Learn how much you need to retire comfortably, and how to prepare for the "unexpected." Plan for everything from living expenses, to healthcare, to planning that trip you've always wanted to take.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • W𝕴hat should I do in the 5 years before retirement?

    If you haven’t been tracking all this already, this is the time to calculate how much money you will need and how much income you can expect to have. Do the math, figure out whether you’re on track, and decide what to do next–everything from changing needs or retirement income to working a few more years. 

  • What is the best way to invest for retirement?

    Start by understanding your investment options–both the different types of retirement accounts and the various investment categories. Then start saving early, track your net worth, keep your cool, and watch out for fees that sap your gains. And unless you’re really good at this, don’t go it alone.

  • What are the stages of retirement?

    Retirement isn’t just one step called “stop working at a job.” After the pre-retirement stage and the big good-bye, expect to move through a honeymoon phase, disenchantment, the job of building a new identity, and finally settling into a routine. 

  • Where are the best places to retire?

    If you’re thinking of relocating after you retire, here are the best places in both the U.S. and abroad, according to retirement researchers. Be sure to make extended visits to any new location you’re considering before making the move, especially if it involves living in another culture where people speak a different language. 

  • What is a good retirement income?

    One rule is that people generally need 80% of their current income in retirement. Will you have that much? Start by estimating your future expenses, looking at how much you’ll get from Social Security, and reviewing your retirement savings accounts and any pensions, plus other savings you may have. 

  • What are the worst mistakes you can make in planning for retirement♌?

    Not thinking ahead can decimate your retirement. Among the bad steps: quitting your job before checking on your retirement-plan vesting status, not saving or planning, not maxing out employer matching funds, investment mistakes, poor tax plꦍanning and taking Social Security early. 

Key Terms

A young woman checks her investments on a smartphone and laptop while sitting in a coffee shop.
❀Should You Invest In Cryp꧋to for Your Retirement? Experts Weigh In
Arlington Memorial Bridge with Arlington House in Arlington National Cemetery in background.
Why Retiring in Virginia's Costliest City Could Drain Your Savings
Delaware, Ohio City Hall
This Midwest ✅Tꦇown Is Among the Most Expensive Places to Retire. Is The Price Worth It?
A woman uses a laptop on an outdoor table surrounded by work materials, overlooking an urban setting.
More Americans Are Working Beyond 65. Here's What It Means for Your Retirement Plans
Couple in their 40s or 50s looking with concern at online mortgage rates
Gen X Fears Running Out of Money More Than Death—Here's How To Combat That Fear
Views from Castle Rock park in Castle Rock, Colorado.
This Colorado Town Is One of the Most Expensive Places to Retire. Her🐓e’s Why.
Sunset of Rockwall, Texas
T🐠his Texas Lake Town Is 🦹One of the Most Expensive Places to Retire. Here’s Why.
Aerial view of Manhattan Island with surrounding water and densely packed buildings
It’s No Surprise New York City Is One of Th🌊e Most Expensive Cities to Retire. But Do You Know Why?
Two people walking on a beach near large rock formations and cliffs
15 Affordable Retirement Spots E🍰very Travel E🙈nthusiast Must Consider
Night time image of Seattle, Washington,
Thinking of Retiring in Seattle? Here♋ Are The Costs You Need to Consider First
Two people at a table discussing a blueprint, one appears engaged and smiling while holding a pen
Avoiding the $500K+ RMD Shock: Essential Tips for Retirees
Senior man playing cards with family members at outdoor party.
FIRE vs. Micro-Retirement:✃ Which Financial Plan Wil🌌l Help You in the Long Term?
A person with glasses sits at a table making notes while counting coins.
Retirement Crisis: Why Most Americans Feel They'll Never Retire and 4 Ways to Change That
A woman conversing with an elderly couple at a table with a laptop
Should You 🥃Invest in the Market During Retirement?
Woman hiking in Phoenix, Arizona with mountain views and cacti aroundl
Why Arizona Cꦚould Be the Perfect Retirement Destination for You
Older woman examining a frame indoors, with individuals and plants in the background, a bright and airy room
Laid Off Close to Retirement? Here's What to Do With Your Money
Senior retired surfer man looking at waves and holding a surfboard at Sunset Cliffs, San Diego, California.
This Sunny California City Was Ranked a Most Expensive Place to Retire. 🐷Here’s What You Should Know
Golfer swinging on a golf course, trees in the background
The 2025 Guide to Retiring Without Regret
Female business owner opening shop at the beginning of the day.
How to Retire When You Own a Business
Elderly couples enjoying wine outside in the backyard of vacation home.
What to Look for in a Retirement Community Tour:𒁏 Questions Most People Forget to Ask
Woman sitting on a couch in a well-lit home using her cell phone.
Should You Max Out Your 401(k) or IRA First?
Grandmother reading book with toddler
Americans Reveal the Age They Think is🔴 Best for Retireme✨nt
A woman is thinking at the computer.
How to Turn Your Home Into Retirement Incom�𒅌�e Without Selling It
Senior woman volunteering to help clean street on a fall day.
From CEO to Volunteer: Reinven🐎ting Yo🐻ur Purpose in Retirement
14 Best Senior-Friendly Travel Groups
Maximize Travel Rewards on a Fixed Income
Laid-off businesswoman commuter riding bus with box of belongings
Is It🌠 Really Early Retirement or Just a Layoff? Here’s How to Decide
Senior couple enjoying the afternoon in Central Park in New York City.
Are You Living in One of These Top 10 Most Expensive Cities tꦗo Retire?
A row of colorful historic buildings lines a street, with various shops and businesses visible. Town Square, Paris, Tennessee.
The Affordable Retirement𒁏 Spot in Tennessee You Haven’t Considered—But Should
Older couple sitting in a white room planning their finances together.
𝕴Approaching Retirement Wi🦩th Little Savings? Here’s How to Make It Work
A couple looking at a piece of paper
Worried About Tariffs and a Recession? Here's What Retirees Need to Know
Woman harvesting tomatoes in her backyard.
Can You Retire o𓂃n $500,000? Here’s What It Would Take
Shot of a senior woman sitting alone in her living room
What No One Tells You About Retiring Alone
Army doctor leaning down in gymnasium to help children
Retirement Saving and Investing for Military🃏 Personnel
An older adult getting checked out by a doctor who is holding a tablet.
Why Wealthy America🌠ns Are Dying Earlier Than 💙Wealthy Europeans and What This Means for You?
Couples kayaking on a river in Virginia
This Virginia Town Is a Retirement Gem: Here's What Makes It So Affordable
Two older woman sitting on the porch of a suburban home laughing and drinking coffee.
Should You Take on a Roommate in Retirement?
Two elderly people in an olive market in Morocco.
Retiring Abroad: The Pros and Cons You Shouldn't Ignore
A panoramic view of downtown Toledo Ohio's skyline reflecting into the Maumee river.
This Ohio Town Could Be the ಞSavings Haven Your Wal🧸let Needs in Retirement
Grandpa making the grandkids laugh while they sit on a porch swing together.
Why This Friendly Texas Town Was Just Ranked a Top Retirement Destinati🎃on
Two women near umbrellas are standing while smiling and laughing in Italy on the beach.
Why Millennials and Gen Z are Takin𝓡g Micro-Retirements—and How You Can Too
A view of downtown Utica, NY, the county seat of Oneida County.
Why This Affordable New York Town Was J🦋ust Ranked a Top Retirement Destinꦕation
A man in a kitchen with a laptop computer and coffee
Will You Outlive Your Savings? Here's How to Boost Your Longevity Literacy
A worker at a table in a cafe
5 Facts About ཧPooled Employer Plans That Could Change Your Retir♕ement Outlook
A woman sits on a couch, holding papers and looking at a laptop, while a child behind her holds a tablet.
Why Saving for Retiremenꦰt Is Harder for Women Than You Mig🀅ht Think
Aerial of Downtown Pueblo, Colorado during autumn with a lake in the foreground.
Want to Retir🍷e in the West? See Why This Colorado Town Was Top Ranked for Affordability
Pearson's Falls near Tryon, North Carolina
This Quaint North Carolina Town Was Ranked a Top Retireme💜nt Destination: Find Ou🌞t Why
A gig worker in the driver's seat of a delivery vehicle.
Are You ⛄a Gig Worker? What You Mus﷽t Do To Prepare For Retirement
Omak, eastern Washington state
See Why This Tiny Town in Washing🌌ton Was Just Ranked a Top Retirement Spot
London Bridge in Lake Havasu City, Arizona.
Why This Beautiful Arizona Lake Town Was Ranked a Top Retiremꦡent Destination
Lake Charles in Sebring, Florida.
Why This Tranquil Florida Town Is Top Ranked for Retirees Seeking 💎Affordable Living
Anchorage, Alaska skyline
Why Retiring in Alaska Could Be Your Smartest 📖Financial Move Yꦏet
A panoramic view of Big Sur highway in California, showcasing mountains and the ocean.
California's Retirement Costs Are Higher Than You Think—Here's What to Know
Illustration of a Gen Xer looking toward the future and seeing long-term care planning needs.
Long-Term Careꦍ Planﷺning: What Gen X Needs to Know Now
Illustration of a woman reaching for an apple.
Here's How to Have Fun During Retirement Without Worrying About Finances
Illustration of a man sitting on a chair with his computer and golf clubs.
Balancing Work🎉 and Wealth: The Financial Impact of Earning in Retirement
Smiling woman wearing eyeglasses painting ceramic cup in workshop
5 Creative Ways Retirees Are Making ✅Money From Their Hobbies
Illustrated collage of retirement related things.
Methodology: Investopedia and Travel + Leisure’s Best Places To Retire In The U.S.
Two older women walking on the beach together during the winter time, they are wearing warm clothing.
These Northeast Towns Are Pe♍rfect for Retirement—and Still🦄 Affordable
Person with long, light-colored hair holds a mug while standing on the front porch of their home in the Midwest countryside.
Why Retiring in🔜 One of These 10 Midwest Citജies Might Be Your Best Financial Decision Yet
A tropical scene and sign welcoming you to the state of Florida.
The Southeast's Hidden Retirement Gems: Discover the 10 Most Livable Cities