Most retirees swing between two extremes.

They either worry constantly about markets and money — or they avoid looking at anything for years at a time.

Neither approach works.

A better solution is a simple annual retirement checkup: five numbers reviewed once a year that tell you whether you’re on track — or drifting off course.

No spreadsheets. No daily monitoring. Just clarity.

Why an Annual Checkup Beats Constant Monitoring

Retirement isn’t static, but it also doesn’t require constant action.

Markets move. Spending changes. Taxes evolve.

What retirees need isn’t more information — it’s better signals. The right numbers, reviewed at the right time, can tell you whether to:

• Spend a little more
• Pull back slightly
• Or stay the course

That’s exactly what this checkup is designed to do.

Number 1: Your Current Withdrawal Rate

This is the most important number most retirees never calculate.

Take the amount you actually withdrew last year and divide it by your current portfolio value.

That’s your real withdrawal rate — not the one you planned years ago.

If the number is lower than expected, you may have room for a raise. If it’s creeping higher, it’s an early warning — not a crisis.

Number 2: Your Portfolio Mix

Once a year, compare your actual allocation to your target:

• Stocks
• Bonds
• Cash

Portfolios naturally drift over time. A quick check lets you rebalance intentionally — instead of reacting emotionally after markets move.

You’re not trying to predict returns. You’re making sure risk stays aligned with reality.

Number 3: Your Cash Buffer

How many months of expenses do you have set aside in cash or very conservative assets?

This buffer is what keeps retirees from selling investments at the wrong time.

Many find that 12–24 months of spending dramatically reduces anxiety and improves decision-making — especially during market downturns.

Number 4: Your Tax Bracket and Medicare Exposure

Once a year, estimate where your income lands:

• Current tax bracket
• Medicare IRMAA thresholds

This number tells you whether:

• Roth conversions make sense
• Withdrawals should shift between accounts
• Income should be smoothed

Catching this early prevents surprises later.

Number 5: Portfolio Longevity

This doesn’t need to be perfect.

Using your current balance and spending, estimate how long your portfolio should last under reasonable assumptions.

You’re not predicting the future — you’re checking direction.

If longevity improves, confidence increases. If it declines, small adjustments now beat painful ones later.

What This Checkup Actually Gives You

This once-a-year review answers the questions retirees really care about:

• Can I spend more this year?
• Do I need to tighten slightly?
• Is my plan still working?

Most years, the answer is simply: stay the course.

But knowing that — with evidence — is what creates peace of mind.

Why Simple Beats Perfect

The biggest retirement mistakes don’t come from missing a decimal point.

They come from inaction or overreaction.

An annual checkup keeps you engaged without obsession — and proactive without panic.

It turns retirement from a guessing game into a manageable system.

Staying on Track With Minimal Effort

Retirement doesn’t need constant attention.

It needs consistent attention.

Five numbers. Once a year.

That’s often all it takes to keep your plan aligned — and your confidence intact.