What are you going to do during the first six to 12 months in retirement, and what do you plan to do for the rest of your retired life?
#2 Determine (realistically) how much money you will spend each month
Remember to include periodic expenditures such as gifts, vacations, taxes, an occasional new car, and emergencies.
#3 Anticipate the cost of healthcare
You’ll have no employer to pay this for you — money for Medicare supplemental insurance (also known as “Medigap”) and private health insurance policies will come out of your pocket.
#4 Consider buying a long-term care insurance policy
Whether you should purchase a long-term care policy depends on your unique situation. When you shop for one, compare hybrid policies to traditional policies.
#5 Refinance your mortgage
Many people are shocked to discover that they either cannot borrow money after they retire, or they are forced to pay higher rates.
#6 Boost your cash reserves
Make sure your rainy-day fund is enough to cover at least six months’ worth of expenses.
#7 Evaluate your sources of income
You have already figured out what you’ll spend monthly. Now figure out where that money will come from.
#8 Revise your investment strategy
The way you’ve handled your investments over the past 30 years is not how you should handle them for the next 30. While preparing for retirement, you were focused on asset accumulation. When you’re in retirement, you need to focus on income and on keeping pace with the increasing cost of living. Assets must be flexible and liquid so you can meet needs you did not anticipate. New words will enter your vocabulary: rollovers and lump sums.
#9 Review your estate plan
Review your will and trust. Don’t have them? Get them. These documents can help protect you and your assets while you are alive and benefit your spouse and children when you pass on.
#10 Ask yourself if you are excited about retirement
Perhaps the most important thing of all. If you are not excited about retiring, then don’t. Many people quickly become bored after retiring. It’s OK — even exciting — to return to school or the workplace. Many do this, often in completely new fields.