10 Money Moves You Shouldn’t Make Until You’re Officially Retired

Retirement is an exciting time, and it’s easy to feel tempted to jump into new plans and start implementing your retirement lifestyle early.

However, the difference between planning for retirement and making big financial changes too soon can be significant.

Major financial decisions that seem wise when nearing retirement may be missteps if retirement is delayed or your needs change.

Here are 10 financial moves you should avoid until your retirement is official.

Many states have varying tax rates, so making a move before you fully understand the tax implications can impact your retirement income.

If you’re still working or haven’t officially retired, moving to a state with a higher tax rate may result in you paying more in taxes than anticipated.

Wait until your retirement income sources are finalized to avoid making mistakes based on an incorrect assumption about your tax situation.

While you may be eager to downsize or relocate to your dream retirement destination, selling your home too soon can backfire. It’s important to get a sense of your post-retirement lifestyle before making any decisions.

Moving closer to family, warmer climates, or a new town may sound ideal now, but your needs may shift once you retire. Wait until you’ve settled into retirement to make big decisions about your primary residence.

Quitting your job before your retirement is finalized can significantly strain your finances. Until you’re certain of your retirement date and benefits, it’s wise to remain employed.

Often, the last few years of work provide higher earnings that can boost your retirement savings and Social Security benefits.

Additionally, if you leave your job too soon, you may lose access to employer-provided health benefits, which could leave you scrambling for coverage until Medicare kicks in at age 65.

Starting a business before retiring might seem like a productive way to fill your time or create supplemental income, but entrepreneurship is a big financial commitment.

New businesses often take time to become profitable, and there’s no guarantee your venture will succeed. If you dip into retirement savings to fund your startup, you could jeopardize your financial security.

It’s best to maintain a solid safety net and wait until retirement is official before committing substantial funds or taking on business risks.

Many people dream of entering retirement mortgage-free, but paying off your mortgage too soon could deplete your savings.

Retirement savings are often better left to grow, especially if your mortgage interest rate is low. Paying off the mortgage before retirement might also leave you with less liquidity if unexpected expenses arise.

Before zeroing out your mortgage debt, make sure you can comfortably afford the lump-sum payment and maintain enough funds to cover emergencies.

It’s tempting to make big purchases like buying a vacation home, a new car, or even costly furniture before retiring. However, these expenses can drain your savings, leaving less for essential costs when you’re officially retired.

Additionally, if your retirement date is delayed, you may find yourself still working to pay for purchases that don’t align with your current financial priorities.

Postpone major spending until you have a full picture of your retirement budget and can make decisions without risking financial stability.

Retirement accounts, like 401(k)s and IRAs, are designed for post-retirement use, and early withdrawals can result in taxes and penalties.

If you tap into your retirement fund before you’re officially retired, you not only pay penalties but also lose out on valuable compounding growth.

Instead, let your savings grow as long as possible and plan your withdrawal strategy with the help of a financial advisor to avoid unnecessary losses and maximize your retirement funds.

Filing for Social Security benefits before your retirement is official may seem appealing, especially if you want to supplement your income now. However, claiming benefits early can permanently reduce your monthly payments.

Delaying Social Security benefits can lead to higher monthly payouts and make a significant difference over the long term. 

If you can continue working or tap into other resources in the short term, waiting to claim Social Security can help you maximize your benefits in retirement.

While retirement promises more time for leisure, getting a head start on spending for vacations, hobbies, or memberships can quickly add up.

Engaging in these activities without a clear retirement budget can lead to overspending, which might not align with your future income.

Before committing to new expenses, ensure your retirement income will comfortably support your desired lifestyle so you can enjoy leisure without financial stress.

Many retirees dream of traveling, but embarking on extensive trips before retirement is finalized can be costly. Not only are you tapping into your savings early, but you may also find that a delayed retirement means you have to cut back on these plans later.

Excessive travel spending can also derail any last-minute retirement savings goals. Hold off on any big travel expenses until you’re certain your retirement is secure, and you’ve planned for travel within your budget.

As you approach retirement, it’s tempting to start spending, investing, and planning for a life of freedom and relaxation. But taking financial action too soon can put your retirement savings, income, and stability at risk.

Are you prepared to make decisions that support a stress-free retirement, or could you hold off on a few choices to protect your future financial security?