Retirement Check List

Retirement is often seen as a specific date in time but in reality, it is a process. This checklist will help you identify important tasks leading up to the date you choose to retire.

5 years

1. Take advantage of catch-up contributions to build your retirement resources.
2. Create a list of your retirement income sources.
3. Create/ Update Estate documents such as a Will, Power of Attorney, Health Care Directives and Trust agreements.
4. Consider your housing options.
5. Reduce/eliminate debt.
6. Evaluate your financial resources for retiring.

1 year

1. Pick a retirement date – review your benefit information from your company to ensure you pick a date that maximizes the benefits you will receive.
2. Get guidance on when to initiate your Social Security and Medicare benefits.
3. Review and update beneficiaries for all accounts.
4. Review estate documents and update as needed.

3 -6 months

1. Develop a budget for retirement.
2. Gather contact information for all retirement plans.
3. Investigate health care options if you will not be eligible for Medicare when you retire.
4. Understand what paperwork is needed for accessing retirement accounts such as a pension and identify any deadlines.
5. Determine if you have retirement plans from previous employers (pension, 401K etc.)
6. Determine if you have balances in previous employers HSA plans.

First 30 days after retirement

1. For all retirement plans

• Choose the type of payments you want.
• Choose how and when you will receive payments.
• Set up a direct deposit.
• Review beneficiary information.

2. For Other Retirement Plans

• Apply for pension (if applicable)
• Apply for Social Security (if applicable)

3. Enroll in medical health benefits.