Vermont Retirement Planners, LLC

54 Highland Avenue
Manchester Center, VT 05255
nick@vtretirement.com
(802) 367-3958

87 North Main St.
Rutland, VT 05701
nick@vtretirement.com
(802) 772-7945

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

Prevent a Rift: Money Tips for Newlyweds

Prevent a Rift: Money Tips for Newlyweds

Couples may be able to head off many of the problems in a marriage that money can cause.

Choices for Your 401(k) at a Former Employer

Choices for Your 401(k) at a Former Employer

Individuals have three basic choices with the 401(k) account they accrued at a previous employer.

Taxable vs. Tax-Deferred Savings

Taxable vs. Tax-Deferred Savings

Use this calculator to compare the future value of investments with different tax consequences.

 

Have A Question About This Topic?







Thank you! Oops!

A Living Trust Primer

Living trusts are popular, but their appropriateness will depend upon your individual needs and objectives.

Questions to Ask About Medicare

Take the guesswork out of your IEP or SEP with this helpful article.

Making a Charitable Contribution

There are benefits and limitations when you decide to donate stock.

View all articles

Contributing to an IRA?

Determine if you are eligible to contribute to a traditional or Roth IRA.

Can I Refinance My Mortgage?

This calculator can help determine whether it makes sense to refinance your mortgage.

Inflation & Retirement

Estimate how much income may be needed at retirement to maintain your standard of living.

View all calculators

Protecting Those Who Matter Most

The importance of life insurance, how it works, and how much coverage you need.

5 Smart Investing Principles

Principles that can help create a portfolio designed to pursue investment goals.

Investment Strategies for Retirement

Investment tools and strategies that can enable you to pursue your retirement goals.

View all presentations

What You Need to Know About Social Security

Every so often, you’ll hear about Social Security benefits running out. But is there truth to the fears, or is it all hype?

Bursting the Bubble

Tulips were the first, but they won’t be the last. What forms a “bubble” and what causes them to burst?

Tuning Your Social Security Benefit

When should you take your Social Security benefit?

View all videos