Are you unsure of how much money you will need in retirement? This is a very common concern for Americans as they approach retirement age. Here are some tips on how you can begin to estimate your needs in the future and how to possibly increase the longevity of your savings.

1)    How Much Should I Spend?

Track your expenses and see how much money you spend on different aspects of your life. If you track your expenses for at least a few months, you should be able to get a sense of how much money you spend on average. Also, understand that your expenses and spending patterns can and may change in retirement. Understanding your budget is the first step to understanding how you can replace your paycheck in retirement.

2)    How Much Income Will I Have?

Now that you have a sense of how much you’ll need to cover your living costs, you can determine what your savings should be invested in to generate enough income to cover those costs. Add up all your income from rental properties, expected Social Security, pensions, and other investments, and compare that estimate to your monthly costs. If your costs outweigh your income, you may need to think about exploring other investment options, adjusting your lifestyle, or rethinking your retirement timeline.

3)    How Many Years of Retirement Should I Have Saved For?

On average, men who retire at 60 years old can live another 22 years. On average, women who retire at 60 can live another 25 years. And while those numbers are estimates, they can at least give you a sense of approximately how long you should be considering saving for.

4)   Should I Prepare for Long-Term Care?

Even though you may not need long-term health care, such as a nursing home right now, it can be a major retirement expense in the future. There are options for insurance for long-term care that you should consider. If you do decide to purchase a long-term healthcare plan, the cost of that plan will also have to be factored into your expenses in retirement.

5)    How Can I Maximize the Longevity of My Savings?

Working longer is probably the best way to make sure your retirement money lasts as long as possible. Every year that you aren’t cutting into your savings is another year that you are bolstering your funds. You’ll be able to add to your retirement rather than withdraw from it. Additionally, every year that you delay claiming Social Security between the ages of 66 and 70 increases your Social Security benefit by 8%. You can also make sure your money is invested in tax-advantaged investing accounts geared towards your retirement such as IRAs and 401(k)s.