Within 10 Years of Retirement? 10 Things To Do Now

Even if retirement still feels a decade away, the 10-year window before you stop working is a pivotal time to get serious about planning. The decisions you make during this period about your finances and lifestyle will shape your comfort and stability far into retirement.

It's also when many people overlook crucial opportunities, like forgotten senior benefits, that could make a big difference.

Throughout this guide, we'll discuss the most important steps you need to take now to avoid regrets later.

Getting a clear picture of your future finances starts with knowing what you're likely to spend and what you can expect to earn. Start by estimating your annual retirement expenses, like housing, healthcare, food, and discretionary spending.

Then, compare this number to your income sources, like Social Security and pensions. Online calculators and planning tools can help, or you might consider working with a financial advisor.

Now is the time to supercharge your retirement savings. When you turn 50, you become eligible for "catch-up contributions." These extra contributions allow you to put more into your 401(k) than a younger worker could, allowing you to "catch up" (or get ahead). Increasing your contributions can help pad out your retirement later, even if you're on schedule.

Carrying debt into retirement can significantly strain finances, especially if that debt has a high interest rate. Focus on eliminating credit card balances, personal loans, and other high-cost debt while you're still working. Reducing debt can help free up more money in retirement for essentials and emergencies.

Health coverage is one of the largest expenses in retirement. The average, healthy 65-year-old couple can expect to spend over $395,000 on healthcare costs in retirement. If you retire before you're eligible for Medicare, you can expect to spend even more. Once you qualify, it's important to understand what Medicare covers and doesn't! Many retirees add a supplemental plan (Medigap) or Medicare Advantage to help cover out-of-pocket costs.

As you get closer to retirement, you may need to adjust your portfolio. For instance, a heavy focus on stocks can expose you to risks you can't afford to take so close to retirement. Consider shifting to a more balanced mix of assets over the last ten years leading to retirement. You'll slowly want to prioritize stability over growth.

Unexpected expenses don't stop once you retire! Having a dedicated emergency fund that's separate from your regular retirement accounts can help you pay for unforeseen costs and even cover regular expenses during a market downturn. Aim to set aside three to six months' expenses in a liquid, accessible account.

Claiming Social Security can significantly affect how much you receive each month. While you can start as early as age 62, waiting until your full retirement age (or even waiting until 70) can impact how much you receive. Consider your health, other income sources, and whether you can continue to work.

Housing can be one of the biggest monthly expenses in retirement, and you may need to adjust how much you pay to make retirement feasible. If you live in a larger home than you need or one that is expensive to maintain, downsizing could free up equity and reduce ongoing costs. You could also consider relocating to a lower-cost area or moving closer to family, now that you don't have to worry about the commute.

Make sure all your legal affairs are in order as you approach retirement. Keep key documents on hand, like a will, power of attorney, and healthcare directive. These outline your wishes if you should no longer be able to communicate well. There are other things you may want to consider setting up, too, like a trust or estate plan.

The decade before retirement is the perfect time to get a handle on where your money goes. Start by tracking your monthly spending, either the old-fashioned way or with an app. Then, look for areas where you can safely cut back without sacrificing your quality of life. Minor adjustments, like removing extra subscriptions, can add up over time.

The 10 years before retirement are a great time to ensure your finances are in order. Taking proactive steps now, like paying down debt and adjusting your investments, can make retirement smoother when you get there.

One often-overlooked detail: Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) from most retirement accounts begin at age 73. Plan when you'll withdraw these funds and how to pay their taxes. Working with a financial planner can help you mitigate your tax responsibility and avoid wasting your retirement savings.