The Retirement Gap: Are You Really Ready?
Don’t just ask when you can retire—
ask if you’re ready to retire well.
The Retirement Gap: Are You Really Ready?
Most people think of retirement in terms of a finish line. "What age can I retire? When can I stop working?" While those are important questions, a better one might be: Will I be ready to retire well?
At GW Financial, Inc., we help clients retire with clarity, confidence, and purpose. That means looking beyond the surface timeline and into the full picture of what a meaningful retirement really requires.
Retiring On Time vs. Retiring Well
"On time" might mean retiring at 62, 65, or 70. But retiring well means retiring:
With income you can’t outlive
With healthcare costs accounted for
With a plan for taxes and spending flexibility
With a sense of purpose in your next chapter
5 Questions to Close the Retirement Gap
Do you know how much income you’ll need—and want—each year?
Consider fixed expenses, lifestyle desires, and inflation.
Are you optimizing Social Security?
Timing your claim can make a six-figure difference over your lifetime.
Have you planned for healthcare?
Long-term care costs, Medicare premiums, and insurance gaps are critical.
Are your investments aligned with your withdrawal strategy?
Sequence of returns, tax efficiency, and income buckets matter more than ever.
What does retirement look like for you?
Volunteering? Travel? Part-time consulting? Retiring well includes emotional and lifestyle planning too.
The Retirement Gap is Real—But Preventable
Too often, we see families hit the milestone age but not the milestone readiness. The good news? With thoughtful planning, you can cross both the age and readiness finish lines with confidence.
For our existing clients, this is a timely reminder to revisit your plan with fresh eyes. If you haven’t done so in the past 12 months, here are a few action items worth discussing together:
Update your 30-Day Spending Plan: Are there new expenses, travel plans, or home projects coming up? Let’s make sure your plan reflects your real lifestyle vision.
Review Income Strategy: Are your income streams optimized for tax efficiency? Are you drawing from the right buckets in the right order?
Assess Healthcare Preparedness: If you’re within 5 years of Medicare eligibility, let’s talk through your coverage path and long-term care planning.
Stress-Test Your Portfolio: Market volatility is normal—but your allocation and withdrawal strategy should be resilient to it.
Legacy Priorities: Have your family dynamics, giving goals, or estate planning needs shifted?
Even small updates today can mean a smoother, more confident retirement tomorrow.
Let us know what’s changed—or what you’re starting to think about—and we’ll help refine your plan accordingly.
Are you considering working with a financial planner? We'd love to understand more about what you're looking for and determine if we're the right fit for your financial planning needs.
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For more information on our services:
Retirement Planning Overview: planhighereducation.com/retirement-planning
College Planning Services: planhighereducation.com
This content is developed from sources believed to be providing accurate information and is provided by GW Financial, Inc. It is not intended to be used as investment, tax, or legal advice. The information presented is for general education and informational purposes only and should not be construed as a solicitation or recommendation. Please consult with a qualified professional regarding your specific circumstances.
