Financial Planning for Life Events You've worked hard all your life, now the end reward — retirement — is nearly in sight. Just because the end is in sight, this is no time to stop planning or saving for the future. Indeed, pre-retirement is one of the most important times in the whole retirement-planning process. Now is the time when you make the final adjustments to ensure that all your previous work and savings will pay off with a comfortable, secure retirement. First of all, don't stop saving! Stick with the program. Next, adjust your investment mix to reflect your shorter time horizon and to protect what you've accumulated until now. Whereas once, with a longer time horizon, you invested in riskier options, now is the time to consider safer investments. Examine your retirement plan distribution options and consider how you will receive distributions once you retire. Determine needs and expenses in retirement and begin planning a budget to guide you through your retirement years. Start allocating your investments to meet those needs as you get closer to retirement. Consider long-term care needs As you age, the possibility of your requiring long-term care for illness increases. Without proper insurance coverage, you could see your finances severely impaired and your retirement dreams hampered by mounting bills for a lengthy hospital stay or home healthcare. Check into long-term care insurance to supplement your existing healthcare coverage and to protect you and your retirement plan in times of need. Estate planning It may seem strange to begin planning your estate when you haven't even retired yet, but it's never too early to determine how your assets will be distributed after your death. Doing it well in advance offers you the time and ability to determine the most advantageous estate plan to both you and your heirs without undue pressure. A well-planned estate not only gives you more control over your assets and their distribution, it also means that the people you choose are the ones to benefit for your lifetime of planning and hard work. Let us help you plan for your life events. Have an advisor contact you directly for your personal consultation. #40030