Smart Money Moves: Delay your retirement

Are any financial tasks even worth checking off these days? Checking off early in the year can better prepare you for whatever 2021 has in store.

Delay your retirement

People do not want to work longer than necessary, right? But before you get too down, realize that Americans are living longer these days.

You might still have a wonderful life after you retire for many years, but at the same time, you will benefit from the opportunity to boost your savings. Your nest egg will also last longer if you delay retirement for a few years.

If delaying retirement and remaining with your current employer sounds appealing, consider an alternative: starting your own business for a few years. If you are unhappy with your career but enjoy the work, perhaps you could become a consultant in your field.

To boost your senior income, you may decide to continue working part-time during your retirement to enjoy working independently.

To retire financially secure, you need a large amount of savings. If you're not satisfied with the state of your 401(k) or IRA, don't panic. Instead, think about investing and working a bit longer than planned to maximize your retirement savings.

Most retirees completely overlook the $16,728 Social Security bonus. If you're like most Americans, you may be a few years (or more) behind on your Social Security contributions but it’s not too late to catch up.