How to close your retirement income gap
Gap analysis works best when your expense assumptions are specific and your income streams are conservative. Start by estimating essential monthly costs, then compare them to dependable income sources such as pension and Social Security. The remaining shortfall becomes your actionable savings target. Re-run the model after life events, pay changes, or benefit updates.
- Separate essential expenses from discretionary spending to prioritize funding needs.
- Use inflation-aware assumptions rather than flat spending estimates.
- Track your gap yearly and update contributions when shortfalls widen.
Frequently asked questions
What is a healthy process for gap planning?
Estimate, test alternatives, then implement contribution changes and monitor results at least annually.
Can retiring later help close the gap?
Often yes. Additional earning years can increase pension service, increase savings, and shorten drawdown duration.