Retirement Expectations Are Changing — Fast

What do IMF policymakers, 6-year-olds in Germany, and you all have in common?

They’re all considering the same question: How do you ensure a happy and abundant retirement?

This week’s headlines highlight just how much the answer seems to have changed in recent years. We’ve got global calls to work past 70, national calls to start saving before kindergarten, and a new $4,000 tax deduction for older Americans to boot.

Let’s get into it.

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—The Money Pickle Team

More Work, Fewer Golden Years?

This week, the IMF stirred global debate by urging governments to raise retirement ages and keep older workers on the job longer. The pitch? Fiscal sustainability in the face of aging populations. The backlash? Loud, passionate, and deeply personal.

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3 Long-Term Care Insurance Questions to Ask Now

Long-term care is one of retirement’s biggest financial question marks — and potentially one of the costliest. A recent CBS piece recommends starting with three key questions:

1. Has market volatility impacted your savings?

2. Have your retirement living plans shifted?

3. Can you afford to delay coverage?

For some, a policy can offer peace of mind. For others, it may not be the right fit. Either way, it is likely worth evaluating before the need arises.

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Most Americans Underestimate Life Expectancy

A new study finds many Americans don’t know how long retirees typically live — and that lack of “longevity literacy” can derail planning. 1 in 4 respondents didn’t know the average life expectancy, and more than a third guessed too low.

That matters, because underestimating retirement length can lead to undersaving. Just five extra years in retirement increases the risk of running out of money by 41%, based on historical market trends.

Do you know?

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Trump’s Social Security Tax Pledge: The Fine Print

A new House bill offers a $4,000 “senior deduction” for taxpayers over 65, but it stops short of eliminating taxes on Social Security benefits — something Trump previously pledged.

The deduction would apply from 2025 to 2028 and mostly helps middle-income retirees. High earners and those under 65 won’t see much change. Bottom line: it’s a partial win for those nearing retirement, but not a total rewrite.

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Germany Wants Kids Saving for Retirement at 6

Germany is considering an interesting move: encouraging children as young as six to start saving for retirement.

While it may sound extreme, the policy aims to build financial literacy early and reinforce lifelong saving habits. It’s a dramatic reminder that the path to long-term financial freedom starts much earlier than most of us think.

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🥒 Pickle Tip:

The headlines may change, but your goals shouldn’t. Use moments of external change as an internal gut check — are your retirement plans still aligned with your life today? If not, it might be time to recalibrate.

🌟 Final Thought

Retirement used to mean a gold watch and a golf membership. Today? It’s a decades-long endeavor that requires strategy, flexibility, and maybe even a side hustle. If any of these headlines struck a chord, consider starting a conversation with an advisor in the Money Pickle network.

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