Arizona is a popular retirement spot with its low property taxes, warm weather and scenic surroundings.
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But how much should retirees have in savings if they plan to spend their golden years in the Grand Canyon State? Urban Adams, wealth manager at Arizona-based Resilient Wealth Management, broke it down.
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Adams estimated retirees need approximately $1.5 million in savings to retire in Arizona.
While this number can vary depending on individual variables, he arrived at $1.5 million by taking into account how much money retirees typically spend per year. LendingTree reported that, on average, retirees in the Phoenix area spend approximately $63,000 annually (not including the $22,000 in Social Security they receive). From there, Adams approximated a 20-year retirement ($63,000 x 20 = $1,260,000).
But that’s just an average. Adams encourages clients to push their savings to $1.5 million in order to account for greater-than-expected longevity as well as associated long-term care needs. “I tend to take a more conservative approach,” Adams said. “I’ve not encountered a client who didn’t express concern about outliving their assets.”
He noted that those collecting income from pensions may have some more flexibility.
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Adams offered a few suggestions to make retirement savings last longer in Arizona — and his advice happens to be universal across all states.
To save more money, review discretionary spending. Many retirees choose to downsize homes and cars, as well as review and eliminate outdated services and subscriptions.
Healthcare can do a number on one’s savings — particularly in retirement. To conserve funds, first focus on preventive healthcare: routine physicals, exercise and stress reduction.
Pre-retirement, maximize a health savings account (which offers triple tax benefits) when possible. Later, be sure to optimize Medicare coverage by ensuring you have the most effective plan. Finally, ensure you are strategically managing withdrawals from retirement accounts to lower your modified adjusted gross income, which can, in turn, lower insurance premiums.
Adams encouraged individuals to have an investment strategy for their savings — particularly one “that helps you get ‘through retirement’; not just ‘to retirement.’” Keep your money in the market but lower your risk tolerance by shifting to balanced portfolios.
