Your retirement-ready checklist

Retirement is meant to be a time of freedom, a time to discover the things you’ve always wanted to do and explore new passions. As you navigate this next phase, it’s important to feel secure, confident and excited about what your retirement is going to look like. You probably know that finances are an important piece of your retirement plan, but here are some other important things to consider.

Living necessities

Your living necessities include basic things like housing and food. Are you considering a move in retirement? Start thinking about where you are going to live and what expenses come with that living arrangement.

• Think about where and how you want to live
• Assess your ordinary living expenses
  • Will you need to account for rent or mortgage payments?
  • Will you have utility or maintenance expenses?
• Think about your eating habits. Will they change in retirement?
• Will your transportation need to change?

Health care

It’s important to have all your health care information in one place. This includes your doctors, any prescriptions you need and your plan for the coverage you may need for retirement.

• Determine if your health care coverage will change
• Create a list of your health care practitioners’ contact information
  • Doctors, nurses, physical therapists, chiropractors, nutritionists, etc.
• Gather all of your medical records
• Schedule a comprehensive health screening
• Find health care locations near you

Accounts and documents

What is information is important for you or your heirs to know? Have all your important documents in one place and share that location with someone you trust. This may include your will, passwords and important work documents.

• Organize documents and resources related to your retirement income
• Collect your will and trust records and distribute to your executor(s) and heir(s)
• Store digital assets and valuable computer files – including important passwords
• If you haven’t retired yet, review your timeline and cessation plan with your employer
• Establish a financial backup plan

Social

Think about who you want to spend time with during retirement. Whether that means your family or an organization you care about.

• Allocate extra time to spend with family
• Have discussions with your spouse or partner about their retirement vision
• Find ways to connect with and maintain your social circle
• Who are the individuals and/or organizations that you can rely on for support in your retirement years?

Self-enrichment

During retirement, you get to do the things you love to do! What is going to make you happy during this time? Think about your hobbies and the things you want to accomplish. Having a list will help spark ideas on days that feel slow.

• If travel is on your bucket list, start planning your itineraries
• Think about the ways to stay active
• Make a list of hobbies you would like to pursue
• Are there organizations you are passionate about? Now is a great time to identify volunteer opportunities
• Are there items you would like to get rid of or donate?

At MassMutual Ascend, we are committed to going above and beyond – so when it comes to your financial future, the impossible feels possible.

As a leading provider of annuities, the status quo isn't a status we ever want. We'll always be in pursuit of better. 

MassMutual Ascend Life Insurance Company^SM is not an investment advisor and the information provided is not investment advice. You should consult your financial professional for advice based on your personal circumstances and financial situation. This information is not intended or written to be used as legal or tax advice. You should seek advice on legal and tax questions based on your particular circumstances from an independent attorney or tax advisor.

This content does not apply in the state of New York.