Hello, my name is Roger Brooks with Strategic Investment Management.
If you’re approaching retirement, you’ve probably figured out by now that it’s about more than leaving your career. It’s a major life shift. Suddenly, your days, your time, and your finances look different.
On the financial side, it’s important to build a system that replaces your paycheck with a steady income from your savings, investments, and other income sources.
A few strategies I often coach clients through include:
- Keeping one to two years of expenses in cash or short-term bonds
- Setting simple rebalancing rules to stay consistent through market swings
- Determining which accounts fund which years of retirement
It’s also worth reviewing Social Security and healthcare decisions early. The timing of when you claim benefits or enroll in Medicare can affect your taxes and income for years to come.
But retirement isn’t only a financial transition, it’s a personal one. Work often provides structure, and finding new rhythms can take time. Try small experiments, like volunteering, traveling, or part-time work, to see what makes your week feel meaningful.
Here’s one more thing to consider: if you're retiring with a partner, this transition affects both of you. Talk openly about your expectations and timing to make sure you're on the same page.
If you’d like help planning your transition into retirement, reach out to the office. I’d be happy to help you make this next chapter feel intentional and well-planned.