Legal Issues
Sep 10, 2021

Checklist: Planning for Retirement and Beyond

Sponsored Content provided by Insights On - ,


Many seniors carefully watch their finances and consult trusted advisors for guidance in timing retirement. However, careful planning doesn’t end with retirement. Seniors should ensure they are just as prepared for post-retirement as they were before leaving the workforce. Below is a checklist for seniors and their families to ensure seniors’ needs and objectives are met both upon retirement and beyond.
 
Finances. Make a list of all financial accounts, the locations of where the accounts are held, and any contact information for financial advisors. Check with the financial institutions to verify the owner names, permissions, and possible beneficiaries on each account. 
 
Investments. Compile a list of investments like CDs, IRAs, annuities, stocks, real estate properties or other investments. Locate account numbers and documents related to these assets and know the investment’s value. Check to ensure these assets are titled consistently with any legal documents. Verify the beneficiaries, if any, on each account.

Insurance Policies. Keep a list of all insurance policies and know the benefits and conditions for payment under these policies. Ensure that beneficiary information is updated. Ensure a trusted person will receive notices of premium payments so that the policies do not lapse for non-payment if a senior is unable to receive or read these notices.

Legal Documents. At a minimum, seniors should have an up-to-date durable power of attorney and health care power of attorney. For a durable power of attorney, one or more trusted people are appointed to conduct financial transactions for a person.  A durable power of attorney that offers “hot” powers ensures there are options to protect assets in the event the need for long-term care arises. A health care power of attorney ensures that only trusted people make health care decisions and follow instructions for end-of-life care needs.  Adults should have a Will or Trust in place to ensure their assets pass to intended heirs.
  
Digital Assets/Access. Compile a list of important online accounts and access to smartphones or computers along with log-on and password information. 
 
Safe Storage. Ensure that all important documents - especially original legal documents - are stored in a safe place. It is imperative that a trusted person has access to these documents in case the senior is unable to access them.
Healthcare. Maintain a list of health providers and current medications. Mobile seniors should keep a copy of health care powers of attorney stored on a thumb drive in their vehicle or under their smartphone’s “emergency” tab in case of a health emergency while traveling.
 
While this checklist is a starting point for both the young and the old, it is important to organize these matters before an emergency occurs. With these plans in place, seniors and their families can avoid stressful family or financial conflicts.
 
 
 

Other Posts from Insights On

Ico insights

INSIGHTS

SPONSORS' CONTENT
Ubs chadpearson headshotresized

The Three Dimensions Of Selling Your Business

Chad Pearson - UBS Decision Point Wealth Consulting
2022052 75 142344351

Bridge

Natalie English - Wilmington Chamber of Commerce
Cfss headshots parker robert webversion 21422121214

23 Reasons to Go Solar in 2023

Robert Parker - Cape Fear Solar Systems

Trending News

Avelo Plans New Florida Nonstops Out Of ILM

Miriah Hamrick - Mar 30, 2023

Wawa Gas Station Proposal On City Planning Agenda

Staff Reports - Mar 30, 2023

Despite Banking Headwinds, NCino Reports Steady Growth In Sales

Jenny Callison - Mar 29, 2023

Riverfront Farmers’ Market Returns To Dock Street For 20th Season

Miriah Hamrick - Mar 29, 2023

Tech Roundup: New Software Platforms, STEM-ILM Event And Tech Awards Deadline

Johanna Cano - Mar 29, 2023

In The Current Issue

Southport Brisket By Way Of Texas

Open since April 2014, Southport Smoke House has been introducing guests to owner Troy Knight’s home state of Texas brand of barbecue: beef...


Brunswick Owners Receive New Tax Values

Brunswick County property owners have received their new tax values as a result of this year’s required revaluation process....


New Makerspace Is Born

Doug Hamerski is a nephrologist who likes to spend his free time on other sciences, from circuity to radio. This pastime has now grown to a...

Book On Business

The 2023 WilmingtonBiz: Book on Business is an annual publication showcasing the Wilmington region as a center of business.

Order Your Copy Today!


Galleries

Videos

2023 Power Breakfast: Major Developments