Retired in America

Your Guide to a Confident Retirement

  • Home
  • Personal finance
  • Retirement Life
  • Saving & Spending

11 Ways to Improve Your Finances Before You Retire

April 8, 2021 · Personal finance
A couple walking on a beach at sunset, representing long-term retirement security.
A senior couple with backpacks walks along the beach at sunset, securing their financial future together.

Review Your Investment Portfolio

Ah, the dreaded investment portfolio…

The general rule is that you should have a conservative approach the older you are. Though a lot of people think that the stock market is going up, that’s not historically true. Make sure you have enough fixed-income assets so that if the market does drop 20% or even 25%, you’ll be covered. Now’s not the time to make big plays- keep it safe!

But how do you balance your portfolio? Use the 120 rule. Subtract your age from 120 to figure out how much of your portfolio should be in equities with the rest in safer assets. 120- 55 (if you’re 55) means that you can afford 65% in equities with the remaining 35% in fixed income.

You may have heard that you should actually subtract your age from 100 instead, but that number has shifted to account for longer life expectancy.

Worried about low-interest rates that are stifling returns for fixed-income investments like treasuries, CDs, and bonds? Welcome to the club, sadly. One ‘fix’ for this is setting up an income annuity instead!

Pages: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12

Share this article

Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn Email

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Search

Latest Posts

  • A senior woman walks her dog safely at dusk through a well-lit, peaceful suburban neighborhood with glowing street lamps. America's Safest Towns To Retire To, Ranked By Crime Rates
  • A collage showing a 'Perfect Retirement' blueprint peeling back to reveal complex financial ledgers and medical charts underneath. 8 Retirement Plans That Sound Good But Rarely Work Out
  • A panoramic sunrise view of a misty Pacific Northwest coastline with evergreen forests and distant snow-capped mountains. 12 Most Beautiful Retirement Destinations in the Pacific Northwest
  • A retired couple in hiking gear stands on a rocky mountain overlook, gazing at a vast valley with a winding river and snow-capped peaks. 12 Best States in America for Retirees Who Love the Outdoors
  • A man in his 60s working in his sunlit woodshop, representing the active and purposeful nature of unretiring. 8 Honest Reasons Why Some Retirees Are Going Back to Work in 2026
  • A retired couple stands in their empty, sunlit living room next to a moving box, looking out at a sold sign in the yard. 8 Reasons Retirees Regret Moving Too Close To Family
  • An active retired couple dancing at an outdoor community concert in a charming town square during a golden sunset. 7 Retirement Towns With The Best Free Community Events Year Round
  • A retired couple enjoying coffee in their bright, modern, and uncluttered downsized kitchen with soft morning light. 8 Monthly Bills Retirees Successfully Cut After Downsizing
  • A sunlit porch featuring a telescope, an art easel, a flight bag, and a basket of vegetables, overlooking a green valley. 8 Retirement Communities Built Around Unusual Hobbies
  • A silver motorhome parked on a scenic desert ridge at sunset, overlooking a vast canyon under a purple and orange sky. 8 Retirement Destinations Perfect For RV Lovers

Newsletter

Get retirement planning tips, savings strategies, and lifestyle insights delivered to your inbox.

Related Articles

A senior couple smiling while looking at a laptop in a bright, modern kitchen.

20 Tips to Earn More Only for Smart Seniors

Discover 20 practical ways to generate extra income in retirement without sacrificing your freedom or…

Read More →

6 Important Changes to Social Security Benefits in 2026

What You Should Do Right Now: 6 Action Steps 1. Review your My Social Security…

Read More →

11 Things Retirees Should Buy ONLY at Costco (And Why)

Gift cards – If you’re looking for a gift card for your grandkids, you should check…

Read More →

These 6 Dividend Stocks Will Secure 20 Years of Your Retirement

Chevron To put it simply you can’t go wrong when you invest in the energy…

Read More →

20 Essential Tax Breaks Every Senior Should Know About

Maximize your retirement income by exploring 20 essential tax breaks, deductions, and financial strategies specifically…

Read More →

13 Behaviors of Early Retired Millionaires That Made Them Rich

7. When they do spend, it’s on experiences Early retirees often admit that ‘stuff’ no…

Read More →

10 Quick Ways to Earn Some Extra Cash During Retirement

8. Being a handyman/woman When something needs fixing in the kitchen, who’re you gonna call?…

Read More →

14 Things To Sell When You’re Ready To Retire

Old Computers – If you still have your first Macintosh, there are pretty high chances it’s…

Read More →

8 Most Tax-Friendly States To Retire in 2022

Colorado – Retirees in Colorado are as carefree as it gets. The state’s median property tax…

Read More →
Retired in America

Your Guide to a Confident Retirement

Inedit Agency S.R.L.
Bucharest, Romania

contact@retiredinamerica.com

Trust & Legal

About Us

Editorial Policy

Advertiser Disclosure

Frequently Asked Questions

Contact Us

Disclaimer

Terms and Conditions

Privacy Policy

Subscribe

Unsubscribe

Categories

  • Personal finance
  • Retirement Life
  • Saving & Spending

© 2026 Retired in America. All rights reserved.