Are you really ready for retirement? As your retirement countdown begins, I reveal the critical steps you must take to ensure you're fully prepared to retire confidently and securely. From defining your retirement vision to setting a realistic retirement age, I cover everything you need to know for effective retirement planning. In this retirement planning video, you’ll discover: How to pick the ideal retirement age (55, 59½, or 62) to maximize your retirement savings and avoid penalties. Essential budgeting strategies for retirement, including accurately planning for healthcare expenses before Medicare. Proven methods to calculate your FIRE number, going beyond the standard 4% rule for early retirement success. Powerful risk-management techniques to protect your nest egg from sequence of returns risk and market volatility. Crucial insights about when to claim Social Security, and how avoiding a common trap could save you thousands. Get started with my free checklist, "12 Must-Do Steps to Retire Sooner and Smarter," to ensure you don't miss a thing as you prepare to retire:👉 https://payhip.com/b/IBj3q Stress-test your retirement plan using the highly recommended retirement planning software (Boldin) mentioned in the video: Try Boldin here: https://go.boldin.com/earlyretirementroadmap Disclosure: This is an affiliate link, which means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. It's a simple way to support this podcast and the content I create. Thank you! 📺 When you're not on the go, watch the Early Retirement Roadmap YouTube Channel: https://youtube.com/@EarlyRetirementRoadmap?sub_confirmation=1 🌐 Visit my website for all my media, including my blog or to contact me about sponsorship or other business opportunities: https://mikeupland.com/ ☕ Support: Buy me a coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/mikeupland.com DISCLAIMER: This podcast is for educational purposes only and reflects my personal experience and research. It is not financial, tax, legal, or investment advice. Always consult with qualified professionals before making major retirement or financial decisions. I am not responsible for any loss or damages resulting from reliance on this information.  #CountdownToRetirement #RetirementPlanning #EarlyRetirement #RetirementChecklist #SocialSecurityTips