Planning for retirement? Before you can cross that bridge, you’ll need to cross some important items off your to-do list. This handy checklist of 10 crucial steps can help you visualize how far you are from being retirement ready.
☐Retirement Budget
Understand what your income will be, and how you can confidently spend the money you have accumulated for retirement.
☐Emergency Savings
Prepare for emergencies by saving at least three months’ living expenses, and have that money easily available to you.
☐Health Insurance
Understand your options with Medicare and define a strategy for covering healthcare expenses for the long haul.
☐Extended Care
Make arrangements in the event that you or a loved one encounters a health issue requiring full-time care.
☐Social Security Strategy
Evaluate your Social Security benefit options and be aware of how they impact your long-term plan.
☐Tax Strategy
Have a sound tax strategy to guide you through the process of spending money from both taxable and tax-deferred accounts.
☐401k Strategy
Have a strategy for your 401(k) plan and determine the best time for you to access the money, based on your goals.1
☐Lifestyle & Location
Consider where you’ll live, both short- and long-term. Have a plan for funding a move and understand the timing involved.
☐Bucket List
Write down your personal goals for your retirement years. Explore your dreams, priorities and values.
☐Estate Strategy
Develop an estate approach that includes how you want your assets to be allocated, and who will handle your estate.
NOT QUITE READY?
If you’re not as prepared for retirement as you’d like to be, just reach out. At Partners in Planning, 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.
Shayne Lester is a Registered Principal offering Securities and Advisory Services through UNITED PLANNERS FINANCIAL SERVICES Member: FINRA, SIPC. Legal services offered by Elwell and Spain, PLLC. Partners in Planning Financial Services and United Planners are not affiliated.
Partners in Planning
3311 West Rock Creek Road, Suite 110
Norman, OK 73072
405.310.2269
