Retirement

The Pre-Retirement Checklist

The

Pre-Retirement

Checklist:

HOW PREPARED ARE YOU?

Getting ready for retirement? Before you can cross that bridge, you’ll need to cross some important items off your to-do list. But thanks to our work together, you might be more prepared than you think! This handy checklist of ten crucial steps can help you visualize how far you’ve come.

To measure your progress toward retirement preparation, check off your “Done” items from the list below.

Understand what your income will be, and how you can confidently spend the money you have accumulated for retirement.

Prepare for emergencies by saving at least 3 months’ living expenses, and have that money easily available to you.

Have a sound tax strategy to guide you through the process of spending money from both taxable and tax-deferred accounts.

Consider where you’ll live, both short- and long-term. Have a plan for funding a move and understand the timing involved.

Have a strategy for your 401(k) plan and determine the best time for you to access the money, based on your goals.1

Write down your personal goals for your retirement years. Explore your dreams, priorities and values.

Make arrangements in the event that you or a loved one encounters a health issue requiring full-time care.

Develop an estate approach that includes how you want your assets to be allocated, and who will handle your estate.

Understand your options with Medicare and define a strategy for covering health care expenses for the long haul.

Have a sound tax strategy to guide you through the process of spending money from both taxable and tax-deferred accounts.

NOT QUITE READY?

If you’re not as prepared for retirement as you’d like to be, just reach out. Together, we can fine-tune these strategies so you can finish your checklist and get started on that bucket list.

1. Distributions from 401(k) plans and most other employer-sponsored retirement plans are taxed as ordinary income and, if taken before age 59½, may be subject to a 10% federal income tax penalty. Generally, once you reach age 73, you must begin taking required minimum distributions.

 

Related Content

Spotting Credit Trouble

Spotting Credit Trouble

The wise use of credit is a critical skill. These 10 questions will help you assess your skill level.

The Cost of Procrastination

The Cost of Procrastination

Don't let procrastination keep you from pursuing your financial dreams and goals.

When to Self-Insure

When to Self-Insure

Choosing to bear the financial burden of an adverse event is called self-insuring. Do you know what that entails?

 

Have A Question About This Topic?







Thank you! Oops!

AI Tools Changing Retiree Entrepreneurship

The impact that Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools can have on retirees with a consulting or small business venture.

Red Flags for Tax Auditors

Here are six flags that may make your tax return prime for an IRS audit.

Social Media: #NewestBusinessLiabilityRisk

Social media may be a modern imperative for businesses looking to grow and build their brand, but it also introduces risk.

View all articles

What's My Potential Estate Tax?

This calculator helps estimate your federal estate tax liability.

What Is the Dividend Yield?

This calculator helps determine your pre-tax and after-tax dividend yield on a particular stock.

Saving for Retirement

This calculator can help you estimate how much you may need to save for retirement.

View all calculators

An Inside Look at Retirement Living

A number of questions and concerns need to be addressed to help you better prepare for retirement living.

Long-Term-Care Protection Strategies

The chances of needing long-term care, its cost, and strategies for covering that cost.

Your Cash Flow Statement

A presentation about managing money: using it, saving it, and even getting credit.

View all presentations

Questions to Consider When Buying a Vacation Home

Doing your research is key before buying a vacation home.

From Boats to Brokers

From the Dutch East India Company to Wall Street, the stock market has a long and storied history.

It May Be Time for a Financial Checkup

It’s never a bad time to speak with your financial professional about changes in your situation.

View all videos