Transitions In Retirement

Most adults in the US experience three transitions in their retirement lives. Around the age of 55, their dreams of retirement begin in earnest and they begin to plan and prepare for retirement. But the job is far from done after they enter retirement. There are dozens of activities to juggle, which may involve health care and investment decisions, and dealing with new types of taxes to report. Finally, a last transition becomes apparent after they have enjoyed the leisure for few years, and they realize it is time to make arrangements to leave their estates to family and friends. Transitions In Retirement discusses these phases in the natural division of three parts. Part one reviews the early steps in transition planning and how to inventory assets and liabilities, how to set up pensions and tax-deferred savings, and other considerations such as life and health insurance, and when to start Social Security. Part two addresses health care decisions, with focus on Medicare Plans, followed by a detailed review of taxes that affect seniors. It ends with considerations for retirement income, especially fixed income methods for retirees. Part three examines estate planning and answers questions about estate taxes. This is followed by a review of setting up estate legal documents, including a trust, a will, power of attorney, and advance health care directives. Specific examples of each legal instrument are provided.