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Beginning January 1, 2018, the government introduced a new military retirement system that blends a defined benefit annuity with a defined contribution plan through the Thrift Savings Plan. If you enlist on or after January 1, 2018, you’re automatically enrolled in the new Blended Retirement System (BRS). If you are an active servicemember with fewer than 12 years of service as of December 31, 2017, or a National Guard and Reserve servicemember in a paid status who has accrued fewer than 4,320 retirement points as of December 31, 2017, you may opt-in to the BRS, or you can remain in the legacy retirement system. The opt-in window for BRS is from January 1, 2018, to December 31, 2018. If you remain in the legacy retirement system, your retirement benefits will not change.

Why did the military adopt the BRS?

According to the Department of Defense (DoD), 81% of servicemembers who join the military separate with no government retirement benefit. Under the BRS, about 85% of servicemembers will receive a government retirement benefit if they serve at least two years, even if they don’t qualify for full retirement benefits.

Deciding whether to opt-in to the BRS

The DoD provides a BRS Comparison Calculator that allows you to compare estimated benefits under both the legacy retirement system and the BRS. If you do opt-in to the BRS, you will need to complete the mandatory BRS Opt-In Course on Joint Knowledge online or your service branch’s Learning Management System (if available) and affirmatively opt-in to BRS anytime from January 1, 2018, to December 31, 2018.

Key components of the BRS

Thrift savings plan (TSP). The BRS includes a TSP component. The TSP is a defined contribution retirement savings and investment plan that offers the same types of savings and tax benefits many private corporations offer their employees under 401(k) or similar plans. As a plan participant, you are automatically set up to contribute 3% of your basic pay to your TSP account, unless you opt for a different contribution percentage, or you elect not to contribute any part of your pay. After 60 days of service, the government automatically contributes an amount equal to 1% of your basic pay each month into your TSP retirement account. After two years of service, the government will match servicemember contributions up to an additional 4% (in addition to the 1% automatic government contribution). If you are a servicemember who opts-in to the BRS, the automatic 1% contribution and matching contributions begin the first pay period after opting in — there is no waiting period.

Annuity retirement payment. Under the BRS, the government is contributing money to your TSP, so the annuity payment available after 20 years of service isn’t as much as it is under the legacy retirement system. The formula for calculating retired pay uses a 2.0% multiplier for each year of service (2.5% under the legacy system), so the annuity payment under the BRS drops to 40%.

Continuation pay. As a way to encourage continued uniformed service, the BRS includes a continuation pay provision. Continuation pay is a direct cash payout, like a bonus. It is payable between eight and 12 years of completed service. Most servicemembers will be eligible for continuation pay, but the timing and the amount are determined by your service. As an active component servicemember (including Active Guard Reserve or Full Time Support) enrolled in the BRS, you will be eligible for a cash incentive of 2.5 to 13 times your regular monthly basic pay. If you are a reserve component member, you’ll be eligible for 0.5 to 6 times your monthly basic pay (as if serving on active duty). Each service branch will publish guidance related to continuation pay rates. If you accept the payment but do not complete your obligated service time, you may be required to repay a portion or all of the continuation payment.

Lump sum advance payment. You may choose to receive a portion of your retirement annuity in a lump sum. Ninety days prior to retirement, you may elect to receive either 25% or 50% of the discounted present value of your future retirement annuity payments. The discount rate for the lump sum is determined annually and announced by the DoD on June 1. The percentage is calculated from the date of retirement from the military to Social Security full retirement age, which is between 66 or 67, depending on your date of birth (for most, it will be age 67). This lump sum election is paid out no later than 60 days after retirement in exchange for reduced monthly retirement annuity payments. Monthly retired pay returns to the full amount when you reach your Social Security full retirement age. The lump sum payment is subject to ordinary income taxes, and you may elect to receive the lump sum in up to four equal annual installments.

Going through years of accumulated possessions and memories is probably not how you envisioned spending part of your retirement. It may sound like a daunting and emotionally draining task, but downsizing could be a savvy financial move, especially if you haven’t reached your retirement savings goals.

1. Set goals for downsizing

Before you make any decisions, think about why you might want to downsize in the first place. Is it because you want to save on mortgage payments or other monthly expenses? Or are you looking to free up some cash to help pursue your lifestyle goals in retirement?

No matter what your specific goals may be, understanding the connection between them and downsizing can help motivate you to follow through with it.

2. Determine the best time to downsize

It’s said that timing is everything, so choosing when to downsize will be an important decision to make. One benefit of downsizing early in retirement is that mortgage payments and other related expenses (such as utilities and real estate taxes) could decrease, presuming that you are downsizing to a less expensive residence. This could mean you have extra funds to pursue new hobbies and activities right away in retirement. You might even be fortunate enough to have sufficient funds from the sale of a larger home to pay for a smaller home with cash, thus eliminating or decreasing your mortgage payment, or significantly increasing cash flow.

But there may be advantages to delaying downsizing. If you wait to do it later in retirement, you might have a better sense of just how much you need to downsize to support your current lifestyle. Plus, timing your downsizing plans with a stronger real estate market could mean that you sell and/or purchase a new home at a more opportune time.

3. Be realistic about costs

There are several costs to think about if you are downsizing your home: the worth of your current home, the cost of a new home, and the fees and expenses associated with relocating. Before you start boxing up your belongings, run the numbers. Start by contacting local real estate agents to receive estimates of your home’s value. Compare the estimates so you can develop an idea of how much you might be able to get for your home. Research online to see what homes in your neighborhood have sold for recently — this can also help you determine your home’s potential selling price.

Take similar steps when you look for your new home. One option that might be available is to rent a new house or apartment for a length of time before buying it. That way, you’ll learn whether the home and the location suit you, helping you avoid buyer’s remorse.

If you’re buying a new home, don’t forget to account for the down payment, home inspection, closing costs, and other associated charges. Factoring all of the numbers into the equation may reveal whether downsizing makes the most sense for you and your financial situation.

4. Consider downsizing your belongings, not just your home

For some people, downsizing might simply mean cutting down on clutter rather than relocating. It’s easier said than done, particularly if you’ve amassed many belongings over time. When purging your home, consider the following:

Take your time. Don’t feel pressured to clear out your entire home in one fell swoop. Instead, make a plan to do one room or section of your home at a time.
Involve your children. If you have kids, consider asking them for their help. Many hands make light work, and your children may end up expressing interest in items they would like to have.
Sell valuables. Maybe you can’t find a new home for that antique necklace you never wear or the rare baseball cards collecting dust in your attic. Consider having those items appraised and selling them to an auction house or online. Depending on how many items you’re selling and their worth, you could wind up with quite a bit of money that you can use to help cushion your retirement fund.
Donate gently used items. Find out if there are any local organizations in your community that could benefit from furniture, clothing, or any other possessions in good condition that you want to get rid of. Some donation outlets may even offer free pickup of certain items, saving you time and hassle.
Clear out junk. Chances are you’ve accumulated items that you simply won’t be able to give away or sell. Discard belongings that serve no purpose other than taking up space in your home. You might be surprised by how much room you could free up.

Being named as the executor of a family member’s estate is generally an honor. It means that person has been chosen to handle the financial affairs of the deceased individual and is trusted to help carry out his or her wishes.

Settling an estate, however, can be a difficult and time-consuming job that could take several months to more than a year to complete. Each state has specific laws detailing an executor’s responsibilities and timetables for the performance of certain duties.

If you are asked to serve as an executor, you may want to do some research regarding the legal requirements, the complexity of the particular estate, and the potential time commitment. You should also consider seeking the counsel of experienced legal and tax advisors.

Documents and details

A thoughtfully crafted estate plan with up-to-date documents tends to make the job easier for whoever fills this important position. If the deceased created a letter of instruction, it should include much of the information needed to close out an estate, such as a list of documents and their locations, contacts for legal and financial professionals, a list of bills and creditors, login information for important online sites, and final wishes for burial or cremation and funeral or memorial services.

An executor is responsible for communicating with financial institutions, beneficiaries, government agencies, employers, and service providers. You may be asked for a copy of the will or court-certified documentation that proves you are authorized to conduct business on behalf of the estate. Here are some of the specific duties that often fall on the executor.

Arrange for funeral and burial costs to be paid from the estate. Collect multiple copies of the death certificate from the funeral home or coroner. They may be needed to fulfill various official obligations, such as presenting the will to the court for probate, claiming life insurance proceeds, reporting the death to government agencies, and transferring ownership of financial accounts or property to the beneficiaries.

Notify agencies such as Social Security and the Veterans Administration as soon as possible. Federal benefits received after the date of death must be returned. You should also file a final income tax return with the IRS, as well as estate and gift tax returns (if applicable).

Protect assets while the estate is being closed out. This might involve tasks such as securing a vacant property; paying the mortgage, utility, and maintenance costs; changing the name of the insured on home and auto policies to the estate; and tracking investments.

Inventory, appraise, and liquidate valuable property. You may need to sort through a lifetime’s worth of personal belongings and list a home for sale.

Pay any debts or taxes. Medical bills, credit card debt, and taxes due should be paid out of the estate. The executor and/or heirs are not personally responsible for the debts of the deceased that exceed the value of the estate.

Distribute remaining assets according to the estate documents. Trust assets can typically be disbursed right away and without court approval. With a will, you typically must wait until the end of the probate process.

The executor has a fiduciary duty — that is, a heightened responsibility to be honest, impartial, and financially responsible. This means you could be held liable if estate funds are mismanaged and the beneficiaries suffer losses.

If for any reason you are not willing or able to perform the executor’s duties, you have a right to refuse the position. If no alternate is named in the will, an administrator will be appointed by the courts.

Inflation is one of the key factors you will need to consider when planning for retirement. Not only will the cost of living rise while you’re accumulating assets for retirement, but it will continue to rise during your retirement, which could last 25 years or longer. This, combined with the fact that you will not likely earn a paycheck during retirement, is the main reason your portfolio needs to maintain at least some growth potential for the duration of your retirement.

Consider this: If inflation runs at 3% (which is approximately its long-term average, as measured by the Consumer Price Index), the purchasing power of a given sum of money would be cut in half in 23 years. If it averages 4%, your purchasing power would be cut in half in 18 years.

A simple example illustrates the impact of inflation on retirement income. Assuming a consistent annual inflation rate of 3%, if $50,000 satisfies your retirement income needs this year, you’ll need $51,500 of income next year to meet the same income needs. In 10 years, you’ll need about $67,195 to equal the purchasing power of $50,000 this year. And in 25 years, you’d need nearly $105,000 just to maintain that purchasing power!¹

Keep in mind that even a 3% long-term average inflation rate conceals periods of skyrocketing prices, such as in the late 1970s and early 80s, when inflation reached double digits. Although consumer prices have been relatively stable in more recent decades, there’s always the chance that unexpected shocks could cause prices to spike again.

So how do you strive for the returns you’ll need to outpace inflation by a wide enough margin both before and during retirement? The key is to consider investing at least some of your portfolio in growth-oriented investments, such as stocks.²

¹This hypothetical example of mathematical principles is used for illustrative purposes only and does not represent the performance of any specific investment. Note that these figures exclude the effects of taxes, fees, expenses, and investment returns in general.

²All investing involves risk, including the possible loss of principal, and there is no guarantee that any investment strategy will be successful.

It’s human nature to put off complicated or emotionally heavy tasks. Talking with aging parents about their finances, health, and overall well-being might fall in this category. Many adult children would rather avoid this task, as it can create feelings of fear and loss on both sides. But this conversation — what could be the first of many — is too important to put off for long. The best time to start is when your parents are relatively healthy. Otherwise, you may find yourself making critical decisions on their behalf in the midst of a crisis without a roadmap.

Here are some questions to ask them that might help you get started.

Finances

What institutions hold your financial assets? Ask your parents to create a list of their bank, brokerage, and retirement accounts, including account numbers, name(s) on accounts, and online user names and passwords, if any. You should also know where to find their insurance policies (life, home, auto, disability, long-term care), Social Security cards, titles to their house and vehicles, outstanding loan documents, and past tax returns. If your parents have a safe-deposit box or home safe, make sure you can access the key or combination.
Do you need help paying monthly bills or reviewing items like credit card statements, medical receipts, or property tax bills? Do you use online bill pay for any accounts?
Do you currently work with any financial, legal, or tax professionals? If so, ask your parents if they want to share contact information and whether they would find it helpful if you attended meetings with them.
Do you have a durable power of attorney? A durable power of attorney is a legal document that allows a named individual (such as an adult child) to manage all aspects of a parent’s financial life if the parent becomes disabled or incompetent.
Do you have a will? If so, find out where it is and who is named as executor. If the will is more than five years old, your parents may want to review it to make sure their current wishes are represented. Ask if they have any specific personal property disposition requests that they want to discuss now.
Are your beneficiary designations up-to-date? Beneficiary designations on your parents’ insurance policies, pensions, IRAs, and investment accounts will trump any instructions in their will.
Do you have an overall estate plan? A trust? A living trust can be used to help manage an estate while your parents are still living. If you’d like to learn more, consult an estate planning attorney.

Health

What doctors do you currently see? Are you happy with the care you’re getting? If your parents begin to need multiple medical specialists and/or home health services, you might consider hiring a geriatric care manager, especially if you don’t live close by.
What medications are you currently taking? Are you able to manage various dosage instructions? Do you have any notable side effects? At what pharmacy do you get your prescriptions filled?
What health insurance do you have? In addition to Medicare, which starts at age 65, find out if your parents have or should consider Medigap insurance — a private policy that covers many costs not covered by Medicare. You may also want to discuss the need for long-term care insurance, which helps pay for extended custodial or nursing home care.
Do you have an advance medical directive? This document expresses your parents’ wishes regarding life-support measures, if needed, and designates someone who will communicate with health-care professionals on their behalf. If your parents do not want heroic life-saving measures to be undertaken for them, this document is a must.

Living situation

Do you plan to stay in your current home for the foreseeable future, or are you considering downsizing?
Is there anything I can do now to make your home more comfortable and safe? This might include smaller projects such as installing hand rails and night lights in the bathroom, to larger projects such as moving the washing machine out of the basement, installing a stair lift, or moving a bedroom to the first floor.
Could you benefit from a weekly or monthly cleaning service?
Do you employ certain people or companies for home maintenance projects (e.g., heating contractor, plumber, electrician, fall cleanup)?

Memorial wishes

Do you want to be buried or cremated? Do you have a burial plot picked out?
Do you have any specific requests or wishes for your memorial service?