Retirement planning can be tricky, and even small missteps can have big consequences down the road. Based on common pitfalls and practical advice, here are 13 retirement mistakes people often make—and how to avoid them:
1. Not Starting Early Enough
Mistake: Procrastinating on saving because retirement feels far away.
How to Avoid: Start saving as soon as possible, even if it’s a small amount. Compound interest works best over time—$100 saved at age 25 could grow to over $1,000 by 65 at a 7% annual return, but the same $100 saved at 45 might only reach $300.
2. Underestimating Living Expenses
Mistake: Assuming you’ll need far less money than you actually will.
How to Avoid: Plan for 70-80% of your pre-retirement income, adjusting for lifestyle goals. Factor in inflation ( historically ~3% annually) and unexpected costs like healthcare. Use a budgeting tool to test your assumptions.