Finances
- Consult with your financial advisor.
- Reduce or eliminate outstanding debt.
- Apply for Social Security benefits, if you haven't already done so.
- Speak to your bank about refinancing options.
- Determine your health care coverage and expenses once you retire. Do some research to be sure your plan matches your needs and budget.
- Review your insurance policies (Homeowners, Long-Term Care, Auto, Life, etc.)
- Review the payment options in your pension plan - every month, every year, lump sum, etc.
- Find a tax consultant.
- Find an attorney.
- Create or update your last will & testament with your attorney. Discuss it with beneficiaries.
- Set aside some money for emergencies.
- Make a budget according to the new lifestyle you will have.
- Consider working part-time to keep you busy and earn additional income.
Lifestyle
- Choose your retirement date. Be sure to investigate employee benefits before doing so.
- Plan a retirement party!
- Decide what kind of lifestyle you will have when you retire: active, indulgent, etc.
- Research various places you'd like to travel to, the best time of year to travel there and the estimated cost of each trip. Find Bed & Breakfasts.
- Learn a new hobby, sport or skill - play an instrument, paint, draw, dance, etc. Find a school.
- Turn a hobby or passion into a business. Start a company.
- Exercise regularly to stay fit, healthy and strong. Find a gym or personal trainer.
- Make your own website or blog. Find a website design company.
- Learn a foreign language. Find a language school.
- Find places to volunteer your time.
- Go back to school to study something you always wanted to learn more about.
- Get a pet to keep you company. Find pet services.
- Consider obtaining at-home care or assisted living services. Find health care options.
- Take on a challenging project you didn't have time for in the past. Perhaps renovate your home or go green!
Location
- Decide if you will spend your retirement in your current location or go elsewhere (new home, nursing home, move in with family, etc. ).
- If moving, research where you'd like to spend your retirement. Consider things like proximity to transportation hubs, hospitals, family and friends, etc.
- Consider selling your current home if you are moving to a new one. Research the market and find a realtor.
- Visit the areas you have selected for retirement.
- Find local or international retirement properties. Enlist the help of a real estate agent.
- Purchase a retirement home, or a second home. See our Buy a House checklist.
- If your time will be shared between 2 or more locations, consider renting each home when it is vacant. Find a property management company.
- If you are moving, see our 'Moving' checklist for related tasks and deadlines.
- Find a moving company to help you relocate.
- Consider renovating certain elements of your home to make them more senior-friendly. (Such as walk-in bathtub, door handles, wheelchair accessibility, etc.). Find tradesmen.