Free Retirement Registry Checklist Template
Retirement Registry Checklist
1. Financial Planning
Review Retirement Savings
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Confirm balance and investment strategy in 401(k), IRA, pension, etc.
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Meet with a financial advisor for a retirement income plan.
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Assess other retirement assets (stocks, bonds, real estate, etc.).
Estimate Retirement Expenses
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Create a detailed monthly budget (housing, healthcare, lifestyle).
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Include future costs such as long-term care insurance.
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Consider inflation and potential emergency expenses.
Social Security
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Review Social Security benefits and eligibility.
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Decide the best age to start claiming Social Security benefits.
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Check for any other pension benefits (company, government, etc.).
Taxes in Retirement
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Understand the tax implications of withdrawing from retirement accounts.
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Plan for income tax in retirement (state and federal).
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Evaluate tax-saving strategies (Roth IRA conversions, etc.).
Create an Estate Plan
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Draft or update your will.
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Set up the power of attorney and healthcare proxy.
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Consider creating a trust if applicable.
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Review life insurance policies.
2. Health and Insurance
Health Insurance
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Confirm eligibility for Medicare (and supplemental insurance options).
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Review current health insurance (through an employer or the marketplace).
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Set up long-term care insurance (if needed).
Healthcare Providers
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Review medical history and ensure records are updated.
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Find new doctors or specialists if needed.
Prescription Medication
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Ensure prescriptions are in order and explore Medicare drug plans.
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Consider a medication management plan.
Vision and Dental
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Review dental and vision insurance options.
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3. Retirement Transition
Retirement Date
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Confirm your official retirement date with your employer.
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Notify your employer about your retirement plan (2-6 months in advance).
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Prepare for an exit interview and offer any knowledge transfer.
Pension or Severance Plan
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Review retirement or severance package options.
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Confirm payout options for pensions or retirement plans.
Downsize or Relocation
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Evaluate whether to downsize your home or relocate.
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Begin decluttering and organizing important documents.
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Consider moving closer to family or into retirement communities.
4. Personal Preparation
Social & Emotional Readiness
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Reflect on your social life post-retirement.
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Create hobbies or activities you’ll enjoy to fill your time.
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Build a social network or consider volunteering.
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Plan ways to stay mentally and physically active.
Time Management
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Plan how you’ll spend your days (travel, hobbies, family).
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Set goals for learning new skills or exploring new interests.
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Look into part-time work or consulting if interested in staying active.
5. Legal and Documentation
Update Legal Documents
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Review or create a living will, healthcare proxy, and advance directives.
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Make sure beneficiary designations are current.
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Store important documents securely (wills, insurance policies, etc.).
Update Identification
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Ensure driver’s license and other identification cards are current.
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Consider getting an ID card for senior discounts and services.
6. Final Steps Before Retirement
Retirement Party or Celebration
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Plan a retirement celebration to mark the occasion (optional).
Final Employer Details
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Confirm the last day of work and ensure all paperwork is complete.
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Schedule an exit interview or meeting with HR for benefit explanations.
Post-Retirement Finances
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Set up automatic withdrawals or direct deposit for retirement income.
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Transition from employee benefits to retirement accounts (health, life insurance, etc.).
Review Your Will and Estate Plan Again
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Ensure your estate plan reflects your current wishes.
7. Stay Engaged
Retirement Activities
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Plan for active involvement in the community, volunteering, or travel.
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Explore options for part-time work, consulting, or pursuing passion projects.
Continue Learning
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Consider taking classes or pursuing new certifications or interests.
