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Ask the experts: I'm retiring soon. How do I create a realistic retirement budget?

The article from MSN Money discusses strategies for creating a realistic retirement budget as one approaches retirement. It emphasizes the importance of understanding one's financial situation by reviewing all income sources like Social Security, pensions, retirement accounts, and other investments. The piece advises on calculating expected expenses, which should include essentials like housing, healthcare, food, and transportation, as well as discretionary spending on hobbies, travel, or entertainment. It suggests using tools like budgeting apps or spreadsheets to track spending patterns before retirement to make adjustments. The article also highlights the need to account for inflation, potential healthcare costs, and unexpected expenses. Additionally, it recommends considering lifestyle changes that might affect spending, such as downsizing or relocating to a less expensive area, and stresses the importance of having an emergency fund. Finally, it encourages retirees to periodically review and adjust their budget to ensure financial stability throughout retirement.

Read the Full Bankrate Article at:
[ https://www.msn.com/en-us/money/other/ask-the-experts-i-m-retiring-soon-how-do-i-create-a-realistic-retirement-budget/ar-AA1AnruC ]