The 5 years before retirement are the highest-leverage planning window most people ever have.
Social Security timing, Roth conversion windows, RMD planning, and estate freeze strategies all interact in this period. Decisions made now compound for decades. Decisions deferred now cannot be undone.
What changes at the $2M–$30M level
Your action plan
Ordered by urgency. Items marked "Immediate" should be addressed within 60–90 days.
Every year of delay between 62 and 70 increases your benefit by 6–8%. For couples, survivor benefit coordination adds another dimension.
Do this in My Wealth Maps →The gap between retirement and RMD start age is often the lowest-tax period of your life. Converting tax-deferred assets now reduces future RMD burden.
Do this in My Wealth Maps →The Initial Enrollment Period around your 65th birthday cannot be extended. Late enrollment causes permanent premium penalties.
Which accounts you draw from first — and in what order — determines your tax burden for the next 30 years.
Do this in My Wealth Maps →GRATs and other freeze strategies work best when assets are still appreciating. Retirement often marks the peak of earned income and asset growth.
Do this in My Wealth Maps →How prepared are you for approaching retirement?
Answer 5 questions and get a personalized readiness score with specific gaps identified.
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An estate attorney can execute the legal documents and trust strategies this event requires.
Browse attorneys →A fiduciary advisor can model the financial impact and coordinate strategy across your full picture.
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