Planning for a Financially Secure Retirement

Being ready for a financially secure retirement takes planning that begins early and never really ends. Children grow up. Incomes rise or fall. The time left between work and retirement narrows. But let's focus on best practices during the ages of 55 to 69.

• Now is the time to save aggressively for retirement. You're probably in your peak earning years, so put away as much as possible as often as you can. And be sure to take advantage of so-called "catch-up" clauses that allow you to increase contributions to retirement plans.
• Look at your current spending and estimate whether your retirement needs will be met by income from Social Security, savings and withdrawals from your retirement plan.
• Shift to a more conservative investment strategy as retirement nears.

Ages 60–69

• Consult with a financial planner at least five years before you retire to make sure you are on a sound financial track.
• Consider long-term care insurance.
• Make sure your will and estate planning documents reflect your current wishes.
• Contact Doernbecher Children's Hospital Foundation for charitable giving strategies that will benefit you, your heirs and our mission.

The U.S. Social Security Administration's website can help you estimate the amount of monthly benefits you'll receive from Social Security.

• Go to www.socialsecurity.gov/estimator.
• Click on "Estimate Your Retirement Benefits" (button in the middle of the page).
• Be ready to provide your name, Social Security number, date and place of birth, and mother's maiden name.
• With a few more clicks, you get an estimate of your future benefits.