Retirement Planning Starter Checklist

Your guide to getting started on a confident, comfortable retirement
Brought to you by East Valley Wealth & Retirement

Step 1:

KNOW YOUR RETIREMENT TIMELINE

Decide your ideal retirement age
Estimate how long your retirement could last (age 85–95+)
Identify your retirement phases and goals
Consider early retirement options and how they affect Social Security

Step 4:

PLAN FOR HEALTHCARE & INSURANCE

Understand healthcare options before age 65 (COBRA, ACA, private plans)
Estimate Medicare costs and coverage after 65
Consider long-term care needs
Review life insurance policies and needs in retirement

Step 2:

EVALUATE YOUR INCOME SOURCES

Calculate your expected Social Security benefits
Review pension or annuity options (if any)
Estimate income from 401(k), IRA, Roth accounts and investments
Consider part-time work, rental income, or other sources
Identify potential income gaps

Step 5:

MAXIMIZE YOUR TAX STRATEGY

Know how your withdrawals will be taxed (IRA, 401(k), Roth, etc.)
Consider Roth conversions to lower future tax burdens
Understand Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs)
Coordinate withdrawals to minimize tax burden

Step 3:

UNDERSTAND YOUR SPENDING NEEDS

Estimate monthly and annual expenses in retirement
Include categories like housing, food, travel, insurance, healthcare, and hobbies
Adjust for inflation and changes in lifestyle
Build an emergency fund (6–12 months of expenses depending on your situation)

Step 6:

GET ORGANIZED AND TAKE ACTION

Create a list of all your financial accounts and passwords
Review beneficiaries on retirement accounts and insurance
Draft or update your will, power of attorney, and health directives
Meet with a fiduciary advisor to create a custom plan

NEED HELP WITH ANY OF THESE?

We offer a complimentary 15-minute Retirement Strategy Session to help you get started.

^{(15 minute phone call)}

Schedule your Appointment

East Valley Wealth & Retirement

www.eastvalleyretirement.com | theteam@eastvalleyretirement.com | (480) 525-1839

17335 Golf Pkwy | Brookfield, WI 53045

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