Are You Retirement Ready? 5 Key Signs You’re on Track

Retirement is one of life’s most meaningful transitions. It brings exciting opportunities, and understandably, a few uncertainties. Whether it’s just around the corner or still a decade away, feeling prepared for retirement means more than reaching a goal dollar amount in your retirement and savings accounts. It’s about supporting your lifestyle, staying healthy, and finding personal fulfillment in this next phase of life. Here are five key signs you’re on the right path.

1. You Know What You Need to Live On

While having it’s not the only thing pre-retirees need to consider, one of the most important questions to answer as you approach retirement is: how much do I need to live the life I envision? Since you’ll no longer receive a regular paycheck, creating a realistic, detailed financial plan is essential. This includes assessing your monthly living expenses and planning for inflation. Turning your savings and investments into income is a shift for many, so it’s critical to project how long your savings will need to last. A trusted financial advisor can help run the numbers and stress test different scenarios to give you clarity and confidence.

2. You Have Little to No Debt

Minimizing debt before retirement can significantly improve your cash flow. Equally important is having a well-defined strategy to pay off any remaining debt. Monthly payments on mortgages, car loans, or credit cards can quickly eat into your income. This may limit your ability to enjoy the freedom you’ve worked so hard to earn. If you still carry debt, it’s wise to evaluate your options and prioritize paying it down as part of your pre-retirement strategy.

3. You’ve Accounted for Health Care Costs

Healthcare is often a major retirement expense, particularly for those retiring before Medicare eligibility at age 65. It’s essential to plan for this coverage gap and recognize that Medicare itself is not without cost. Premiums, deductibles, and costs for services not covered by Medicare can add up quickly. Proactively evaluating your insurance options and factoring those costs into your retirement plan can help you avoid unexpected financial stress down the line.

4. You Feel Emotionally Ready

Financial readiness is only one side of the coin. Being emotionally prepared for retirement is just as important. Do you want to retire? Some individuals are eager to leave the workforce. Others feel uneasy or even forced into it. That’s why it’s helpful to begin thinking early about what retirement will look like for you. Be honest about your readiness to embrace this new chapter.

5. You’ve Thought About Your Non-Financial Goals

What will you do with your time once the structure of your workday is gone? Retirement can feel like a significant identity shift. This is especially true if much of your life has revolved around your career. The most successful and happiest retirees are those who stay engaged with life. This can mean traveling, exploring hobbies, volunteering, or spending time with loved ones. Whatever your dream may be, make it part of your plan.

As you plan for your retirement years, make sure you take a step back and look beyond your investment portfolio and look at the big picture you’ve worked years to earn. If you’re interested in discussing your retirement readiness needs with a financial advisor, don’t hesitate to reach out.