Rich at any age: In your 70s

As you reach your 70s, you will need to keep making adjustments to your retirement finances, while you simplify your lifestyle and plan your legacy.

As part of this process, try to anticipate the time when you probably won’t be able physically to do as much as you can now, from activities as simple as climbing stairs to shoveling the walk and doing home maintenance. Renovating to make your home more senior friendly by doing things like installing a walk-in bathtub or shower can help. Many seniors also choose at some point to sell the three-bedroom two-storey family house to buy a bungalow or condo. Downsizing and relocating to an outer suburb or small town might also help generate extra money if your finances are tight.

One of the major things you’ll need to do is convert your RRSPs to RRIFs or annuities by the end of the year you turn 71 and then start making mandated withdrawals. If you’re concerned about outliving your nest egg, the early 70s might be an opportune time to put some money into annuities. While payout rates on annuities are very low due to low interest rates, there is still lots to be said for having guaranteed income for life. One good strategy is to buy enough annuities so that, in combination with government and employer pensions, you are assured of at least having your basic needs covered. But annuities aren’t for everyone, particularly those with poor health or reduced life expectancy.

One thing to look out for is the possibility of high care costs late in life. You might find you end up having to pay for expensive costs for in-home care or a retirement home, which in many cases are not covered by government these days. That’s why it’s a good idea to try to keep equity in your home as a reserve in case you encounter high costs while your financial savings might be running low. If it comes time to move into a retirement home, you can use the proceeds of selling your home to help cover those costs. If you stay in your home but need to pay for home-care assistance, you can potentially draw on the equity in your home through a reverse mortgage or equity line of credit.

Now is also a good time to plan your legacy, which can include giving money to charities or family members. If your finances are ample, consider giving away some money now if you see an immediate need, instead of leaving everything to your estate. For example, a contribution of even a few thousand dollars a year to a grandchild’s Registered Education Savings Plan (RESP) can make a huge difference to his or her future success and you’ll be remembered for it.

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Rich at any age: In your 70s »