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Ages 56–65Stage 9 of 11
Pre-Retirement
The Retirement Runway
De-risk your portfolio, consolidate accounts, navigate Social Security timing, and prepare for Medicare.
Preparing for the Transition
Social Security Timing
Claiming at 62 means a permanent 30% reduction. Waiting until 70 gives you 124% of your full benefit. Run our calculator to see the breakeven age and optimal timing for your situation.
Medicare Enrollment (Age 65)
Enroll during your Initial Enrollment Period (3 months before to 3 months after turning 65). Missing this window results in lifetime premium penalties of 10% per year of delay.
Portfolio De-Risking
Shift from aggressive growth to a more conservative allocation. A common target: your age in bonds (e.g., 60% bonds at 60). This protects against sequence-of-returns risk.
Account Consolidation
Roll old 401(k)s into a single IRA. Consolidate brokerage accounts. Simplify your financial life so it's easier to manage in retirement and easier for heirs to navigate.
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