September 30, 2026
6 Things to Check on Your Retirement Plan This Fall
Fall has a way of reminding us that the end of the year will be here before we know it. And while you’re checking off seasonal to-dos, it can also be a good time to check in on something bigger: your retirement plan.
Whether retirement is several years away or you’re already enjoying it, life doesn’t stand still. Expenses change. Priorities shift. Family needs evolve. A regular review can help make sure your plan continues to fit the life you’re living—and the future you’re planning for.
Here are six areas worth checking.
1. Know where you stand.
Start with a quick inventory of your finances. Review your savings, retirement accounts, sources of income, monthly expenses and outstanding debt.
You don’t necessarily need to make changes. The first step is simply having a clear picture of where you are today. Not sure where to start? Our Retirement Readiness Checklist can help you think through some of the important pieces of your retirement plan.
Check Your Retirement Readiness
2. Look at where your retirement income will come from.
If you’re approaching or already in retirement, consider how you’ll cover your monthly expenses. Social Security, pensions, retirement accounts and personal savings may all play a role. But retirement planning isn’t only about how much you’ve accumulated. It’s also about determining how those savings can help provide the income you’ll need throughout retirement.
For money you don’t need for immediate expenses, solutions that offer guaranteed rates and predictable growth may also have a place in your overall plan.
3. Plan for healthcare expenses.
Healthcare can represent a significant part of a retirement budget, which makes it important to include these costs when considering how much income you may need.
Fall is an especially timely opportunity to review healthcare coverage and anticipated expenses for the coming year. If you’re eligible for Medicare, its annual enrollment period may also prompt you to take another look at your healthcare needs and budget. The bigger question is: Have healthcare costs been accounted for in your retirement plan?
4. Give your life insurance a checkup, too.
When was the last time you reviewed your life insurance coverage?
Retirement, marriage, the birth of a child or grandchild, paying off a mortgage, losing employer-provided coverage or other changes in your financial situation can all affect your needs. And don’t forget the basics. Check your beneficiaries and make sure your policy information is up to date.
Explore Life Insurance Solutions
5. Get your important documents in order.
A retirement checkup isn’t just about dollars and cents. Take time to review important documents such as your will, beneficiary designations and power of attorney. Make sure they’re current and that the appropriate people know where important information can be found. Organizing these details today can also make things easier for the people you care about later.
6. Ask yourself what you want retirement to look like.
Retirement readiness isn’t only about reaching a number. What do you want your retirement years to include? Travel? More time with family? Volunteering? A new hobby? Working part-time? Your financial plan should ultimately support the life you’re planning to live. As your goals change, your plan may need to change with them.
How Ready Are You?
You don’t need to have every answer today. Sometimes the most important step is simply taking stock of where you are and identifying the questions you still need to answer. Whether you’re preparing for retirement or already there, a regular review can help you stay focused on what’s important to you.
