get worse, considering the latest news that the Social Security Trust Fund is projected to run short by 2035. Therefore, future benefits cannot be guaranteed, and those planning to rely on Social Security benefits in the future should brace for a hard time.
Don’t Rely on Your 401 (k)
Although 401(k) plans are crucial for retirement, they are often overestimated in terms of what they provide. They should not be viewed as a silver bullet or a golden parachute, although they are an essential part of retirement savings. “A 401(k) alone will not ensure financial freedom in retirement.” Says Dave Ramsey.
Ramsey also adds that people have too much faith in employer matches or market returns but forget to factor in market volatility, inflation, and taxes. One may think that they have $500,000 in their 401(k), but in the real sense, a big chunk after that amount belongs to “Uncle Sam.” Therefore, if the market goes against you, you could lose tens of thousands overnight.
To avoid such surprises, Ramsey advises people to diversify and have more than one source of income to fund their retirement. Some of the options he mentions are opening a Roth IRA, investing in mutual funds, buying real estate, or starting a side business.
Claiming Your Social Security Benefits Early
While many experts advise people to delay claiming their benefits until full retirement age, Ramsey advises people to take different paths. However, this requires discipline and knowing how to invest early enough. One can reap much by being intentional with what they want to do with their money.
He also warns that this approach is not for everyone, but only for those with a strong investment plan and bold enough to not stick with their money in a savings account.
Although the Future is Not Guaranteed, Plan for It
Ramsey warns that there is a retirement crisis in the country, especially because people are saving less, spending more, and living longer. He advises people to save at least 15% of their gross income as early as possible, get out of debt, and build an emergency fund. Additionally, they should talk to real human financial advisors and not robo-advisors, and also invest wisely.
Conclusion
Dave Ramsey is well-known for his financial advice. As one of the top Social Security experts in the U.S., he doesn’t sugarcoat anything but instead sounds an alarm for those relying on Social Security and 401(k)s for their retirement. He calls it a dangerous game. To avoid disappointments, he advises those people to take control of their income, diversify it, and be smart about when and how to claim and manage their Social Security benefits.
For one to have peace of mind in retirement, Ramsey says that it starts with personal responsibility because one’s future is in their hands, and hard choices must be made to secure a good future for oneself.