I have a financial advisor and have contributed to my 401K as much as I can.
My retirement is as good as it is going to get financially.
What I'm asking is, how much time do you allow when you apply for social security? Medicare? What else am I missing? Any thoughts?
Just went through the SS application process.
It takes 4 weeks or more for an online SS application to be processed so apply before that. They let you apply up to 4 months before you are eligible. The online application is easy.
Your first check comes sometime in the second month after your birthday.
Medicare is automatic at 65.
You can go online to social security. The have a thing called “My Social Security”. You can just set that u anytime before or after you retire. It does NOT activate your ss.
It gives you basic information.
When you finally sign up (I am not retired) it is supposed to begin immediately. Or so they say.
Same with Medicare. But you have to learn about what you want on Medicare. READ! Also, if you have an insurance agent, pick their brain. They will want to help you since they want you to sign up for Medicare add-ons. Don’t buy anything. Ask and learn.
Also, community colleges have classes on both ss and Medicare. They are usually about $20 to take a class. There are often local free seminars.
Don’t buy anything ... You’re learning. You can go to a financial planner that only charges for services. Go for a free consultation ... After awhile you will know exactly what to ask.
Plan your finances. Plan for 20 to 30 years.
Go to the library and get books on retirement ... Go to your local senior center to look around. They should be a good source.
Good luck ...we all need it.