Many adult children expect to inherit a significant amount of money from their parents, but studies show that parents plan to leave them less than they think. This is due to factors like rising costs, longer life expectancies, and changing views on inheritance. Additionally, communication between parents and adult children about finances is often lacking. As a result, many millennials and Generation Z may not receive as much inheritance as they anticipate.
Between 2023 and 2030, millions of baby boomers will retire. However, women face greater financial risks during retirement than men, with lower income, savings, and Social Security benefits. Factors contributing to this include the gender income gap, longer life expectancy, lower risk tolerance, and the financial consequences of caregiving responsibilities. Addressing the root causes of these disparities is crucial, including equal pay and support for women in the financial industry.
In the coming years, a large number of baby boomers will turn 65, prompting important decisions about Medicare and Social Security. When to enroll in Medicare's hospital and medical coverage and when to claim Social Security benefits are crucial choices with significant financial implications. Medicare Advantage offers additional benefits but may come with trade-offs compared to traditional Medicare. Social Security benefits are reduced for early claims before full retirement age, and increased for delays in claiming up to age 70.
As the retirement age of 65 becomes outdated, experts debate potential changes to Social Security. One suggestion is raising the retirement age to address the program's looming shortfall. However, critics argue that this would disproportionately affect those with health issues or limited job opportunities. Alternatives being considered include raising the minimum benefit or adjusting the system to automatically account for increased longevity. Ultimately, the goal is to enable workers to retire comfortably on their own terms while ensuring the program's long-term sustainability.
