Retired in America

Your Guide to a Confident Retirement

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

11 Major Costs That Will Most Likely Plunge When You Retire

November 23, 2020 · Retirement Life
A senior man enjoying a bike ride on a coastal path, symbolizing reduced transportation costs in retirement.
A smiling retiree waves while cycling along a coastal path, enjoying a scenic and affordable way to travel.

Payroll taxes

Receiving a paycheck every month and knowing you can rely on a fixed income is great. What’s not so great is that you have to pay all those payroll taxes, also known as FICA (Federal Insurance Contributions Act) taxes from each paycheck. These are a combination of a 6.2% Social Security tax and a 1.45% Medicare tax imposed by the IRS to all employees and employers, as contributions for the future Social Security benefits and Medicare services you will be receiving in retirement.

It’s even worse if you’re self-employed because you will be the only one paying the total 15.3 percent (7.65% as an employee, 7.65% as the employer). If you’re longer in the workforce, you don’t have to pay these FICA taxes anymore. Simple, right?

Check out these 26 States That Do Not Tax Your Social Security Benefits. Do you live in any of them?

A woman smiling at her tablet in a bright home office, representing the end of payroll tax deductions.
A smiling senior woman uses a tablet at home, enjoying the financial relief of life without payroll taxes.

Retirement contributions

Millions of American workers try to scrimp and save for their golden years, either by investing in stocks, bonds or putting their money into 401(k)s or individual retirement accounts (IRAs). However, once you retire and you no longer receive your monthly paychecks, you can start enjoying the advantages of being economical and saving for the future.

You will finally be able to use the money from your retirement account and enjoy a comfortable retirement instead of desperately making contributions to those accounts. This means you will no longer be required to make annual contributions of up to $19,600 to your 401(k) or $6,000 to your IRA. Not to mention you’ll be off the hook with regard to the catch-up contributions that people 50+ can make to increase their retirement accounts.

Pages: 1 2 3 4 5 6

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Your email address will not be published.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 smiling senior woman stands outside near a porch surrounded by lush garden greenery, hiking boots, and a warm mug. 12 Things to Do Instead of Watching TV All Day in Retirement
  • Shocked older man holding a landline phone receiver while reviewing financial bills at a kitchen table. 8 Things to Do the Moment You Realize You've Been Scammed
  • A smiling senior woman buys fresh vegetables from a vendor at a bustling outdoor farmers market. Farmers Market Vouchers for Low-Income Seniors
  • Adirondack chairs on a wooden deck overlooking a misty lake with a dock, canoe, and lakeside cabin at sunrise. 7 Lakefront Towns Where Retirees Get More House for Less
  • Senior man sitting at a wooden kitchen table reviewing a Social Security document with a pen, glasses, and calculator. 7 Ways Retirees Waste Their COLA Raise Every Year
  • A senior man reviews financial paperwork at a wooden table with a planner, budget sheet, and coffee mug. 5 Things Every Retiree Should Check Monthly
  • Senior couple sitting at a wooden kitchen table reviewing Medicare summary notices and financial documents. Medicare Changes in 2027: What You'll Actually Pay
  • A senior man sits at a wooden table reviewing a Social Security Administration statement with a pen and notebook. Why So Few Retirees Qualify for Social Security’s Biggest Possible Monthly Check
  • A woman reviews a retirement planning calendar and binder at a sunlit wooden table near a window. Key Retirement Milestone Ages Most People Miss
  • Mature couple sitting at a wooden kitchen table reviewing a calendar and open notebook with a cup of coffee. The Average Social Security Check by Age

Newsletter

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

Related Articles

10 Retirement Myths You Need to Stop Believing Right Now

A smiling woodworker stays busy in his shop, with a packed calendar showing his full…

Read More →

6 States That Are Perfect for Healthy and Active Seniors

5. Colorado The Centennial State has the third-lowest obesity rate among seniors in the nation,…

Read More →
A grandmother stands quietly in a cozy kitchen while her adult daughter feeds a toddler at the table, capturing a subtle family moment.

10 Signs You’re Overstepping as a Grandparent

Discover 10 subtle signs you might be overstepping as a grandparent and learn actionable strategies…

Read More →

Retiring Soon? Here’s How To Find the Perfect Home in Retirement

Carefully reviewing your budget with a calculator and tablet helps you find the perfect home…

Read More →

5 Signs You’re Emotionally Ready for Retirement

How do I feel about the idea of retirement? – If the idea of getting retired…

Read More →

Are you Self Employed? Here’s The Best Retirement Plan For You

Solo 401(k) As you would probably imagine, solo 401(k) has all the advantages of a…

Read More →

Mistakes That Can Sabotage Your Retirement

Sometimes, all it takes is one mistake to sabotage your retirement. In some cases, seniors…

Read More →

Best Places to Retire in the USA in 2026 (Affordable, Safe & Tax-Friendly Picks)

1. Sarasota, Florida—Best Overall Retirement Destination Sarasota consistently ranks among the top retirement cities in…

Read More →

19 Unsuspected Obstacles That Prevent You From Having a Worry-Free Retirement

< Spending too much during your working years Even if your income is more than…

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.