Careful planning for retirement can lead to a secure financial future, and it’s never too early to start planning. It’s also never too late to get serious about retirement preparations.
When your retirement day is near, you’ll need to speak with your company’s human resources department to make sure your benefits are in order, and you may want to call the Social Security Administration to find out how much the government will pay out and when you’ll be eligible. Additionally, you may want to speak with these three professionals as you consider retirement planning.
A Lawyer
Having essential documents in place is important for protecting you and your family. A will and medical power of attorney are among the documents that a lawyer can generate for you. You may also want to consider transferring certain assets or properties out of your name at retirement. Each stage of life comes with a minefield of legal concerns that only a lawyer can assess and help you navigate. Explaining your situation to a lawyer can bring up issues you never knew needed your attention.
A Financial Advisor
Meeting your retirement income goals and having the lifestyle you desire in retirement requires a sound financial plan. A financial advisor can help you create a diversified strategy for potentially reaching your goals and maintaining your income for the rest of your life, no matter your age when you first start planning. A financial advisor is also a cheerleader or champion who keeps you on track and helps you adjust for any unforeseen circumstances that impact your life.
A Listening Ear
Just as important as a legal or financial professional is someone who will listen to your emotional concerns and offer guidance. That could be a trusted friend, but you may benefit more from a professional counselor, a psychologist, or religious or spiritual leader. Retirement can threaten your identity and radically change your daily priorities, and you’ll need someone to help you talk through these changes.
No matter where you are on the retirement planning spectrum, involving these three professionals can help you make smart decisions and feel good about them. Even if you feel you’re on the right track, having a skilled specialist take a fresh look at your plans and talk with you about your decisions can increase your confidence and contentment.
Anita is a freelance writer from Denver, CO. She studied at Colorado State University and now enjoys writing about health, business, and family. A mother of two wonderful children, she loves traveling with her family whenever she isn’t writing. She recommends talking to a financial advisor about your retirement plans. You can find her on Twitter @anitaginsburg.