The coronavirus pandemic started as a health crisis and quickly became a financial crisis as well. Quarantines and stay-at-home orders have sent ripples through the economy, and retirement plans are feeling the impact. At the same time, new legislation is creating additional options navigating financial choices.
Massive Unemployment
Many people have been laid off or furloughed because of the pandemic. If you’re one of them, you may be having trouble making ends meet – much less contributing to your retirement plan.
For many people, unemployment benefits will provide necessary relief. The CARES Act expands unemployment benefits allowing states to provide benefits to independent contractors, to provide benefits for a longer period of time, and to provide an additional $600 per week, according to the DOL. CNN reports that 22 million people filed for unemployment benefits in a four-week period – a record rise in claims.
Raiding Retirement Accounts
Many people who have been laid off may be eyeing their 401(k)s as a possible source of income.
Normally, after leaving a job, people might leave their 401(k) plans alone or roll them into another account. Taking money out is another option, but it comes with penalties – usually. The CARES Act allows penalty-free early withdrawals for people impacted by the coronavirus pandemic.
However, this doesn’t mean that making a withdrawal is the best option. Before making a withdrawal, people should consider their long-term retirement goals and look at other options.
Market Instability
The pandemic has led to considerable market instability. There have been significant losses, as well as rallies, and it’s enough to make many investors nervous.
Younger investors may have time to ride out the current market instability, but for current retirees and people near retirement, the situation is more pressing. Nevertheless, it’s not the time to panic. A response may be needed, but it shouldn’t be done rashly. As always, it’s important to think about portfolio diversification and acceptable risk levels.
Claiming Social Security
Deciding when to claim Social Security retirement benefits is always tricky. People can start collecting benefits at age 62. However, collecting early comes at a cost. For each year a person delays claiming benefits, up to age 70, the lifetime monthly benefit increases. This means that waiting can pay off, especially for people who expect to live a long life.
Unfortunately, some people simply cannot afford to wait. According to the Center for Retirement Research at Boston College blog, older workers who lost their jobs after the 2001 and 2008/2009 recessions claimed Social Security early out of desperation. Boomers who can’t find employment and are dealing with market losses due to the pandemic may now find themselves in the same position.
Moving Forward
The pandemic has certainly thrown a wrench in many people’s retirement plans. The key here is not to panic. This is not the first economic downturn that retirees have had to face, and the pandemic will pass.
Everyone’s situation is different, and new legislation has created additional options. If you’re worried about your retirement plans, speak to a financial advisor at PTT Financial. We’re here to help!
