1. What will be the net spendable income I receive after all taxes are paid during my retirement?

A: Your net spendable income after taxes will depend on the amount of your pension, Social Security, and other sources in retirement. KPERS and Social Security are subject to federal taxes. KPERS is not subject to state taxes as long as you continue to reside in Kansas. Your Social Security income will be subject to federal taxes depending on the total amount of your household income. If your gross income is less than $75,000 in the state of Kansas, your Social Security income will not be subject to state taxes based on today’s tax laws. Remember, your KPERS pension does not count toward your gross income. Please consult with your tax professional regarding your specific tax liability in retirement.

2. Have I left enough time to properly research and educate myself on all my irrevocable options?

A: The earlier the better, when it comes to planning for retirement. If you know you are going to retire in the next two to three years, it is recommended you begin your financial plan, fact finding, and pension analysis today. There are many factors to consider, and you may need the years before retirement to plan accordingly. However, if you did not plan ahead and are retiring within the year, it is helpful to start the planning process in the Fall. Many of our clients will turn their paperwork into KPERS in early April to be ready for a June/July 1st retirement date. It is not too late to get help until you have submitted your paperwork to KPERS. Visit with someone who has the knowledge and expertise to lead you.

3. Will I have enough income from KPERS and Social Security if I live longer than the average?

A: One of the biggest worries many of our clients have is, "Will I have enough income if I live longer than expected?" With the right planning, you can create a financial plan that will consider the cost of living increases you may face. One key to consider regarding KPERS is that they do not have a Cost of Living Increase. The pension benefit you receive at age 60 from KPERS will probably be the same benefit you receive at age 75. Social Security currently has a cost of living increase, but will it keep up if you only have KPERS and Social Security? If you have 85 points with KPERS and have Social Security, together they should replace your pre-retirement net income as a teacher/administrator, but the Cost of Living will catch up to you. You may need to have other investments to access to keep up with inflation. Many of our clients do not touch their IRA’s or annuities until they are required to at age 73. A thorough fact finding, pension analysis, and a financial plan can help you keep up with inflation.

4. Should I take the Social Security at age 62?

A: If you are wondering whether you should take your Social Security at age 62, please ask yourself the following questions:

1. Do I need the income?

2. Do I have other sources of income from which I can draw? For instance, do I have a 403(b), annuity, IRA, or other types of saving accounts?

3. How good is my health, and what type of life expectancy do I have at this point?

4. Do I have 85 points, and will I receive the full pension? If you have the full pension, maybe you can delay Social Security for a while. If you can delay taking your Social Security, there is a guaranteed return you can receive on your Social Security, but only if you delay it.

5. Will I have enough KPERS, Social Security, and money saved to retire without any real worry about running out of money?

A: Worrying about running out of money during retirement is everyone’s fear. It’s a fear that can be calmed if you plan ahead. We cannot answer definitively because we do not know what you have in investments, the size of your pension, your Social Security, your tax rate, the amount of debt, and your budget. Together, we can address all these items and prepare a plan for your retirement. It’s advisable that every educator should retire only after he/she has done the research.

*To determine which investments may be appropriate for you, consult with your financial professional. Please remember that investment decisions should be based on an individual’s goals, time horizon, and tolerance for risk. This is not to be construed as investment advice or relied upon for investment decisions.