Ten Years Before Retirement: Financial Planning Essentials from Foundation Wealth and Tax Advisors's blog

Ten years before retirement is a crucial period to ensure that you're financially prepared and have a plan in place to transition smoothly into your retired life. Here are some steps and considerations to take during this time:

1. Evaluate Financial Readiness:Assess your current financial situation, including savings, investments, debts, and expenses. This will give you a clear picture of how well you're positioned for retirement.
2. Set Retirement Goals:Determine your desired lifestyle during retirement. Consider factors such as where you want to live, travel plans, hobbies, and any potential healthcare needs. This will help you estimate your potential retirement expenses.
3. Adjust Investment Portfolio:As you get closer to retirement, consider adjusting your investment portfolio to reduce risk. Gradually shift investments from higher-risk assets to more stable ones to protect your savings from market volatility. Consider engaging a financial advisor in your area to help guide you through this process.
4. Maximize Retirement Contributions:Contribute the maximum amount allowed to your retirement accounts, such as 401(k)s, IRAs, and other pension plans. Take advantage of catch-up contributions if you're eligible.
5. Debt Management:Aim to pay off high-interest debts before retirement, as they can eat into your retirement income. Being debt-free will provide you with more financial flexibility during retirement.
6. Healthcare Planning:Investigate healthcare options for retirees, including Medicare and any supplemental plans. Plan for potential healthcare costs by building a buffer in your retirement budget.
7. Explore Retirement Income Streams:Identify potential sources of retirement income, such as Social Security, pensions, annuities, and rental income. Understand when and how you can access these funds.
8. Consider Long-Term Care Insurance:Evaluate whether long-term care insurance is a good option for you. This type of insurance can provide coverage for potential future medical or caregiving needs.
9. Professional Financial Advice:Consult a financial advisor, such as Foundation Wealth and Tax, to review your retirement plan, assess your investments, and ensure that you're on track to meet your retirement goals.
10. Explore Part-Time Work:If you're interested, consider taking on part-time or consulting work in your field. This can help ease the transition into full retirement while supplementing your income.