In 2024, BlackRock CEO Larry Fink suggested Americans work past 65 to avoid a retirement crisis due to longer lifespans. The number of Americans over 65 is projected to increase by 42% to 82 million by 2050, impacting Social Security. Fink believes raising the retirement age is a solution to ensure financial stability in retirement.

However, labor economist Teresa Ghilarducci disagrees with Fink, citing varying life expectancies in the U.S. Some populations face declining longevity due to health issues, job types, and economic disparities. She argues many older Americans are forced to retire early due to health or caregiving responsibilities. A study found 64% of retirees did not retire when planned, with financial readiness being a factor for only 20%. The majority of early retirees were forced into retirement due to personal health reasons or a loss of employment, indicating limited choices in later employment. To secure your retirement, focus on managing finances, Social Security timing, and saving/investing wisely. Consider meeting with a financial advisor to set a solid financial foundation. Working with an advisor can add about 3% to net returns over time. A diversified portfolio of ETFs can help slowly build your retirement fund. Acorns, a micro-investing app, rounds up everyday purchases to invest spare change into ETFs. Sign up now for a $20 bonus investment. Diversifying into alternative assets like gold may benefit your retirement fund. The price of gold has surged by over 65% in the past year, with an expected 10% increase by 2026. Consider opening a gold IRA with Priority Gold for tax advantages and protection against economic uncertainties. Priority Gold offers free rollover, shipping, and storage, with potential for up to $10,000 in free silver. Download their free 2026 gold investor bundle for more information. Life insurance through Ethos can provide long-term financial security for your family post-retirement. Term life insurance can help mitigate the financial impact of loss without requiring blood tests or medical exams. Answer a few quick questions about your medical history to secure your family’s future. Ethos offers quick coverage approval in just 10 minutes through their online portal, regardless of preexisting conditions. They rely on vetted sources and credible third-party reporting for transparency. BlackRock and South Carolina Daily Gazette advocate raising the age for Social Security benefits, citing data from Population Reference Bureau and the Social Security Administration. Bloomberg and The Lancet provide additional insights on retirement and economic trends. Vanguard and CNBC offer further resources for financial planning. This article serves as information only and not as advice, without warranty.

Read more at Yahoo Finance: Larry Fink says Americans must retire later to dodge ‘retirement crisis.’ Do this now if you really don’t have a choice