The 5 years before retirement are critical for Americans. Here's why, plus what you can do to prepare

Group 1: Gold IRA and Investment Opportunities - Priority Gold offers a 100% free rollover for converting existing IRAs into gold IRAs, along with free shipping and storage for up to five years, and qualifying purchases can receive up to $10,000 in free silver [1] - A gold IRA is highlighted as a viable option for building retirement funds with an asset that hedges against inflation [2] - First National Realty Partners (FNRP) allows accredited investors to diversify their portfolios through grocery-anchored commercial properties with a minimum investment of $50,000, providing essential goods to communities [12][13] Group 2: Financial Planning and Budgeting - The five years leading up to retirement are considered critical for financial planning, emphasizing the importance of understanding current financial standings [6] - Developing a budget is essential for tracking retirement savings and ensuring financial readiness for retirement [8] - Apps like Rocket Money can assist in managing budgets by tracking expenses and negotiating lower rates on monthly bills, potentially saving hundreds annually [9] Group 3: Healthcare and Long-term Care Planning - Healthcare expenses are projected to be significant in retirement, with a 65-year-old estimated to spend around $172,500 on healthcare and medical expenses throughout retirement [17] - Long-term care insurance options are available to cover costs associated with in-home assistance, nursing homes, or assisted living facilities, which can deplete retirement funds if not planned for [19]