Retirement Trends and Challenges

differentiate your retirement advising practice with elevated and specialized capabilities. Explore the RMA® Certification: https://iwicentral.org/3STsNId   In this roundtable discussion, experts Anna Rappaport, Rob Austin, and Michael Doshier provide insights on key retirement issues including spending patterns, debt levels, housing costs, family support, and using products like annuities and reverse mortgages.   Key takeaways: - Retiree spending declines on average 2% per year, but is often "lumpy" with large one-time expenses - Housing represents the biggest expense for retirees, but many fail to incorporate home equity into financial plans - More retirees carry debt and support adult children financially than in the past - Annuities and reverse mortgages remain underutilized due to complexity, lack of advisor expertise     The experts emphasize the need for holistic planning that accounts for healthcare, housing, family obligations, and other qualitative factors - not just portfolio returns. They advise financial advisors to take an expansive view when working with retiree clients.