I was thinking about this question while reading an article a client sent to me.  You can find the write-up here, and it’s a helpful “countdown to retirement” with many tips to consider as you approach retirement.  As I looked through the list and thought about covering these issues with our own clients over the years, the question came to mind: what is the most important financial planning step you can take to feel great about your retirement plan?

It’s really a tough question since there are a lot of important issues to consider when “taking the leap” away from a career that you’ve had for so many years.  Topics such as health insurance, do you have enough saved, are you invested properly, Social Security timing and others are obviously important to explore.  There’s also the softer part of the equation: how will you spend and enjoy your time?  Should you still work?  How will you miss the social aspect of working and contributing?

But if I were forced to answer, what would I say is the most important question?  That’s when I realized it’s the one that I have been recommending most lately when helping someone plan for retirement.  It’s this simple question: how much do you need to live on (and how sure are you of that?)?    > SEE MORE

Posted by:

Pete Dixon, CFP®

Partner and Advisor