Retirement Retired Life

12 Critical Retirement Documents To Update Every January

Why an annual review prevents major headaches down the road.

By Stacy Garrels

Edited by Laura Hohenstein

Updated Jan. 5, 2026

January is a natural reset point. Annual statements go out, Medicare plans reset, and tax season looms. It's also a smart time for retirees and near-retirees to review the documents that outline everything from health care decisions to who gets paid — and when.

You don't need to rewrite your entire estate plan every year. But confirming that key records are accurate, complete, and easy for loved ones to locate can prevent delays or disputes and avoid wasting money. Below are the most important documents to review at the start of each year — and what to look for in each.

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Personal information

Review your core identifying information, such as full legal name, Social Security number, date and place of birth, and current address, for accuracy and consistency. Even small mismatches can slow benefits claims or create major administrative headaches.

Make sure to also confirm that the names, addresses, and dates of birth for your spouse, children, and other next of kin are current. This information often appears across financial, medical, and legal paperwork and should match everywhere it's listed.

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Vital records

You may not need to update vital records every year, but January is a good time to confirm you know where they are and that copies are accessible. This may include birth certificates, marriage or divorce records, citizenship papers, and adoption documents.

Replace missing copies and make sure a trusted person knows where originals and certified copies are stored. These documents are frequently required to settle estates or claim survivor benefits.

Education and military records

If you or your spouse served in the military or qualify for education-related benefits, confirm you have records showing dates of service, discharge status, and educational credentials.

Make sure you have tabs on transcripts, diplomas, and military paperwork organized, along with contact details for relevant agencies. These records may be needed for benefits claims, burial arrangements, or certain survivor eligibility claims.

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Professional and personal contacts

Review your list of key personal and professional contacts at least once a year. This may include doctors, dentists, clergy, attorneys, financial advisors, former employers, neighbors, and close friends or relatives.

Be sure that phone numbers, emails, and home addresses are current and easy to locate. In an emergency, having an up-to-date contact list saves time and reduces confusion.

Also, make sure to add your immediate neighbors as personal contacts. Knowing their names and numbers can be vital in an emergency — even if you're not close to them.

Health information

Health records deserve an annual check-up too, especially since medications, providers, and coverage change over time. Update your list of current prescriptions, insurance policy numbers, and provider contact information.

Include copies of relevant medical orders, advance directives, and insurance cards. Keeping everything current helps ensure care decisions are followed and benefits are processed without delays.

Tax returns and supporting documents

January is an ideal time to organize tax records. Be sure to keep a copy of your most recent tax return, as well as any supporting documents such as W-2s, 1099s, and records of deductible expenses.

Many retirees keep several prior years of returns on hand. Organized tax records simplify future filings and help executors, advisors, or powers of attorney (POAs) manage affairs if you become unable to do so.

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Will

Your will is not a set-it-and-forget-it type of document. Make sure to review your will periodically to confirm it still reflects your wishes. Life changes such as deaths, divorces, relocations, or asset sales can make older versions outdated.

Even if nothing has changed, it's wise to confirm the original signed copy is stored securely and that someone you trust knows where to find it.

Beneficiary designations

Beneficiary designations on retirement accounts, insurance policies, and bank accounts will override instructions in a will. Review your designations annually to confirm names and percentage amounts, as well as any contingent beneficiaries.

This step is especially important after major life changes. Incorrect or outdated designations are a common cause of unintended inheritances.

Living will

A living will outlines your wishes for medical treatment in emergency situations where you are unable to communicate. While your preferences may not change much, reviewing them annually ensures they still reflect your values.

Confirm copies are accessible and shared with your health care proxy, medical providers, and next of kin. This document guides care decisions during serious illness or injury, and can alleviate family stress and guesswork.

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Durable power of attorney (POA)

Review both financial and health care POAs to confirm the named individuals are still willing and able to serve. Circumstances change, and designees who once made sense may no longer fit.

Make sure documents comply with current state laws and that copies are available when needed. These forms only work if they're valid — and your family can find them.

Insurance policies

January is a practical time to review life, home, auto, and long-term care insurance. Confirm coverage levels, beneficiaries, premiums, deductibles, and contact information.

As your assets and expenses change during retirement, your insurance needs may also change. An annual review helps prevent gaps, outdated beneficiary information, or paying for coverage on a vehicle you long ago stopped driving.

It's also a good time to shop rates. If you've had the same auto provider for decades and paid small annual increases over the years, your rate could now be double what other carriers offer.

Charitable giving records

Your charitable giving may not require annual updates, but gifts should be reviewed — especially heading into a new year. Confirm records for donor-advised funds, named charities, and any IRA-based giving strategies.

Upcoming tax changes can negatively impact deduction value and timing, making it important to align your philanthropic intentions with long-term financial goals. A review now can help avoid missed opportunities later.

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Bottom line

You don't need to redo your important documents every year, but reviewing them at least once a year can prevent costly mistakes and unnecessary strife. Small check-ins now can save big headaches, not to mention added peace of mind for a stress-free retirement.

And while you're updating these critical requirement documents, talk to your friends and loved ones about doing the same. Just as you're trying to prevent leaving a mess for others, you want to be well-positioned to help loved ones in case you need to step in.

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