Begin with the life you want
List what you hope will change and what you want to keep. Family commitments, housing, activities and work preferences can be useful starting points for a planning conversation.
Separate the timelines
Social Security provides official resources for estimating retirement benefits and exploring when to apply. USA.gov also links to retirement-planning tools. Check the official resources for your situation instead of assuming one age or date answers every question.
Bring a question list
Gather the information your professional requests and make a list of what you do not yet know. Questions about income, spending, health coverage, dependents and existing plans can help frame the discussion. This guide does not calculate whether you can retire.
Bring these questions.
- What does life after work look like for me?
- Which decisions have different timelines?
- What information would make my first planning conversation more useful?
Sources & further reading
Primary sources provide context for this guide. They do not endorse The Wealth Channel.
General education only. Not personalized investment, tax or legal advice. The right professional and next step depend on your circumstances.