Questions to Consider Before Retirement
Retirement is a big change, and it’s easier when you’ve thought through the big questions ahead of time. Here are some worth writing down and talking over with your family.
About money coming in
- When do I plan to claim Social Security, and how might that choice affect my monthly amount? (The Social Security Administration can give you your own estimates.)
- Will I have a pension, and what happens to it if I pass away first?
- How much will I draw from savings each year?
About money going out
- What will my monthly expenses look like?
- How will I pay for health care before and after 65?
- Do I still have a mortgage or other debts?
About the unexpected
- How would I handle a large, unexpected bill?
- What if I need help with daily living later on?
- What would happen to my spouse’s income if I passed away first?
About my family
- Who knows where my important documents are?
- Have I written down my final wishes?
- Are my beneficiaries up to date?
There are no wrong answers. The point is to see where you feel ready and where you have questions. The free Gavrel Retirement Readiness Review walks through these questions step by step.
This article is for general educational purposes only and is not tax, legal, or investment advice. Product features and availability vary by carrier and state.

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