Are you just starting to think about retirement? Are you reaching retirement soon? It’s never too late to make adjustments now that can positively affect your life in retirement.
We have listed a retirement readiness checklist. It will identify areas where you feel prepared and where you may have overlooked. Learn what you need to adjust to be on track!
Rate your answers from 1 to 4, 1 being: have not considered and 4 being: fully prepared.
- I thought out essential factors for me to have a satisfying, happy retirement
- I talk openly about my goals, dreams and interests for retirement
- I have discussed with my spouse/partner whether or not we can retire at the same time, or work part-time in retirement
- I know where I will live during retirement
- I have a plan for how to spend my weekdays when I'm no longer working
- I have considered the emotional impact of retirement
- I have no or very little credit card debt
- I have looked into new hobbies and activities to pursue while retired
- I have considered the relationship I have with my co-workers and how I may miss that interaction
- I am an advocate for myself in the workplace by seeking visible job assignment and networking
- I have maximized my 401(k) contributions
- I have updated my beneficiary information
- I understand where my health insurance will come from once retired
- I have become a knowledgeable investor by learning basic investment concepts
- I understand my social security benefits, and have a clear plan for when to begin receiving payments
- I have a good sense of whether or not I can retire when I'd like
- I have a good understanding of whether or not I need long-term care insurance
- I have a detailed list of the expenses I expect to incur in retirement
- I estimated how much money I/we will need monthly in retirement
- I have consolidated financial accounts, such as 401(k) plans, IRA
- I have determined if I will be payment free when I retire, i.e. mortgage, auto, credit cards
- I have completed estate planning documents, such as a will, trust, durable power of attorney, and health-care proxy
- I have considered alternative plans should I/we face unplanned setbacks in retirement
- I have peace of mind
Once you have developed a sense of where you stand with your retirement planning, you can begin to make adjustments to get or stay on track.
Does this checklist help you? Would you add anything else?
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