Retired in America

Your Guide to a Confident Retirement

  • Home
  • Personal finance
  • Retirement Life
  • Saving & Spending

11 Ways to Improve Your Finances Before You Retire

April 8, 2021 · Personal finance
A couple shaking hands with a professional advisor in a bright office.
A professional advisor shakes hands with a senior couple in a bright office to discuss retirement.

Think About What Could Go Wrong

Lastly, the step we all hate. Nobody likes thinking about all the things that could go wrong, but you have to. After all, nobody anticipated COVID-19 or the Great Recession, and millions of people had to suffer because of it.

While you may be unable to look into the future- and if you can, drop us a message because we have a lot of questions- but you can save yourself a lot of headache and heartache by simply having an emergency fund at the ready. That way, no matter what happens, you’ll at least be covered for a couple of months until you figure things out, namely your finances.

Aim to save six months’ worth, at the very least, so that if worst comes to worst, you’ll be OK.

Finally, don’t go around thinking that just because you’re healthy today you’ll be just as healthy a decade or two later. Set plans in motion in case you get sick or suffer an accident. If you’re unable to make medical decisions for yourself, figure out who will. All of these decisions should be clearly outlined in your estate plan.

You should also update your will, not just to ensure that your assets will be transferred seamlessly towards your heirs, but also to add a durable power of attorney if needed.

We hope that this list has helped give you an idea of what you should expect going forward. What are some things you did not anticipate about retirement that you wished you knew earlier? Comment down below with your thoughts!

 

Pages: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12

Share this article

Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn Email

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Search

Latest Posts

  • Minimalist illustration of a tiny golden block labeled $1,000 at the edge of a vast canyon, symbolizing the retirement savings gap. Can Trump's $1K Senior Account Really Close the Retirement Gap? What Boomers Should Know
  • An illustration of an older couple looking out over a historic European town from a quiet cafe balcony. 4 Most Overrated (and Overpriced) Travel Destinations for Seniors - And Where to Go Instead
  • A warm gouache illustration of a retired couple looking over a vast US landscape, holding a road map under a golden sky. The States Where SS Is Completely Exempt From State Income Tax in 2027
  • An older couple at a warm kitchen table happily looking at a tablet together, planning a trip using travel discounts. The AARP 2026 Senior Discount List: Updated Perks Most Members Aren't Using
  • A retired woman sits at her wooden kitchen table, looking at a laptop with a calm smile, bathed in warm, natural morning light. 6 Remote Customer Service Jobs That Are Actively Recruiting Retirees
  • An older man sits at a kitchen table looking cautiously at his smartphone next to a Social Security statement and a warm mug. How to Spot Social Security Phone and Email Scams Targeting Retirees
  • An active senior couple happily taps a transit card to board a modern city light rail train during warm afternoon light. Why Some Retirees Are Eligible for Free or Reduced Public Transit Passes - See If You Qualify
  • A warm mid-century gouache illustration of an older couple happily planning a trip to Europe with a colorful map on their kitchen table. The Cheapest Months to Fly to the Most Popular European Destinations
  • An older woman smiling and laughing while talking on her phone at a sunlit kitchen table with a mug of tea. Telephone Reassurance Programs: Getting Paid to Chat With Seniors
  • An older woman at her sunlit dining table organizing paperwork and folders. Supplemental Security Income: Do You Qualify for Extra Help?

Newsletter

Get retirement planning tips, savings strategies, and lifestyle insights delivered to your inbox.

Related Articles

6 Important Changes to Social Security Benefits in 2026

What You Should Do Right Now: 6 Action Steps 1. Review your My Social Security…

Read More →

How 8 Types of Retirement Income Get Taxed

Municipal Bonds You can think of municipal bonds as loans from investors to local governments.…

Read More →

15 Things That Might Complicate Your Plans To Retire At 65

A concerned shopper reviews a long receipt as rising food prices impact the daily cost…

Read More →

10 Retirement Benefits You Should Claim Now

Roth IRA – Having a Roth IRA is good because you can prepay tax on your…

Read More →

12 Best States to Retire in 2021

Active retirees explore the stunning red rock canyons of Utah, enjoying a vibrant and adventurous…

Read More →

7 Best Funds To Invest In For Retirement

By investing in something for your retirement years, you basically make sure you’ll have anything…

Read More →

9 401(k) Tips to Get More Money in Retirement

Workers can contribute substantially more than they do Maxing out 401(k) contributions is every employee’s…

Read More →

8 Types of Retirement Income That Are Exempt From Taxes

Reimbursements and expenses for volunteering Volunteer work is not only satisfying because it offers you…

Read More →
An older man sitting at his kitchen table under warm light, thoughtfully reviewing a paper Social Security document with a pen in hand.

The Social Security Rule Most Retirees Never See Coming

Discover the hidden Social Security rules like the Retirement Earnings Test that can unexpectedly withhold…

Read More →
Retired in America

Your Guide to a Confident Retirement

Inedit Agency S.R.L.
Bucharest, Romania

contact@retiredinamerica.com

Trust & Legal

About Us

Editorial Policy

Advertiser Disclosure

Frequently Asked Questions

Contact Us

Disclaimer

Terms and Conditions

Privacy Policy

Subscribe

Unsubscribe

Categories

  • Personal finance
  • Retirement Life
  • Saving & Spending

© 2026 Retired in America. All rights reserved.