Investing for a 61-Year-Old
At age 61, the enhanced catch-up window (ages 60-63) is in its second year. Model the claiming age decision now: Social Security at 62 pays roughly 70% of your full retirement age benefit for those born in 1960 or later, while delaying to 70 raises the benefit by 8% per year beyond your full retirement age of 67. Run both scenarios against your health, other income, and portfolio size. Roth conversions remain attractive if current-year income falls below future projected rates. Target a bond/cash allocation that covers two to three years of planned withdrawals.