For optimal viewing experience, please use a supported browser such as Chrome or Edge

Download Edge Download Chrome

A checklist for your retirement planning

Published on March 1, 2024 | LPL Financial

Remember, it is never too early to start planning for your future

The time to begin planning for your financial future is now. So, when it comes to preparing for retirement, the earlier you start, the better.

Here are some steps to help you pursue your overall objectives:

  1. Review your current financial situation by assessing your income and assets versus your expenses and liabilities.
  2. At first, determine a realistic amount to contribute regularly to your employer-sponsored qualified retirement plan, e.g., a 401(k) plan. Over time, try to maximize allowable contributions to your savings plan and take advantage of the company match, if offered.
  3. In 2024, you can contribute up to $7,000 into a traditional Individual Retirement Account (IRA) or Roth IRA. If you are age 50 or older, you can contribute an additional $1,000. Depending on your participation in other qualified plans, contributions to a traditional IRA may be tax deductible. Earnings for both traditional and Roth IRAs have the potential to grow on a tax-deferred basis.
  4. Work toward reducing your debt. Pay off large bills as soon as possible. Curb your spending to avoid taking on any new debt that could carry over into retirement.
  5. Consult with a qualified professional about your life, health, and disability income insurance policies to determine the amount of coverage for your current and future needs.
  6. Find out how much you can expect to receive in retirement from pension plans, veteran’s benefits, or Social Security. To get an estimate on your future Social Security benefits, visit www.socialsecurity.gov.
  7. Analyze which expenses are likely to decrease after you retire (clothing, commuting, etc.) and which are likely to increase (medical, travel, etc.), and plan accordingly.

If you adhere to your checklist, you may see your savings increase as you get closer to reaching your retirement income goals. Remember, it is never too early to start planning for your future.

Important Disclosures

The opinions voiced in this material are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual security. To determine which investment(s) may be appropriate for you, consult your financial professional prior to investing.

All information is believed to be from reliable sources; however LPL Financial makes no representation as to its completeness or accuracy.

This information is not intended to be a substitute for specific individualized tax advice. We suggest that you discuss your specific tax issues with a qualified tax advisor.

Contributions to a traditional IRA may be tax deductible in the contribution year, with current income tax due at withdrawal.  Withdrawals prior to age 59 ½ may result in a 10% IRS penalty tax in addition to current income tax.

The Roth IRA offers tax deferral on any earnings in the account. Withdrawals from the account may be tax free, as long as they are considered qualified. Limitations and restrictions may apply. Withdrawals prior to age 59 ½ or prior to the account being opened for 5 years, whichever is later, may result in a 10% IRS penalty tax. Future tax laws can change at any time and may impact the benefits of Roth IRAs. Their tax treatment may change.

This article was prepared by RSW Publishing.

LPL Tracking #1-05364826

Related Resources

Webster InvestmentsArticles
Beat Inflation with Your Back-to-School Budget
Back-to-school season is always a busy time, but in 2025, it comes with a bigger-than-normal price tag. Between inflation, tariffs, and general economic uncertainty, everything from pencils to laptops may cost more this year. According to Business Insider1, inflation is projected to rise to around 5% by mid-2025. For many families, that means tighter budgets […]
Webster InvestmentsArticles
A Financial Planning Guide for Families with Disabilities
About 61 million adults in the U.S. live with a disability. Many of these disabilities are serious enough to impact a person’s daily life.1 There may be financial benefits available to those whose disabilities leave them unable to hold down a job. However, these benefits may come with strict rules and regulations, such as limits […]
Webster InvestmentsArticles
Tips for the Fast Growing Sandwich Generation
Finances are dicey for those simultaneously caring for their parents and kids Over the last 20 years, the median-age for Americans (the median age is the point where exactly half the population is older and the other half is younger) has increased by about 3 ½ years. Today, the median age is 38.8 years. But […]

Connect With Us

Learn more about Webster products, services and the communities we serve.