Retirement Planning in Your 50's
Prepare for the Decade That Defines Your Future
The Countdown Window
Your 50s mark the most pivotal stage of retirement planning. With fewer years to compound but often higher earnings, this is when focus replaces flexibility. Together, we define your target retirement age, expected lifestyle, and spending needs so your plan feels personal—not generic. Whether you picture staying close to home in Madison or relocating to Chapel Hill, Branning Wealth helps you build a clear timeline for the transition ahead.
Strengthen Every Part of Your Retirement Foundation
As you enter your 50s, every decision—from investments to taxes, benefits, and healthcare—plays a role in securing your retirement. We help you fine-tune each area so your portfolio, income, and coverage work together for a confident transition.
As you approach retirement, protecting what you’ve built becomes just as important as growth. We help you evaluate risk levels, rebalance your portfolio, and ensure your investment mix aligns with upcoming income needs. Establishing a near-term cash reserve—typically one to two years of expenses—can reduce stress and improve flexibility as markets fluctuate.
Your 50s offer new ways to accelerate retirement savings. If you’re contributing to a 401(k) or IRA, catch-up provisions allow you to invest more than younger workers. We also evaluate HSA strategies, which combine tax advantages and future healthcare savings. In Jackson and Chapel Hill, clients often use this phase to pay off mortgages and redirect that freed-up cash flow toward retirement accounts.
Tax strategy matters more as retirement nears. This may be the right time for selective Roth conversions during lower-income years or capital gains management before required distributions begin. We coordinate with your CPA to help minimize taxes today and in retirement.
If you’re in your peak earning years, maximizing employer benefits and deferred compensation plans can make a measurable difference. Branning Wealth advises on pension elections, stock options, and deferred compensation plans to help you make confident, data-driven decisions. Understanding your total reward package ensures every dollar contributes to your future income stream.
Before Medicare eligibility begins at 65, healthcare coverage is one of the most critical planning areas. We explore COBRA, ACA marketplace options, and private insurance strategies to bridge the gap without overpaying. Our local advisors understand coverage differences between Mississippi and North Carolina providers, from Baptist Medical Center in Jackson to UNC Health in Chapel Hill.
Action Plan & Readiness Review
We close every pre-retirement plan with an actionable roadmap—covering savings goals, withdrawal sequencing, and estate coordination. Our readiness review process helps you move from “I hope I can retire” to “I know I can.” Annual progress checks and ongoing advisor access ensure your plan evolves with your life, not against it.