Smart Investing After 50
Investing after 50 looks different than it did at 30. The focus shifts from growing wealth to protecting it — while still generating enough income to last through retirement. Here's what actually works.
Retirement Income Strategies Compared
No single strategy works for everyone. Here's how the main options stack up on risk, return, and liquidity.
Returns are estimates and not guaranteed. Past performance does not predict future results.
| Strategy | Risk Level | Typical Return | Liquidity | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High-Yield Savings / CDs | Very Low | 4–5% (2026) | High (savings) / Low (CDs) | Emergency fund, short-term savings |
| Dividend Stocks | Medium | 3–6% dividend yield | High | Growing income over time |
| Fixed Annuity | Very Low | 4–6% guaranteed | Low (surrender period) | Guaranteed monthly income |
| Real Estate (Fundrise) | Medium | 5–10% target | Low (5-yr horizon) | Passive real estate income |
| Gold / Silver IRA | Medium | Inflation hedge | Low (IRA rules apply) | Portfolio diversification |
| Social Security (delay to 70) | None | +8%/year for each year delayed | N/A | Maximizing lifetime income |
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Best Investing Tools for Boomers
These services are specifically well-suited to investors in or near retirement.
Costs and features current as of April 2026.
| Tool / Service | Best For | Cost | Key Benefit | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Empower (Personal Capital)Best Pick | Retirement planning & net worth tracking | Free tools | See all accounts in one dashboard, retirement fee analyzer | Try Free |
| Motley Fool Stock Advisor | Dividend & growth stock picks | ~$99/yr | Monthly stock recommendations with research reports | See Picks |
| Fundrise | Real estate income without landlord headaches | 0.15% advisory fee | Passive real estate income, low $10 minimum | Start Investing |
| Goldco | Portfolio protection with gold & silver IRA | Annual IRA fees apply | Hedge against inflation, rollover existing IRA/401k | Get Free Kit |
This table contains affiliate links. We may earn a commission if you sign up or purchase through our links, at no extra cost to you. See our disclosure.
Start With a Free Retirement Check-Up
Before making any investment changes, get a clear picture of where you stand. Empower (formerly Personal Capital) offers free tools that connect all your accounts — 401k, IRA, brokerage, Social Security estimate — and show you exactly how long your money is likely to last.
Their Retirement Planner is genuinely one of the best free tools available, and their fee analyzer has saved many retirees thousands per year by spotting high-expense mutual funds.
Try Empower FreeAffiliate link — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Learn more.The Case for Dividend Stocks After 50
Dividend stocks — companies that pay regular cash distributions to shareholders — are one of the most popular income strategies for retirees. Unlike bond interest, quality dividend payments often grow over time, helping your income keep pace with inflation.
Look for companies with a long track record of dividend growth (called "Dividend Aristocrats" — S&P 500 companies that have raised dividends for 25+ consecutive years). The Motley Fool Stock Advisor regularly covers dividend-friendly picks with detailed research reports.
Should You Get a Gold IRA?
Gold IRAs allow you to hold physical gold and silver inside a tax-advantaged retirement account. They're primarily used as an inflation hedge and a hedge against stock market crashes — not as a primary growth vehicle.
Goldcois one of the best-known providers for gold IRA rollovers. They offer a free information kit with no obligation — a good starting point if you're curious.
The #1 Free Move: Delay Social Security
For every year you delay claiming Social Security past your full retirement age (up to age 70), your monthly benefit increases by approximately 8%. That's a guaranteed, inflation-adjusted return that no investment can reliably match.
If you can afford to wait — even a few years — delaying Social Security is often the single highest-impact financial decision a Boomer can make.
5 Investing Mistakes to Avoid After 50
- Taking too much risk — you have less time to recover from a market crash. Shift gradually toward income and stability.
- Paying high fund fees— a 1% annual fee on a $500,000 portfolio costs you $5,000/year. Use Empower's free fee analyzer to check yours.
- Claiming Social Security too early — claiming at 62 instead of 70 can reduce your lifetime benefit by 40% or more.
- Ignoring inflation — a fixed income that feels comfortable at 65 may feel tight at 80. Build in growth.
- No written plan — know your monthly income sources, your withdrawal strategy, and your emergency fund target before you retire.