The Fed’s benchmark interest rate is expected to rise to over 5% this year and recession fears persist — but here’s why soon-to-be retirees shouldn’t panicThe Fed is expected to make another rate hike announcement next month while its benchmark interest rate current sits in the 4.25% to 4.5% range — the highest level in 15 years.”I wish there was a painless way to restore price stability,” Fed chairman Jerome Powell told a reporter from NBC in December. “There isn’t.”Don’t missIt’s becoming more expensive to borrow even as stubborn inflation keeps prices high, and Americans are feeling the strain on their retirement savings.According to a 2022 survey from insurance giant Allianz, 54% of Americans say they have stopped or reduced retirement savings due to inflation. And the Nationwide Retirement Institute found that four in 10 older Americans are delaying retirement in the midst of challenging economic conditions, according to the — double those who were pushing back retirement in 2021.However, keeping your finances on track can help you still reach your retirement goal on time, even with an economic downturn on the horizon.Why you shouldn’t panicThe Fed is raising interest rates in order to combat persistent inflation — which clocked in at 7.1% in November, according to the latest data.Fed rate increases are likely to continue in order to bring inflation down to the goal rate of 2%. The Fed expects the rate will hit 5.1% in this year and a recession remains likely.”Inflation remains elevated, reflecting supply and demand imbalances related to the pandemic, higher food and energy prices, and broader price pressures,” the The Federal Open Market Committee said in December.A recession is typically characterized by a significant decline in economic activity, rising unemployment levels and low consumer demand. While GDP rose in the third quarter of 2022 and unemployment remains low, high prices and declining real wages are increasing the likelihood that demand will drop and a recession will begin this year.Story continuesThat said, recessions have lasted less than a year on average since the Second World War, and many economists are expecting this one to be relatively mild.Soon-to-be retirees might have concerns — especially if the value of their IRAs has dropped with the stock market. Average retirement savings have plunged by nearly $10,000, according to data from financial services company Northwestern Mutual.But if you take some precautionary measures to get your finances in order, you might not be severely impacted by an economic downturn.What soon-to-be retirees can do to prepareFortify your emergency fundDuring a recession, when economic activity is stifled and unemployment starts to spike, older workers tend to be at higher risk of losing their jobs compared to those in the middle of their careers.You can prepare for this possibility by beefing up your emergency fund. Experts generally recommend setting aside three to six months’ worth of living expenses in normal circumstances.However, if you’re barely making ends meet in the midst of rampant inflation, start with smaller savings. You can build up your cash cushion over time, but be realistic about how much you can conserve.WATCH NOW: Video: Suze Orman says ‘$400 can make all the difference’ in an emergencyScoop up shares on the cheapAlthough the market’s been down, this might be a good opportunity to purchase shares while they’re cheap — and benefit over the long-term.If you’re in a strong financial position, consider building a diversified portfolio with sectors that traditionally perform well throughout economic cycles, like health care, utilities and consumer staples.Short-term assets, like cash, prepaid expenses and short-term investments, can also help you ride out a recession. They’re meant to be used within a year, which can help you avoid tapping into your long-term investment funds.Read more: 4 simple ways to protect your money against white-hot inflation (without being a stock market genius)Take advantage of low tax ratesThe market downturn might actually make for a good opportunity to convert your traditional IRA into a Roth IRA.A traditional IRA lets you grow your money tax-free until you make withdrawals in retirement. With a Roth IRA, you’ll need to pay your taxes upfront but can benefit from tax-free withdrawals in retirement instead.So why might it make sense to convert over to a Roth IRA now? While the market’s down, your portfolio value has likely shrunk as well, which means there’s less to pay taxes on.You’re also currently benefiting from 2017’s tax cuts — which will no longer apply by Dec. 31, 2025.If you think you might be in a higher tax bracket in the future, consider taking on a lower tax burden now and gaining from tax-free withdrawals in your retirement.What to read nextThis article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.
