12 Things You Need To Get in Order if You’ll Be Retiring Solo

You've spent a lifetime taking care of things on your own, and retirement won't be any different. The good news? Going solo doesn't have to mean going it alone.

With a little planning and a few smart systems, you can protect what matters, keep your independence, and set yourself up for retirement based on your own terms and needs.

Start with the basics

Before you worry about the fine print, make sure the essentials are handled. Have a current ID, up-to-date insurance cards, and your important papers in one safe place. If something happened tomorrow, could someone step in and find what they need? A small dose of organization today saves big headaches later.

Write or update your will

Even if you don't have a large estate, a will gives your belongings direction. It says who gets what and who's in charge of the process. Without one, the state decides, and that rarely lines up with your wishes. Most attorneys can help you write a simple will in a single meeting.

Name a power of attorney

Someone needs the authority to act for you if you can't. That's what a durable power of attorney does. Choose a person you trust, like a friend, relative, or even a professional. Make sure they're comfortable handling money, paperwork, and practical matters. It's one of the most important documents you'll ever sign.

Plan for medical decisions

A health care proxy or advance directive ensures your doctors follow your choices, not someone else's guess. You can specify treatments you'd want (or not want) and name a decision-maker. These aren't pleasant conversations, but they bring peace of mind. Once done, give a copy to your doctor and the person you've chosen.

Organize your digital life

Most people forget this part. Make a short list of your online accounts and passwords. Add any digital subscriptions or other services that need to be canceled after you pass away. Store it securely, like with your attorney or in a locked file. Digital confusion causes real stress for whoever has to clean things up later. A simple list or password manager goes a long way.

Review your beneficiaries

Retirement accounts, life insurance, and even some bank accounts have named beneficiaries. Those forms override your will. Take 10 minutes to check them. If your ex, late relative, or old friend is still listed, fix it now. These small details can cause big family messes later on. Don't forget to check back regularly and update your beneficiaries as needed.

Make a plan for long-term care

Even healthy people need a backup plan. Ask yourself where you'd prefer to live if you couldn't stay home. Consider places like a care community, assisted living, or with a friend or sibling. Get quotes and know your options before you need them. It's not about pessimism; it's about freedom to choose before someone else does. After all, around 70% of older adults will need long-term care at some point.

Create a circle of support

Everyone needs people to call. Build what experts call a "family of choice." Friends and community members who check in or run errands if you're under the weather. The more connected you stay, the longer you'll thrive. Loneliness isn't just emotional. It's a health risk, as loneliness can seriously impact the number of healthy years you have.

Set up a financial safety net

Keep an emergency fund that could cover six months of expenses, more if possible. If a medical bill or home repair shows up unexpectedly, you'll be ready. Automate bill payments where you can, and review your accounts once a month. Knowing your bills are handled allows you to focus elsewhere without being overwhelmed by daily financial decisions.

Protect yourself from scams

Unfortunately, scammers often target people living alone. Be cautious with calls, emails, and "urgent" requests for money. Use credit monitoring and shred sensitive mail. If you ever feel unsure, run it past a trusted friend or banker before responding. Caution is not paranoia. It's good stewardship.

Share your plan with others

Once your documents and wishes are organized, don't keep them secret. Tell your power of attorney where things are. Give your health care proxy a copy of your medical directives. Label folders clearly. You don't need to share financial details, just the roadmap, so people can step in smoothly if needed.

Revisit everything regularly

Life changes. Friends move, and your own preferences evolve. Set a calendar reminder every two or three years to review your plan. Adjust names, documents, and insurance as needed. Updating is easier than starting from scratch, and it keeps your affairs aligned with your life right now.

Bottom line

Retiring solo comes with a unique mix of freedom and responsibility. By getting your legal documents in order, planning for care, and building a social network, you create a safety net that protects your independence and peace of mind. Taking time now to organize your affairs helps ensure that you can focus on living well, not worrying later.

Research shows that 48% of older adults living alone have annual incomes below what's considered necessary to cover basic living costs, compared with 21% of older couples. That disparity shows how critical it is to plan carefully so you avoid wasting your retirement savings by underestimating your solo cost structure.