Retirement once meant stepping away from work, but many Gen Xers now expect a second act.
A Northwestern Mutual Planning and Progress Study found many doubt they will be financially ready, making future income part of the plan.
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That means over half of Gen X retirees are thinking about working again. These experts reveal how they should go about it.
Do You Actually Need to Work?
Before searching for a job, financial experts say the first step is determining whether work is truly necessary or simply a reaction to market uncertainty.
“A clear cash-flow and tax projection can show whether a modest expense adjustment or smarter withdrawal strategy solves the problem without reentering the workforce,” said Christopher Stroup, founder and president of Silicon Beach Financial.
Stroup explained, “If the gap is short-term or market-driven, work may be optional. If it’s structural, earned income can add meaningful flexibility.”
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Before Taking the Job
Before accepting a role, retirees should review how added income fits into their existing retirement plan.
Chad Gammon, a certified financial planner and owner of Custom Fit Financial, said retirees should calculate the income gap they need to fill and review how wages may affect ACA premium credits and Social Security at age 62.
Once Income Starts
After earnings begin, the impact goes beyond the initial benefit review. Additional income can create wider changes across the rest of a retirement plan.
“Even part-time work can push retirees into higher tax brackets, increase Medicare premiums or change the optimal timing for Social Security,” Stroup said. “Health coverage is another blind spot because losing ACA subsidies or mishandling Medicare enrollment can be costly and hard to unwind.”
Choosing the Right Work
Once the financial impact is understood, the next question becomes what kind of job fits a retirement lifestyle rather than a career routine.
“If you enjoyed the area you retired from and just need a new environment then staying in that field or consulting is a good option,” Gammon said. “It will also probably pay the closest to your old salary. If that doesn’t sound appealing, then look at jobs that you think you’d enjoy with reduced stress and flexibility.”
The Bottom Line
Working in retirement is increasingly common for Gen X, but the outcome depends on how intentionally it is handled. Reviewing the income need, understanding how earnings affect benefits and choosing a role that fits the stage of life can help the extra work support a retirement plan rather than disrupt it.
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This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: Over Half of Gen X Retirees Thinking About Working Again – Experts Reveal How They Should
