AARP lays out six areas of financial health for retirees

A handful of numbers — from the money left over each month to the amount of high-interest debt carried — can provide a quick snapshot of whether personal finances are on track or headed for trouble, according to a report published this week by AARP. The timing is significant. About two in five U.S. workers worry they will not have enough money to live comfortably in retirement, according to the Employee Benefit Research Institute’s 2026 Retirement Confidence Survey, cited by AARP. Rising prices, concerns about Social Security and record debt among older Americans have added to these worries. The first number pointed to by AARP is monthly cash flow. Subtract household expenses from take-home pay. A negative result means spending is outpacing income and may signal the need to cut recurring costs or find additional income. Next comes Social Security. Workers can check their estimated retirement benefit through an online account with the Social Security Administration. While payments can begin at 62, delaying a claim can increase the monthly benefit through age 70. Retirement savings offer another reality check. Add balances from 401(k)s, IRAs and other accounts, then compare the total...