A Better Way Financial
Empowering Your Retirement Dreams
As the year draws to a close, it’s time to ensure your retirement plans are on track and your financial affairs are in order. In the second part of our year-end retirement planning checklist, we’ll delve into the next five steps you should consider taking to help prepare for a secure and stress-free retirement.
Approaching the year’s end requires a careful examination of the cost of living adjustment (COLA) for Social Security. Social Security is slated to increase by 3.2% in 2024, impacting your income. Take the initiative to understand how this adjustment affects your budget and financial planning.
Additionally, assess your Medicare situation. If you are on Medicare, you should determine whether it is being deducted from your Social Security or not. If you are still working, it can be helpful to determine what medicare will look like for you. Make sure both Social Security and Medicare are correctly set up to prevent any surprises in the upcoming year. All in all, taking an active role in this aspect of your retirement planning ensures a thorough understanding of your financial landscape.
Taking a closer look at beneficiaries and estate planning is a vital step as the year concludes. Confirm that all your accounts have designated beneficiaries to ensure a smooth transfer of assets should anything happen to you.
For assets like bank accounts and homes, having named beneficiaries is particularly important to avoid probate costs. Consider setting up a trust to facilitate the seamless transfer of assets to your heirs, sparing them the complexities and expenses associated with probate.
Ensuring that you have a comprehensive and written estate plan in place will help to dictate how your assets should be distributed, taking it off the shoulders of your loved ones and out of the hands of the government.
As we approach the end of the year, it can be important to revisit your long-term care plan. Long-term care, whether in a nursing home or through home healthcare, can be financially draining. Ensure you have adequate coverage, and explore options such as long-term care insurance, life insurance with long-term care benefits, or annuities with income riders for long-term care.
Planning ahead for potential health challenges ensures that your retirement portfolio remains protected, and you remain protected from significant financial burdens in the event of medical care needs.
Similar to preparing your home for the holiday season, it’s time for a financial cleanup. Assess whether your required minimum distributions (RMDs) are in order for the next year. Evaluate the possibility of Roth conversions and ensure your tax situation is well-managed. Also, take stock of your investments, insurance coverage, and overall portfolio.
This step is crucial for identifying any gaps or areas that need adjustment. A thorough financial cleanup ensures you start the new year with a well-organized and optimized financial plan.
To culminate your year-end retirement checklist, we’d like to emphasize the importance of seeking professional guidance. Navigating the complexities of retirement planning, investments, taxes, and estate planning can be overwhelming. A financial planner can provide invaluable insights, helping you make informed decisions. From optimizing your tax situation to assessing your risk tolerance, a financial professional can assist in putting all your financial ducks in a row.
In conclusion, completing all 10 steps presented in our Year-End Retirement Planning Checklist Parts 1 and 2 is a proactive and strategic approach to ensure financial stability and peace of mind in the coming year.
Remember, the guidance of a financial professional can make this process smoother, offering tailored advice based on your unique financial situation. As you prepare for the holiday season, take the time to secure your financial future for a worry-free retirement journey.
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