Posted on August 25, 2025

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.

You're 0 steps closer to retirement readiness.

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

• 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 3 months’ living expenses, and have that money easily available to you.
• Tax Strategy
  Have a sound tax strategy to guide you through the process of spending money from both taxable and tax-deferred accounts.
•  Lifestyle & Location
  Consider where you’ll live, both short- and long-term. Have a plan for funding a move and understand the timing involved.
• 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.
• Bucket List
  Write down your personal goals for your retirement years. Explore your dreams, priorities and values.
• Extended Care
  Make arrangements in the event that you or a loved one encounters a health issue requiring full-time care.
• Estate Strategy
  Develop an estate approach that includes how you want your assets to be allocated, and who will handle your estate.
• Health Insurance
  Understand your options with Medicare and define a strategy for covering health care expenses for the long haul.
• Social Security Strategy
  Have a sound tax strategy to guide you through the process of spending money from both taxable and tax-deferred accounts.
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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.