You have several things to take care of before you retire, and you must do these things seamlessly to prevent issues down the line. Retirement is an exciting prospect. You get to enjoy your life instead of working eight hours a day. Of course, there are many tasks you must tend to before you get to this point. Your retirement strategy should include a thorough rundown of what to take care of before you retire.
If you’re unsure what to do and wondering how to ensure a seamless retirement, you can start by ensuring that the following four tasks are taken care of. You'll be ready to relax with these items crossed off your retirement to-do list.
One of the essential components of your retirement strategy is your plan for generating income — and how you’ll spend it. If you’re exceptionally well-prepared, you may have income from multiple sources, such as a pension, a 401(k), or an IRA. You must determine how much income you need to cover your living expenses and then create a budget outlining where that money will come from. It will take care of an essential concern most retirees have as they enter retirement age. You shouldn’t have to worry about income, and with the right plan, you won’t. Consider opening an Annuity to supplement your income.
Many people don’t realize that their insurance will inevitably change when they retire. Indeed, when you leave your job, your benefits will also change. For most people, this includes their health insurance. It’s a good idea to take advantage of your coverage while it’s still in place and schedule any medical appointments as soon as possible. If the clock is ticking on dental and vision coverage, for example, now is the time to get your annual check-up.
Once your employer-provided health and life insurance runs out, you must carefully consider what coverage you will opt for next. Some employers offer special medical insurance for retirees. Alternately, you may be able to extend your prior coverage through COBRA for as long as 18 months. Many retirees simply opt to find a new plan on the Health Insurance Marketplace. Buy a life insurance plan while you are younger and healthier.
With retirement in sight, you need to finalize your plans for handling your retirement accounts. If you have multiple accounts — for example, a 401(k) and an IRA — you may be able to consolidate the savings and simplify account management. You may also choose to start making withdrawals as a source of income, or you may opt to let your money continue sitting and accumulating interest. Your decision will depend on any rules your company may have regulating payouts and individual standards imposed by the IRS.
At 1891 Financial Life we don’t just sell policies, we offer possibilities. We pride ourselves on giving back to the communities that we serve by providing quality and comprehensive insurance solutions. We are a not-for-profit life insurance organization, which means the sales from these financial service products help fund member benefits along with social, educational, and volunteer programs designed to respond to community needs.