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Retirees and pre-retirees

10 moments for retirees and people nearing retirement.

Name the moment, not the job title. Each one has a hook line to open a post or video with, its ringtone (the letter, bill or date people react to before they think) and what's at stake.

  1. Five years out

    “Five years from retirement: the decisions you make now matter more than the ones you make at 65.”
    Ringtone
    Turning 60
    What's at stake
    Catch-up contributions, debt payoff and a draft income plan make the last stretch count.

  2. Picking the retirement date

    “Pick your last day of work around your pension and bonus, not just your birthday.”
    Ringtone
    HR's retirement paperwork
    What's at stake
    Pension formulas, bonuses and health coverage depend on the exact date.

  3. Turning 65 and Medicare

    “Your Medicare window opens three months before you turn 65. Miss it and the penalty lasts for life.”
    Ringtone
    The Medicare card in the mail
    What's at stake
    Enrollment timing, Part B and D penalties and supplement choices are permanent decisions.

  4. Claiming Social Security

    “Claiming Social Security at 62 instead of 70 can mean far less income every month for life. Decide on purpose.”
    Ringtone
    The Social Security statement
    What's at stake
    Claiming age is one of the largest lifetime income decisions, especially for married couples.

  5. Pension: lump sum or annuity

    “Your pension is offering a lump sum. Before you sign, compare it to the monthly check.”
    Ringtone
    The pension election packet
    What's at stake
    A pension election is usually irrevocable and shapes income and survivor benefits.

  6. The first year of withdrawals

    “No more paychecks. Which account do you take your first retirement dollar from?”
    Ringtone
    The first month without a paycheck
    What's at stake
    Withdrawal order drives taxes for decades.

  7. Required minimum distributions start

    “Your first RMD is coming. Plan it before the IRS plans it for you.”
    Ringtone
    The custodian's RMD notice
    What's at stake
    RMDs raise taxable income and Medicare premiums; there are ways to plan around them.

  8. Medicare premium surprise

    “Your Medicare premium went up because of a Roth conversion two years ago. That's IRMAA.”
    Ringtone
    The IRMAA letter from Social Security
    What's at stake
    Income-related surcharges use income from two years earlier and can be planned around.

  9. Downsizing the home

    “Selling the family home? The tax rules and the moving costs change the math.”
    Ringtone
    The real estate agent's listing appointment
    What's at stake
    Downsizing frees equity but brings capital gains, moving and new housing costs.

  10. Thinking about long-term care

    “Seventy and healthy? That's the moment to plan for long-term care, not after a diagnosis.”
    Ringtone
    A friend moving into assisted living
    What's at stake
    Long-term care costs are the biggest unplanned risk in retirement.

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General education, not financial advice. Check rules and figures against current law before you publish.