Top Financial Questions Clients Ask Before Retirement
Tim Urie

As retirement approaches, many people—from Manhattan professionals to Denver educators—find themselves asking similar, important financial questions. These questions aren’t just about money—they’re about clarity, confidence, and making smart decisions for the next chapter of life.

 

At Legacy Edge Advisors, we work with pre-retirees in communities like Syosset, Roseland, Bethesda, and beyond who want real answers—not jargon. Below are some of the most common questions we hear during the years leading up to retirement.

 

1. Do I Have Enough to Retire?

This is the #1 question on most people’s minds. The answer depends on your lifestyle, savings, income sources, and how long you expect your retirement to last. We help clients build retirement income strategies designed to last and adjust over time.

 

2. When Should I Start Taking Social Security?

Timing can significantly impact your lifetime benefits. We model different scenarios—taking Social Security at 62 vs 67 vs 70—so you can see what works best for your personal situation and health outlook.

 

3. What’s the Best Way to Withdraw from My Accounts?

Many retirees have money spread across IRAs, 401(k)s, Roth accounts, and more. The order you draw from these can affect your taxes, longevity of your portfolio, and even Medicare premiums. This is a key part of our retirement income planning process.

 

4. What About Healthcare Costs?

From Medicare planning to long-term care options, understanding what you’ll pay—and what you need to prepare for—is critical. We help clients anticipate and plan for healthcare costs across all retirement phases.

 

5. What If the Market Drops Right After I Retire?

We structure portfolios to address sequence-of-return risk and help clients avoid panic selling. Our advisors in NJ and NYC often build in buffer assets or flexible withdrawal strategies to account for downturns.

Pre-Retirement Planning Checklist

- Estimate monthly income needs in today’s dollars

- Review Social Security and pension options

- Map out tax-efficient withdrawal strategies

- Understand Medicare enrollment timelines

- Talk to a fiduciary advisor about next steps

 

Have Questions About Your Retirement Plan? Let’s Talk.

Whether you’re a few years from retirement or just getting started with your plan, Legacy Edge Advisors is here to help. We offer personalized retirement planning across Denver, NYC, New Jersey, and Maryland—built around your needs, not ours. Reach out today for a one-on-one conversation and get answers to the questions that matter most.