Skip nav to main content.

The Pre-Retirement Checklist

July 7, 2023

Woman hugging her dog outside

How prepared are you?

Getting ready for retirement? Before you can cross that bridge, you’ll need to cross some important items off your to-do list. But thanks to our work together, you might be more prepared than you think! This handy checklist of ten crucial steps can help you visualize how far you’ve come.

To measure your progress toward retirement preparation, check off your “Done” items from the list below.


Understand what your income will be, and how you can confidently spend the money you have accumulated for retirement.


Prepare for emergencies by saving at least 3 months’ living expenses, and have that money easily available to you.


Consider where you’ll live, both short- and long-term. Have a plan for funding a move and understand the timing involved.


Have a strategy for your 401(k) plan and determine the best time for you to access the money, based on your goals.1


Write down your personal goals for your retirement years. Explore your dreams, priorities and values.


Make arrangements in the event that you or a loved one encounters a health issue requiring full-time care.


Develop an estate approach that includes how you want your assets to be allocated, and who will handle your estate.


Understand your options with Medicare and define a strategy for covering health care expenses for the long haul.


Have a sound tax strategy to guide you through the process of spending money from both taxable and tax-deferred accounts.

Not quite ready?

If you’re not as prepared for retirement as you’d like to be, just reach out. Together, we can fine-tune these strategies so you can finish your checklist and get started on that bucket list.

1Distributions from 401(k) plans and most other employer-sponsored retirement plans are taxed as ordinary income and, if taken before age 59½, may be subject to a 10% federal income tax penalty. Generally, once you reach age 73, you must begin taking required minimum distributions.


Securities and advisory services are offered through LPL Financial (LPL), a registered investment advisor and broker-dealer (Member FINRA/SIPC). Insurance products are offered through LPL or its licensed affiliates. Redwood Credit Union and Redwood Wealth Management are not registered as a broker-dealer or investment advisor. Registered representatives of LPL offer products and services using Redwood Wealth Management, and may also be employees of Redwood Credit Union. These products and services are being offered through LPL or its affiliates, which are separate entities from, and not affiliates of, Redwood Credit Union or Redwood Wealth Management. Securities and insurance offered through LPL or its affiliates are:

Not Insured by NCUA or Any Other Government Agency Not Credit Union Deposits or Obligations Not Credit Union Guaranteed May Lose Value

The LPL Financial registered representative(s) associated with this website may discuss and/or transact business only with residents of the states in which they are properly registered or licensed. No offers may be made or accepted from any resident of any other state.

Your Credit Union (“Financial Institution”) provides referrals to financial professionals of LPL Financial LLC (“LPL”) pursuant to an agreement that allows LPL to pay the Financial Institution for these referrals. This creates an incentive for the Financial Institution to make these referrals, resulting in a conflict of interest. The Financial Institution is not a current client of LPL for brokerage or advisory services.

Please visit https://www.lpl.com/disclosures/is-lpl-relationship-disclosure.html more detailed information.

LPL Financial Form CRS

Test Banner This is a test &&&&&& This is a test Learn More