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Retirement Checklist

Retirement Checklist

Work through the major areas at your own pace. Checked items are saved in this browser only — nothing is sent to us.

The Retirement Planning Checklist

Work through each group at your own pace. Items are prompts for review, not personalized recommendations — confirm specifics with the appropriate professional or official source where noted.

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Income and spending

Build a realistic annual spending estimate for the retirement lifestyle you expect.
Get a personalized Social Security benefit estimate at different claiming ages via your my Social Security account.
Identify any pension income and understand whether it includes survivor benefits.
List all expected income sources and compare the total to your spending estimate.
Decide roughly when you plan to claim Social Security and why.

Accounts and withdrawals

Inventory all retirement accounts: 401(k)s, 403(b)s, IRAs, Roth accounts and taxable brokerage accounts.
Confirm beneficiary designations are current on every account.
Understand the required minimum distribution rules and age that apply to your pre-tax accounts.
Think through a rough order for withdrawing from different account types once retired.
Consolidate old employer accounts if it simplifies management.

Healthcare

If retiring before 65, price out bridge coverage options: COBRA, a Marketplace plan, or a spouse's employer plan.
Review Medicare enrollment timing if you're approaching 65.
Compare Medicare Advantage, Medigap and Part D options if enrolling in Medicare.
Estimate ongoing out-of-pocket healthcare costs, including dental, vision and hearing.
Consider how you would fund extended long-term care needs if they arise.

Taxes

Review the tax treatment of each account type you hold (traditional, Roth, taxable).
Evaluate whether Roth conversions make sense for your situation before retirement income begins.
Understand how required minimum distributions will affect your future tax bracket.
Check current IRS contribution and catch-up contribution limits if you're still working.

Debt and cash reserves

List all debt you expect to carry into retirement and its payoff timeline.
Evaluate whether paying down debt before retiring is feasible and worthwhile.
Build or confirm a cash reserve for near-term spending to reduce reliance on investment sales.

Legal and final logistics

Review or create a will, power of attorney and healthcare directive.
Confirm all account and insurance beneficiary designations align with your current wishes.
Notify your employer of your intended retirement date and confirm any final paperwork or benefits timelines.
Set a plan for how you'll spend your time and stay connected socially after leaving work.

Not sure which items matter most for you?

The Retirement Readiness Assessment highlights the areas of your plan that may deserve the closest look first.

Take the 2-Minute Assessment →

Want the background behind each step? Read the full retirement checklist guide.

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