Pre Retirement 12-Month Checklist
Jason Stolz CLTC, CRPC
Pre-Retirement 12-Month Checklist — As retirement approaches, the last year is critical for putting all the pieces in place. At Diversified Insurance Brokers, we’ve helped families nationwide prepare with confidence, covering income planning, healthcare, long-term care, and legacy needs. This checklist gives you a step-by-step guide for the 12 months leading up to retirement so you can make smart, informed decisions.
Get Help Creating Your Retirement Plan
We’ll help you evaluate Social Security, annuities, Medicare, long-term care, and income strategies.
Why the Last 12 Months Matter
The year before retirement is often the busiest. You’re making decisions that can affect your income for decades, from when to file Social Security to how to cover health insurance gaps before Medicare. Each step builds on the last, so planning early ensures nothing gets missed.
Your 12-Month Checklist
- 12 Months Out: Review your retirement accounts, estimate income, and check for lost retirement plans from previous jobs.
- 9 Months Out: Evaluate lifetime income annuities and current annuity rates to see if locking in guaranteed income makes sense.
- 6 Months Out: Plan for healthcare. Review Medicare options, gap coverage, or long-term care insurance needs.
- 3 Months Out: Finalize your annuity strategy, determine if life insurance is still necessary, and update beneficiaries.
- 1 Month Out: Create your budget for retirement day one. Align guaranteed income, Social Security, and withdrawals with your expenses.
Coordinating Income Sources
One of the biggest challenges retirees face is managing multiple income sources. Social Security, pensions, annuities, and retirement account withdrawals all come with different tax treatments. Proper sequencing can reduce taxes and extend portfolio life. Learn more in our guide on Qualified Charitable Distributions for tax-efficient strategies.
Healthcare and Long-Term Care
Medical costs are one of the largest expenses in retirement. If you’re not yet Medicare-eligible, review short-term medical insurance to cover gaps. For future planning, explore hybrid life insurance with LTC benefits versus traditional LTC policies. These choices can protect assets and provide peace of mind for both you and your family.
Estate and Legacy Planning
Finally, retirement is an ideal time to review your estate plan. Update wills, trusts, and powers of attorney. Consider annuities or life insurance as tools for legacy transfer and tax-efficient wealth distribution.
See How Ready You Are for Retirement
Request a personalized pre-retirement review today.
Related Pages
- How Much Does a $1 Million Annuity Pay?
- Social Security Benefits for the Self-Employed
- LTC Partnership Reciprocity
- Why Capital Preservation is the new goal for retirees.
Talk to a Retirement Planning Professional
Book a free consultation today to review your 12-month pre-retirement plan.
FAQs: Pre-Retirement 12-Month Checklist
What should I do 12 months before retirement?
Start with a comprehensive financial review. Estimate income, expenses, and locate any old retirement accounts through tools like the Retirement Account Locator.
How do I plan for healthcare before Medicare?
Consider short-term medical plans and review options for bridging to Medicare at age 65.
Should I take Social Security early?
Delaying benefits can increase lifetime income. Pairing annuities with Social Security planning may provide the flexibility to wait for a higher benefit.
What role do annuities play in the last 12 months?
Locking in guaranteed income with annuities can reduce retirement income uncertainty and protect against market volatility.
About the Author:
Jason Stolz, CLTC, CRPC, is a senior insurance and retirement professional with more than two decades of real-world experience helping individuals, families, and business owners protect their income, assets, and long-term financial stability. As a long-time partner of the nationally licensed independent agency Diversified Insurance Brokers, Jason provides trusted guidance across multiple specialties—including fixed and indexed annuities, long-term care planning, personal and business disability insurance, life insurance solutions, and short-term health coverage. Diversified Insurance Brokers maintains active contracts with over 100 highly rated insurance carriers, ensuring clients have access to a broad and competitive marketplace.
His practical, education-first approach has earned recognition in publications such as VoyageATL, highlighting his commitment to financial clarity and client-focused planning. Drawing on deep product knowledge and years of hands-on field experience, Jason helps clients evaluate carriers, compare strategies, and build retirement and protection plans that are both secure and cost-efficient.
