Start a Roth ladder if you anticipate higher taxes later

Balance guaranteed income and market-linked assets

Model retirement scenarios for both optimistic and conservative outcomes

Create a retirement binder with all key documents

Revisit your assumptions every 3–5 years

Align your home and lifestyle with your retirement location

Consider part-time retirement as a phased transition

Review your retirement timeline yearly based on life changes

Don’t delay planning even if retirement feels far away

Ensure estate planning is aligned with your retirement goals

Discuss retirement expectations openly with your partner

Avoid taking on new debt late in your career

Have a plan for market downturns during retirement

Understand how RMDs affect your withdrawal schedule

Test-drive your retirement budget before leaving work

Build a contingency plan for early retirement or setbacks

Track fixed vs. variable expenses for retirement planning

Understand the tax treatment of your withdrawal strategy

Diversify income sources for greater financial security

Build flexibility into your timeline and savings targets

Create a glide path for transitioning from growth to income