10/29/2026
Retirement involves so many moving parts that even the most organized among us can lose track of what matters most. A good checklist won’t replace professional guidance, but it can help you spot gaps before they become costly. Here are three places to start:
Rethink your retirement date: Research shows people often misjudge when they’ll retire, so build flexibility into your plan rather than banking on one exact date.
Know what retirement may cost: Rules of thumb can help, but your actual spending will depend on the life you plan to live. Review your expected expenses one by one for a more realistic estimate.
Don’t overlook taxes and insurance: Coordinating withdrawals across tax-deferred, taxable, and Roth accounts, along with reviewing Medicare and long-term care needs, can help strengthen your overall plan.
See where your retirement checklist may still need attention: https://bit.ly/4i2U9Im
The date you retire is only part of the picture. Also consider your income needs, spending rate, taxes, and more.