5 Things to Do 5 Years Before Retirement—And Why a Financial Advisor Can Help

5 Things to Do 5 Years Before Retirement—And Why a Financial Advisor Can Help

5 Things to Do 5 Years Before Retirement—And Why a Financial Advisor Can Help

Retirement is one of life’s biggest transitions, and the five years leading up to it are crucial to help ensure your financial security and peace of mind. Consulting a financial advisor during this period can help you make informed decisions and possibly avoid costly mistakes. Here are five key steps to take before retirement—and why professional guidance matters.

1. Assess Your Financial Readiness

Before retiring, you need a clear picture of your income sources, including Social Security, pensions, investments and personal savings. A financial advisor can help analyze your portfolio, estimate future income, and determine whether adjustments are needed to help meet your retirement goals.1

2. Reduce Debt

Carrying debt into retirement can put a strain on your finances. An advisor can help prioritize debt payments, create a plan to eliminate high-interest obligations, and strategize the right approach to managing your mortgage or other loans.2

3. Estimate Health Care Costs

Healthcare expenses can be one of the biggest financial surprises in retirement. A financial advisor can help you navigate Medicare options, explore long-term care insurance, and ensure you have a plan to help you cover medical costs without depleting your savings.3

4. Fine-Tine Your Retirement Budget

Your spending habits will likely change in retirement, and it’s important to have a budget that aligns with your income. A financial advisor can help project expenses, account for inflation, and ensure your withdrawal strategy keeps your savings sustainable.4

5. Make Lifestyle Plans

Beyond finances, retirement is about how you’ll spend your time. An advisor can help align your financial strategy with your retirement dreams—whether that means traveling, relocating, or starting a new hobby—so you can enjoy your next chapter with confidence.5

The Bottom Line

Retirement planning is complex, and working with a financial advisor can help ensure you make the best decisions for your future. They provide experienced insight, help mitigate risks, and give you a tailored plan designed to help you achieve a secure and fulfilling retirement. If you’re five years away from retirement, now is the perfect time to seek professional guidance.

About Harlow Wealth Management

Harlow Wealth Management, Inc. is an independently owned and operated advisor. We serve clients living in the greater southwest Washington and Portland metropolitan areas, with an office in downtown Vancouver, Washington. While our firm was officially created in 2005, our founding president, Danny Harlow, has been serving the retirement financial planning needs of our community since 1973. We focus on helping those who are retired or about to retire by building a customized retirement strategy. Our proprietary approach, the “Harlow Way”, addresses the following 5 key areas: designing a sustainable retirement income strategy, addressing healthcare and long-term care risk, investments and growing your portfolio, taxes, and estate/legacy strategies.

References

  1. https://www.bankrate.com/investing/financial-advisors/what-is-a-retirement-financial-advisor
  2. https://smartasset.com/financial-advisor/financial-advisor-for-debt
  3. https://www.kiplinger.com/retirement/how-financial-advisers-can-help-clients-plan-for-health-care-costs
  4. https://www.schwab.com/learn/story/beyond-4-rule-how-much-can-you-spend-retirement
  5. https://emoneyadvisor.com/blog/retirement-planning-considerations-for-clients-at-every-career-stage/

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