Restructuring assets and managing the effects of inflation are your main goals after retirement. Here's why:
- Restructuring your assets — for example, rolling your assets over to an IRA, receiving periodic payments or getting an annuity — can help ensure retirement income for your lifetime.
- Managing the effects of inflation helps maintain your purchasing power — the return on your investments has to be more than the distribution and inflation rates combined.
Here are some important financial considerations after you retire:
- Reassess your income and expense estimates now that you are taking distributions from your savings.
- Adjust estimates to include any lifestyle changes that you didn't plan for.
- Make sure your retirement plan is on track to provide the money you need for the rest of your life.
- Review insurance and medical coverage.
- Apply for Medicare three months before you turn 65.
- Apply for Social Security benefits, preferably at full retirement age or later.
This information is not intended as tax advice. Investors should consult a tax advisor.