Protecting Your Wealth and Health

Medical expenses and long-term care are the greatest threats to a retiree’s financial security. Proactive defensive planning is non-negotiable.

14. Secure Comprehensive Medicare Supplemental Coverage
Original Medicare leaves significant coverage gaps, including deductibles, copayments, and a lack of out-of-pocket maximums. Purchasing a Medigap policy (or thoroughly vetting a Medicare Advantage plan) shields your nest egg from catastrophic medical bills. Compare plans carefully during the annual open enrollment period via Medicare.gov.

15. Ring-Fence Funds for Long-Term Care
According to federal estimates, a significant majority of individuals over 65 will require some form of long-term care. If you do not hold a traditional long-term care insurance policy, you must self-fund. Dedicate a specific portion of your portfolio—often utilizing an annuity or a life insurance policy with a long-term care rider—specifically for memory care or assisted living expenses.

16. Invest Aggressively in Preventative Healthcare
The highest return on investment you will ever get is from money spent preserving your physical health. Hire a personal trainer specializing in senior mobility, purchase high-quality nutrition, and schedule out-of-pocket specialized health screenings if they offer actionable data. Healthy aging reduces lifetime medical costs drastically.

17. Future-Proof Your Home (Age-in-Place Modifications)
If you plan to stay in your current home, spend the money now to make it safe for the future. Install comfort-height toilets, walk-in showers with grab bars, better lighting, and lever-style door handles. Completing these renovations while you are healthy and active prevents forced, rushed modifications following a fall or medical emergency.

18. Keep Your Estate Plan Meticulously Updated
Life changes rapidly. A will drafted two decades ago likely does not reflect your current financial reality or family dynamics. Update your will, establish a living trust if appropriate to avoid probate, and—most importantly—verify the beneficiaries on your retirement accounts and life insurance policies, as beneficiary designations supersede instructions in a will.

19. Freeze Your Credit to Thwart Fraud
Seniors are disproportionately targeted by sophisticated financial scams. Take preemptive action by freezing your credit files at the three major bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion). This simple, free step prevents identity thieves from opening unauthorized lines of credit in your name, and you can easily unfreeze it if you legitimately need to apply for credit.

20. Partner with a Fiduciary, Fee-Only Advisor
Even if you managed your accumulation phase flawlessly, the decumulation phase involves complex tax planning and withdrawal sequencing. Hire a fee-only financial advisor who acts as a fiduciary—meaning they are legally obligated to put your interests first. Excellent resources for finding verified professionals can be found through Investor.gov.