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4 Retirement Moves to Make Before 2026 Ends
The Motley Fool· 2026-01-18 19:30
Core Insights - The article emphasizes the importance of proactive retirement planning and financial management to ensure a comfortable retirement in the future [1][2]. Group 1: Retirement Planning - Developing a solid retirement plan is crucial, which includes estimating required income and establishing multiple income streams such as Social Security, dividends, and withdrawals from retirement accounts [3][4]. - The article suggests considering the implications of early retirement, as it may require income to last for a longer period, potentially up to 40 years if retiring at 55 and living until 95 [4]. - Healthcare costs are highlighted as a significant factor in retirement planning, necessitating early consideration of coverage options before Medicare eligibility at age 65 [5]. Group 2: Saving and Investing - Aggressive saving is recommended, with an emphasis on starting as early as possible to maximize the growth potential of investments over time [6][7]. - The article provides a table illustrating the potential growth of investments at an 8% annual return, showing significant increases in savings over 40 years with consistent annual contributions [7]. - Effective investment strategies are discussed, advocating for a balanced approach that avoids excessive risk while still aiming for growth, such as investing in the stock market through low-fee index funds [8][9]. Group 3: Social Security Planning - Planning for Social Security benefits is essential, with options to start collecting as early as age 62 or delaying until age 70 for increased benefits [11]. - The article stresses the importance of carefully considering the timing of Social Security claims, as it can significantly impact total benefits received [12].