When should I start planning for retirement?
Ideally in your early 50s, when there's still time to adjust savings, plan Roth conversions, and optimize Social Security timing. This checklist breaks the work into manageable steps by age.
Retirement readiness isn't one decision — it's dozens, and timing matters. This checklist organizes 24 prioritized action items by age band so you tackle the right move at the right time, from your early 50s through 65 and beyond.
Ideally in your early 50s, when there's still time to adjust savings, plan Roth conversions, and optimize Social Security timing. This checklist breaks the work into manageable steps by age.
Medicare enrollment (a missed window means lifelong penalties), Social Security timing, and pre-RMD Roth conversions are all calendar-driven. The checklist flags which items are tied to specific ages.