Retirement Income Income Lab
- Identify a target retirement date
- Map expected income sources: SS, pension, portfolio
- Understand spending: fixed vs. flexible
- Define your income floor — needs vs. wants
- Maximize 401(k)/IRA; start catch-up contributions Age 50+
- Super catch-up contributions ($11,250 for 401k) Age 60–63
Healthcare Move Health
- Know your current coverage type (employer, spouse, etc.)
- Identify your Medicare gap: retirement date vs. age 65 Age 65
- Fund your HSA aggressively if eligible
- Flag conditions that will affect future coverage choices
Housekeeping
- Update beneficiary designations on all accounts
- Review wills, POA, and healthcare directives
- Consolidate old 401(k)s where it makes sense
Retirement Income Income Lab
- Model Social Security claiming scenarios Age 62 / FRA / 70
- Run a withdrawal sequencing analysis with your advisor
- Stress-test: what if markets drop 30% in year one?
- Quantify your income gap: what guaranteed income won't cover
- Build a retirement budget: travel, healthcare, giving
Healthcare Move Health
- Understand ACA eligibility if retiring before 65 — know what's available to you Retirement date
- Plan your income strategy around subsidy eligibility — your withdrawal amount directly affects your premiums
- Evaluate COBRA as a bridge (available up to 18 months) Retirement date
- Enhanced ACA subsidies (APTCs) have ended — plan costs have reset
- Explore staying on a spouse's employer plan if available
Tax Planning
- Identify Roth conversion opportunities before RMDs begin
- Map your marginal bracket in early retirement years
- Look for 0% capital gains harvesting opportunities
Retirement Income Income Lab
- Confirm first-year withdrawal plan: which accounts, how much
- Submit Social Security application (4 months before start date) Age-based
- Select pension payout option — single or joint (irrevocable) Retirement date
- Set up automatic income distributions from your portfolio
- Confirm income covers 12–24 months without forced selling
Healthcare Move Health
- Finalize bridge coverage: ACA, COBRA, or spouse's plan Retirement date
- Shop ACA plans: compare premiums, deductibles, networks
- Verify your doctors and medications are covered
- Set aside cash reserves for out-of-pocket costs
Logistics
- Notify employer per HR requirements Retirement date
- Confirm exact last day of employer benefits Retirement date
- Arrange 401(k) rollover to IRA if applicable
Retirement Income Income Lab
- Verify Social Security start date and first payment timing Age-based
- Confirm pension election is on file and payments are set Retirement date
- Establish a 3–6 month cash buffer — no forced selling on day one
- Final income plan review with your advisor
Healthcare Move Health
- Enroll in ACA plan — special enrollment triggered by leaving employer Retirement date
- Elect COBRA if using as bridge — strict 60-day window Retirement date
- Turning 65 within 3 months? Start Medicare enrollment now: Age 65
- Part A · Part B · Part D or Medicare Advantage
- Medigap/supplement if using traditional Medicare
- Set up premium auto-pay so coverage doesn't lapse
Retirement Income Income Lab
- First portfolio withdrawal executed per your plan Retirement date
- All income sources confirmed and arriving as expected
- Actual spending tracked against your retirement budget
Healthcare Move Health
- All coverage active — confirm zero gaps Retirement date
- HSA rule shift: non-medical withdrawals now allowed Age 65
- Prescription drug coverage confirmed and in place
Mindset
- Spend freely in the categories you planned — this is what the plan is for
- Resist the urge to check your portfolio every day
- Schedule your first annual review for 12 months out
Retirement Income Income Lab
- Review withdrawal rate vs. performance; adjust draws if needed
- Calculate and take required minimum distribution Age 73 / 75
- Review qualified charitable distribution opportunity Age 70½+
- Revisit Roth conversion window if tax situation allows
- Update Social Security COLA and refresh income projections
Healthcare Move Health
- ACA: review annually during open enrollment (Nov 1 – Jan 15)
- Medicare: review annually during open enrollment (Oct 15 – Dec 7)
- Check IRMAA thresholds — income changes can raise Medicare premiums Age 65+
- Review drug formulary for coverage and cost-tier changes
Planning & Housekeeping
- Review beneficiaries after any family changes
- Confirm estate documents are still accurate
- Annual planning meeting with your advisor
Trigger type:
Age 65
Item is triggered by reaching a specific age — applies regardless of when you retire
Retirement date
Item is triggered by your chosen retirement date — timing is within your control
No badge
— General planning task; timing flexible