Ten Things to Do Before You Retire

1. Prepare a Balance Sheet: List your assets and liabilities in detail so you know what you have to work with. Include cash, real estate, and investments as assets and debts or legal obligations as liabilities.
   
   
2. Pay Down Debt: In a perfect world, you’ll want to retire with no debt. Consider paying down debts with the highest interest rate first and paying off your mortgage last since it’s likely the lowest rate.
   
   
3. Assess Life Insurance: Don’t wait until the last minute to make sure you have adequate coverage. Life insurance may be needed for estate planning and a few other purposes. Everyone’s coverage needs and budget vary so be sure to speak to a life insurance representative to tailor your plan.
   
   
4. Look Into Long-Term Care Insurance: Even if you feel you could afford nursing care, long-term care insurance is a good way to guard your assets and help ensure a certain level of quality care, should the need arise.
   
   
5. Review Estate Plan: We all need an updated will, power of attorney, and advanced medical directive. Common mistakes are not having updated beneficiaries on retirement plans or having your estate named as beneficiary. Check that everything is in order.
   
   
6. Prepare a Financial Plan: Map out your retirement goals with a financial professional. You’ll want to be sure your savings will generate enough income during retirement to sustain your lifestyle.
   
   
7. Prepare a Budget: Six months prior to retiring, track your monthly expenses more closely so you know what you are realistically spending. Some costs may go down after retirement -- such as commuting costs or clothes. However, many people underestimate the increased expense of travel and medical coverage in retirement. Setting a realistic budget will help you to know what type of lifestyle you’ll be able to live.
   
   
8. Decide How You Are Going to Spend Your Time: What are you going to do the first 6-12 months of retirement? What about your plans for the rest of your retired life? Many people become bored, quickly. It’s okay (and even exciting) to go back to school or the workplace. Make a plan for your life after retirement so boredom doesn’t catch up to you.
   
   
9. Check Your Cash Reserves: You may need a bigger cash reserve when living on a fixed income. This will help with emergencies and fluctuations in the market. A line of credit could boost your cash reserves and may be an option for some. You can also look at establishing a money market fund so that your cash is liquid and doesn’t need to be paid back.
   
   
10. Evaluate Sources of Income: Make a list of your potential sources of income. You should understand how those income streams will work for you including how predictable the amount you can withdraw from that stream each month will be. Read your plan summaries so you understand when you can access funds and how to withdrawal from them. This is where you may need to consult with a tax professional.

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