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NCUAEqual Housing Lender
Plan It™ retire ready toolkit
Copyright © 2007-2013 Credit Union National Association Inc.
Front Page | Quick Tips List

Achieve A Healthy Retirement

  • Three Secrets to Aging WellLearn three truths to living the golden years gracefully.
  • Observation Care May Not Be CoveredIf you’re in the hospital, be sure you know whether you’re considered an inpatient or an outpatient.
  • Keep Your Hospital Costs LowHospital visits can be expensive, so do your research.
  • Benefits of Medical TourismHave you thought about traveling abroad to meet your health-care needs? Here are three reasons you might want to give medical tourism some consideration.
  • Snowbird? How to Get the Services You Need
  • Seeing a Doctor "On Assignment"
  • Consider the Costs of Long-Term CareBefore you choose to purchase a long-term care policy, get familiar with current research and national averages.

    • Explore Housing Options

  • Great Photos Mean Quick Home SalesWhen people begin looking for a house, they search by price, location, and size. Then they start looking at pictures. If you want to sell your home more easily, choose a real estate agent who uses a professional photographer to show your property in its best light.
  • Get Past Refinancing ChallengesIf you don’t have a steady income, it can be difficult to qualify for a new, lower-rate mortgage. Regular withdrawals from a retirement account can qualify as income, or you could consider federal debt release programs that modify your current mortgage.
  • Reasons to Pay Off Mortgage Before RetiringWith today’s record-low mortgage rates, you might be tempted to make minimum mortgage payments as long as possible while you try to earn a higher return on investments. But consider the benefits of being mortgage-free in retirement.
  • Retire in a College TownReap the benefits of living in a college town during retirement.
  • Reverse Mortgage Can Generate CashMany retirees find that they have a hard time covering their monthly expenses. Financial experts suggest that some people consider using home equity to generate some cash flow.
  • Find an Affordable Retirement SpotYou should definitely consider weather and culture when deciding where to retire, but take specific financial considerations into account as well. These retirement-location characteristics could help you save money.
  • Find the Right Place to RetireStay energized and engaged as you start the next phase of your life. Look at four options for retiring to a new place.
  • Don't Fall for Time-Share Resale ScamsIf you're looking to sell your time-share, be on guard: New scams are cheating time-share owners out of thousands of dollars.
  • Watch Out for Reverse Mortgage FraudLearn how to identify reverse mortgage scams, even if they involve legitimate programs.
  • Avoid Foreclosure and Loan ScamsProtect yourself from deceptive foreclosure rescues and loan plans.
  • Look at Housing Needs When DownsizingRetirees have specific real estate needs. Consider these factors when you’re ready to buy or sell property.
  • Know How to Unlock Home EquityLearn the options that the value of your house can provide towards your financial needs.

    • Face Family Challenges

  • Aging Parents Can Help Their KidsIf you have enough for your own retirement—plus extra—there are ways you can help your kids financially. Whether it’s letting them move in with you for a while or just keeping good records, you can make things easier for them.
  • Must-Have Gadgets for RetireesOlder adults are increasingly adopting new technologies and the Internet. For the first time in 2012, more than half of adults age 65 and older were online. If you’re not one of them, consider it—and incorporate these other technologies into your life.
  • Avoid Common Funeral TrapsWhen you lose a loved one, make sure you understand what funeral items and planning steps are optional. Ask questions and know your rights—the federal Funeral Rule requires funeral providers to disclose prices and requirements.
  • Couples: Create Retirement Plan TogetherYou may have your perfect retirement all figured out, but your spouse might have something different in mind. Avoid conflicts by discussing plans with each other before retiring.
  • Protect Older Adults From FraudIs an elderly friend or relative gaining interest in get-rich-quick schemes? Do you see evidence of unexplained sums missing from bank accounts, or checks written to unfamiliar people? He may be a victim of fraud.
  • Pointers for Raising GrandchildrenGrandfamilies are increasingly becoming more common.
  • Caregivers: Evaluate EmergenciesIf you are a caregiver, use these suggestions to determine if an urgent phone call from your loved one is truly an emergency.
  • Complete Legal Forms to Prevent Exploitation
  • Resources to Prevent Financial AbuseWith so many forms of elder financial abuse out there, your best defense is knowledge.
  • Find Financial Help for CaregivingIf you are a caregiver for a family member, you may be eligible for financial assistance.
  • Help Prevent Elder AbuseHelp older family members protect themselves from financial abuse that can arrive via these common ways.
  • Help Parents Manage MoneyAs parents age, you may eventually need to step in to help them with finances. Make sure you have all the information you need to help parents manage money effectively.
  • Learn About Caregiver Tax BreaksIf you take care of an aging parent, don’t miss out on tax exemptions that could benefit you. Find out if you’re eligible for exemptions and how you can claim them.
  • Should You Get a Prenup?Even though many couples sign prenuptial agreements before walking down the aisle, the term still gets a bad rap. If you’re considering a prenup, don’t let these myths dissuade you.
  • Watch for Elder AbuseDo you know the signs of elder abuse? Help protect aging parents and relatives by keeping an eye on these items.
  • Caregivers: Seek Resources and SupportCaring for aging loved ones? Make sure you get the help you need.
  • Consider the Costs of Long-Term CareBefore you choose to purchase a long-term care policy, get familiar with current research and national averages.
  • Recognize the Signs of Elder Financial Abuse

    • Grow My Nest Egg

  • Before You Collect, 8 Social Security SecretsHere’s help to guide you as you start collecting Social Security.
  • Get Help Tracking Pension PlansKeep good records and know what pension benefits you’re entitled to. If you lose track, the national Pension Rights Center and its regional offices may be able to help.
  • New Retirement Plan Contribution LimitsFind out about the 2013 IRS contribution limits for several types of retirement plans, including 401(k) or similar plans, defined contribution plans, and IRAs.
  • Withdrawals: Beat the 4% RuleUse the IRS tables for RMDs to develop a schedule for retirement-savings withdrawals.
  • Protect Your Investment from ScamsBefore investing to build retirement savings, do your due diligence. Investigate the adviser and recommended product, and then get a second, unbiased opinion.
  • Maximize Social Security PaymentsDepending on taxes, retirement accounts, your work income, and your spouse’s, it may make sense to delay collecting Social Security. Use online tools to determine the best time to start.
  • Annuities: Money for LifeAnnuities provide guaranteed annual payments you can’t outlive.
  • Preretirees: Plan for Less Social SecurityBased on a recent report, unless Congress acts, Social Security benefits could be 25% less than scheduled by 2033.
  • Avoid Retirement MistakesWe all make mistakes, but these retirement blunders can derail your plans big time. A recent Consumer Reports survey of retired and soon-to-be-retired subscribers revealed some oversights to avoid.
  • Recalculate Retirement Withdrawal RateFor years, financial experts recommended withdrawing 4% from your retirement savings annually. But new research suggests withdrawing anywhere from 1.8% to 7% of your nest egg each year.
  • Don't Overstuff Your 401(k)It might seem counterintuitive, but there is such a thing as putting too much money into your 401(k) account. Socking away as much as possible in your 401(k) can actually take a chunk out of your tax return.
  • Social Media Investment ScamsEveryone is on social media these days—and unfortunately, that includes scammers. The latest breed of fraudster uses social media to lure other users into too-good-to-be-true investment scams.
  • How to Retire Early (Really)Do you dream of retiring early? Here’s how to make it a reality—even if you aren’t loaded.
  • Avoid Surprise Retirement CostsYou may think you’ve prepared your finances for retirement, but have you considered these little-known expenses? Planning for them can prevent a financial surprise.
  • Co-Workers Affect How You InvestLots of factors affect the way you choose to save and invest for retirement. But did you ever think the officemate in the cubicle next to yours at work could be one of those factors?
  • Check Safety of Pension PlansIf you have a defined benefit plan, keep a close eye on your funds: A recent report reveals that some pension plans are underfunded.
  • Three Ways to Boost Your Nest EggHow’s your nest egg looking these days? If you’re looking for ways to plump up your retirement savings, try these basic strategies.
  • When to Pay Down Your MortgageLook at these circumstances before you decide to pay off your mortgage before you retire.
  • Old 401(k)? Weigh These OptionsChanging jobs and wondering what to do with your old 401(k)? Here are your options.
  • Stop Worrying, Start PlanningAccording to a recent poll, not having enough money for retirement is Americans’ biggest financial worry. To bulk up your nest egg, be proactive.
  • Collecting Social Security While WorkingIf you plan to work while collecting Social Security benefits, consider these factors when deciding how much to work, when to start receiving benefits, and more.
  • Assess Your Financial AdviserThe financial adviser who helped you prepare your retirement stash may not be the right person to guide you through retirement. Look out for these areas of concern.
  • No 401(k)? You Still Can SaveEven without a 401(k) plan through your employer, you still can take advantage of certain tax breaks and strategies to help you save for retirement on your own.
  • Be Careful With Retirement NumbersDo you have a "magic number" for retirement in mind? Make sure it’s realistic.
  • Tweet With Retirement ExpertsFollow tweets from these resources to keep up with the latest retirement news and advice.
  • Determine Your Full Retirement AgeDoes an increase in full retirement age affect you? It depends on when you were born.
  • Know 401(k) FeesRecent survey results show that many 401(k) participants aren’t familiar with fees they pay for their plans. If you’re in the same boat, an online tool can help.
  • Women: Save More for RetirementA recent study reported that women save significantly less for retirement than men. Make sure your savings are on track by following these guidelines.
  • Find the Right Financial AdviserWhen hiring a financial adviser, going with the first one you meet or following a recommendation might not be the best route to take. Here's how to hire the right person to help you with your financial decisions.
  • Know When to Rebalance Your 401(k)Rebalancing is crucial to make sure your asset allocation is working as you intend it to. Learn which situations should prompt you to consider rebalancing.
  • Know Your Target-Date FundWhen it comes to your target-date retirement fund, don’t just set it up and watch it go. Understand the investments in your fund and how they will work over time to ensure that you’re making smart investing decisions.
  • Be Smart About Storing ValuablesHome safe or safe deposit box? Make sure valuable items remain as safe and secure as possible.
  • Calculate Social Security Benefits
  • Old 401(k)? Roll It
  • Consider the Costs of Long-Term CareBefore you choose to purchase a long-term care policy, get familiar with current research and national averages.
  • Find the Effects of Early or Delayed Retirement
  • Advise Social Security of Name Changes
  • Use FINRA Site for Critical, Credible Investment Tips

    • Insure Against Loss

  • Medicare Drug Premiums Hold SteadyInsurance premiums for prescription drug programs won’t increase in 2012, according to Medicare.
  • Keep Beneficiary Information CurrentWhat if you diligently paid your life insurance premium on a regular basis, but your beneficiaries never received the payout?

    • Manage My Estate, Taxes, And Legal Issues

  • Get Started With Estate PlanningEstate planning can sound overwhelming, but once you know the documents you need, it’s easier to get started. Financial experts recommend you have these documents in place.
  • Review Beneficiaries NowDon’t put off updating beneficiary designations.
  • Activate Your Durable Power of AttorneySimply signing a durable power of attorney for health care isn’t enough to activate it.
  • File Gift Tax Form for Family TransactionsAvoid a potential tax audit when you sell something for more than $13,000 to a relative.
  • Free Handbook Is a Must-HaveNeed help with a consumer problem? Check out the Consumer Action Handbook.
  • Avoid the Tax Trap With Grandkids
  • Don't Name a Minor as Your Beneficiary
  • Consider a 'Leftovers' Clause in Your Will

    • Manage Spending And Credit

  • Seven Signs You Should Delay RetirementThese seven signs say “wait to retire.”
  • Stay on Top of Student Loan PaymentsMore baby boomers are falling behind on federal student loan payments from their own educations or their children’s, and the government is docking their Social Security disability as well as retirement benefits.
  • Receive Federal Benefits by Direct DepositDo you receive federal benefits by paper check through the mail? You have until March 1, 2013 to switch to one of two electronic payment methods.
  • Deter Mobile FraudAbout 7% of smartphone users are victims of identity fraud. You can protect yourself from mobile fraud by following these tips.
  • Manage Debt in RetirementIt’s not an ideal situation, but through financial hardship or mistakes, you might enter retirement with debt. Fortunately, there are ways to manage it.
  • Web Phishing: Don’t Take the BaitWith website phishing attacks on the rise, it’s more important than ever to stay off the hook. Websites infected with phishing malware increased 89% in the third quarter of 2011.
  • Explore Free Online ServicesYou can find a wealth of useful services online for free.
  • Find New Ways to Save MoneyIf you’re looking for moneysaving ideas, try cutting back in these areas.
  • Savings Bonds Go OnlineBeginning in January 2012, the Treasury Department will eliminate paper savings bonds.
  • Scope Out Small-Biz Credit CardsThat small-business credit card application you received in the mail looks tempting, even if you don’t own a small business. But don’t sign up just yet.
  • Buy the Best Cellphone for YouChoosing the right cellphone and finding the best deal on a plan require some forethought. Find out how to choose the best phone for your needs and budget.
  • Dodge These Common Money MishapsSteer clear of these financial pitfalls to keep your finances in good health.
  • Protect Your Finances OnlineUse these tips to keep your financial information safe when you go online.
  • Guard Against ATM SkimmingLearn to avoid these sneaky ATM scams by staying alert at the cash machine.
  • Make Your Charitable Dollars Go Far
  • Calculate Social Security Benefits
  • Do Your Own Energy Audit
  • Use 'Step-Down Principle' to Save Money

    • Plan For Travel And Leisure

  • Consider Carefully Before Retiring OverseasTake time to think through your decisions before retiring overseas. Be sure you choose a country that fits your priorities, that you don’t jump into a shady real estate deal, and that you organize your financial, tax, and insurance situations.
  • Volunteer Opportunities AboundBaby boomers are more educated than previous generations, live longer, and have the necessary skills. As volunteering declines, nonprofits and local charities are retooling to attract the generation that outnumbers all others.
  • Create a Social Media WillCreate a social media will to help relatives shut down your social media profiles.
  • Skip Flight InsuranceThere’s a significant difference between flight insurance and travel insurance, so think twice before you buy.
  • Plan Ahead for Giving Back in Retirement

    • Start A Small Business / Refresh My Career

  • Consider Temporary RetirementIf you’re not ready to leave the workplace entirely, a temporary retirement might be just the thing for you. You could retire, relax, and recharge for a while, then get a job that lets you pursue your passions. You might work at that job for a few years and then go back to the leisure life for a year or two.
  • Use AARP tool to find jobsUse the AARP and LinkedIn’s Work Reimagined website to connect with jobs.
  • Maximize Your Social Security PayoutFind out how you can increase your Social Security payout.
  • Look for Jobs OnlineEven if you don't need it now, bookmark this guide to reputable job-search websites.
  • Find a Part-Time Job in RetirementIf you’re looking for a flexible, engaging, part-time job in retirement, these gigs could be perfect for you.
  • Think About Franchise OptionsThink opening a franchise might be the best small-business option for you? Consider one of these growing areas in the industry.
  • Use YouTube for Small-Biz IdeasThere are a wealth of free resources available to small-business owners—many of them on the video community YouTube. Check out these video channels that will get you on the path to small-biz success.
  • Gear Up for Retirement ReversalThe Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts a worker shortage in the next few years that could bring many retirees back into the work force. Find out when the shortage is likely to occur and what kinds of jobs will become available to retirees returning to work.
  • Nurture Your Job-Seeking NetworkNurture your network, which is more likely to be a source of new job opportunities. Learn how to utilize new and upcoming resources and websites.
  • Write a Simple Business Plan

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