After decades of serving the public in Washington State, retirement offers well-deserved freedom. Yet for many DRS members, the transition from a workplace filled with daily interactions to more unstructured days can lead to unexpected isolation.
About 43% of adults over 60 report feeling lonely regularly¹, and the impact on both mental and physical health can be significant. As you prepare for retirement from the public sector, understanding how to maintain and build meaningful connections deserves as much attention as your financial planning.
Core Principles for Preventing Loneliness in Retirement

1. Proactive relationship building: Social connections require intentional cultivation, especially after leaving the workplace where relationships often develop naturally².
2. Purpose drives fulfillment: Meaningful activities that connect you with others and provide a sense of contribution are strongly linked to retirement satisfaction³.
3. Community engagement matters: Washington State offers unique opportunities for retirees through programs like the Retired Public Employees Council (RPEC) that provide both social connection and continued engagement with state issues⁴.
4. Health and social wellbeing are interconnected: Research shows that maintaining strong social ties reduces the risk of depression by 30% and may reduce cognitive decline by up to 50%⁵.
5. Digital connections complement in-person relationships: While technology cannot replace face-to-face interaction, it offers valuable ways to maintain connections, especially given Washington's geography with both urban centers and remote communities⁶.

Your 5-Step Strategy for Building a Connected Retirement
1. Plan Your Social Transition Before Your Last Day
The months before retirement are crucial for establishing your social network beyond work. Too many public employees wait until after retirement to think about their social connections.
Steps to take before retirement:

• Identify colleagues you want to maintain relationships with beyond work
• Exchange personal contact information and schedule the first post-retirement gathering
• Research and join retiree groups like the Washington State School Retirees' Association or RPEC⁴
• Attend pre-retirement workshops focused on the social aspects of retirement (DRS offers these quarterly)

2. Reimagine Your Identity Beyond Your Career
For many public servants, work identity becomes deeply entwined with personal identity. Retirement requires finding new ways to define yourself.
Ways to develop post-career identity:

• List your values and interests separate from your professional role
• Explore activities you've always wanted to try but never had time for
• Consider how your skills from public service could transfer to volunteer roles
• Join groups based on interests rather than profession

3. Create Structure With Social Components
Unstructured time can lead to isolation. Creating routines that naturally include interaction with others provides both purpose and connection.
Ideas for social structure:

• Join a regular fitness class at your local community center (Washington State employees get discounted rates at many community centers)⁷
• Volunteer on a consistent schedule (Washington's RSVP program specifically connects retirees with volunteer opportunities)⁸
• Take multi-week classes at community colleges (tuition-free for residents over 60 at many Washington State institutions)⁹
• Participate in regular community events like farmers markets or neighborhood meetings

4. Leverage Technology Thoughtfully
Digital tools can help maintain and build connections, especially important in Washington State where weather and geography can sometimes limit in-person gatherings.
Effective ways to use technology:

• Schedule regular video calls with family and friends who live at a distance
• Join online communities related to your interests (Washington State has numerous regional online groups)
• Use apps designed for social connection like Meetup to find local events
• Consider taking a technology class specifically for seniors at your local library

5. Prioritize Physical Wellbeing as a Foundation for Social Health
Physical health limitations can become barriers to social engagement. Maintaining your health supports your ability to stay connected.
Key health habits that support social connection:

• Maintain mobility through regular exercise (Washington State Parks offer free entrance days for seniors)¹⁰
• Address hearing or vision issues promptly as they can lead to social withdrawal
• Establish regular sleep patterns, which affect both energy and mood
• Consider transportation options for when driving might become difficult (King County offers reduced senior fares on public transportation)¹¹

Alternative Approaches: Three Pathways to Connection
The Mentor Approach
Some retirees find fulfillment by sharing their professional expertise. Washington's Retired and Senior Volunteer Program can connect you with opportunities to mentor younger professionals or students. This approach works well for those who derived significant satisfaction from their professional identity.
The Explorer Approach
Other retirees prefer to develop entirely new interests and social circles. Organizations like Washington State University's Extension programs offer classes and workshops in everything from master gardening to financial literacy, providing structured ways to develop new skills alongside others.
The Community Builder Approach
Some find meaning in addressing community needs. Serving on local boards, participating in community planning, or volunteering for civic organizations allows you to continue contributing to public good while building relationships with diverse community members.
Your Action Plan

1. Three months before retirement, identify and join at least one organization or group related to your interests.
2. During your first month of retirement, establish a weekly schedule that includes at least three activities involving other people.
3. Schedule regular check-ins with former colleagues for the first six months after retirement.
4. Within six months, identify a new skill you want to learn in a group setting and enroll in a related class or workshop.
5. By your one-year retirement anniversary, evaluate your social connections and identify any gaps you want to address.

Remember that combating loneliness requires both planning and flexibility. Your approach should align with your personality and interests, and may evolve over time. Many financial advisors can help with both the financial and social aspects of retirement planning.
Sources and Resources

1. National Institute on Aging - Social isolation and loneliness in older people
2. Journal of Gerontology - Social Relationships and Health in Later Life
3. American Psychological Association - Finding meaning in retirement
4. Retired Public Employees Council of Washington
5. Centers for Disease Control - The Health Benefits of Social Connection
6. AARP - Technology Use Among Older Adults
7. Washington State Recreation & Conservation Office
8. Washington State RSVP Program
9. Washington State Board for Community and Technical Colleges - Senior Citizen Tuition Waivers
10. Washington State Parks - Senior Citizen Passes
11. King County Metro - ORCA LIFT and Senior Fares​

Are you making the most of your retirement planning? As a Washington State public employee approaching retirement, understanding how to test-drive your future budget could save you from financial surprises. Many don't realize the full range of strategies available to ensure their retirement income will truly support their desired lifestyle.
Core Principles for Test-Driving Your Retirement BudgetTest-driving your retirement budget represents a valuable planning strategy that deserves careful consideration. For Washington State employees, several key principles should guide your approach:
1.        Reality often differs from expectations: Studies show 46% of retirees spend more than expected in early retirement¹
2.        Your fixed pension creates unique opportunities: Your DRS pension provides predictable income that needs careful coordination with other resources²
3.        State-specific factors matter: Washington's tax structure and benefit systems create distinct planning considerations³
4.        Emotional and lifestyle changes affect spending: Your daily habits will change, often leading to unexpected spending patterns
Your 5-Step Strategy for Test-Driving Your Retirement BudgetStep 1: Calculate Your Expected Retirement Income·       Your DRS Pension: Use the DRS benefit estimator tool for your specific plan²
·       Social Security: With the recent repeal of the Windfall Elimination Provision, Washington State employees now receive full benefits⁴
·       Personal Savings: Calculate safe investment withdrawal rates
·       Other Income: Include rental properties, part-time work, or other income sources
Step 2: Track Your Current Spending·       Track every expense for 2-3 months using a spreadsheet or budgeting app
·       Categorize spending and calculate monthly averages
·       Pay attention to work-related expenses that will disappear in retirement
Step 3: Adjust Your Budget for Retirement Reality·       Eliminate work-related expenses: Commuting, professional clothing, workplace lunches
·       Adjust for new expenses: Higher healthcare costs, new hobbies, travel
·       Consider Washington-specific factors: Healthcare costs through PEBB, property tax exemptions for seniors³
Remember that while you'll no longer contribute to your pension, you may have higher healthcare premiums if you retire before Medicare eligibility.
Step 4: Live on Your Retirement Budget for 3-6 Months·       Set up a separate account with your estimated retirement income
·       Live exclusively on this account for the test period
·       Track any challenges or shortfalls you experience
For DRS members, this step is crucial because your pension provides fixed income that won't easily adjust to unexpected spending needs.
Step 5: Refine and Repeat·       Analyze where you struggled or had surpluses
·       Adjust your retirement income plans if needed
·       Consider working longer or adjusting your lifestyle
Alternative Approaches to Test-Driving Your Retirement BudgetFor those who can't commit to a full test, consider these alternatives:
The Partial Practice ApproachFocus on specific categories where retirement will bring the biggest changes, like redirecting commuting costs to your retirement activities fund.
The Step-Down ApproachGradually reduce your spending over 1-2 years before retirement, reducing spending by 10% every three months until you reach your retirement budget level.
The Category Replacement MethodEach month, replace one budget category with its retirement equivalent—particularly useful for testing property tax impacts with Washington's senior exemption programs.³
The 80% Rule with AdjustmentsStart by testing a budget at 80% of your current income, then refine based on your specific situation.
Case Study: A Washington DRS Employee Tests the WatersMeet James, a 58-year-old IT specialist with the State Department of Revenue with 22 years in PERS Plan 2. His expected retirement income:
·       PERS Plan 2 pension (total): $3,000/month
·       Social Security: $2,100/month
·       Personal savings: $700/month
·       Total: $5,800/month
For three months, James lived on $5,800 monthly while banking the difference. This real-world test revealed important insights:
·       His commuting costs disappeared
·       Healthcare costs would increase until Medicare eligibility
·       He spent more monthly on hobbies than anticipated
·       Utility bills were higher because he was home more often
These discoveries allowed James to make strategic adjustments before retirement:
·       Increasing his DCP contributions
·       Planning to work an extra year to increase benefits
·       Researching senior property tax exemptions in Washington³
·       Finding free recreational activities through state senior programs
Your Action Plan for Test-Driving Your Retirement Budget1.        Calculate your expected retirement income: Use the DRS benefit estimator and Social Security calculator²
2.        Track current expenses: Document all spending for 2-3 months
3.        Develop your retirement budget: Create your projected retirement spending plan
4.        Choose your test-drive approach: Select the method that best fits your timeline
5.        Execute your test and analyze results: Follow through and make necessary adjustments
Remember that these decisions are highly personal. Your health, financial situation, retirement goals, and family circumstances all play important roles in determining the best approach for you.
Sources and Resources1.        Employee Benefit Research Institute, "Retirement Confidence Survey"
2.        Washington State Department of Retirement Systems
3.        Washington State Department of Revenue, "Property Tax Exemptions"
4.        Social Security Administration, "Social Security Fairness Act"
5.        Health Care Authority, "PEBB Retiree Benefits"

​Are you making the most of your Social Security benefits? As a Washington State public employee approaching retirement, understanding how to optimize this important income source could add thousands of dollars to your retirement security. Many don't realize the full range of strategies available to maximize their benefits.
Whether you've spent your entire career in public service or split your time between public and private sectors, how and when you claim Social Security can significantly impact your retirement income.
Core Principles for Maximizing Your Social Security BenefitsSocial Security benefits represent a valuable inflation-protected, lifetime income stream that deserves careful planning. For Washington State employees, several key principles should guide your strategy:
1.        Timing matters: When you claim benefits can increase or decrease your monthly payment by as much as 76%⁸
2.        Your earnings record is crucial: Your benefit is based on your 35 highest-earning years of covered employment⁸
3.        Coordination is key: Aligning your Social Security strategy with your DRS pension can optimize your total retirement income⁹
4.        Recent law changes benefit you: The repeal of WEP and GPO provisions in January 2025 means Washington State employees can now receive their full earned Social Security benefits without reduction¹,²
Timing is Everything: Strategic Claiming Ages for Maximum BenefitsThe single most powerful lever for maximizing your Social Security benefits is your claiming age. This decision can increase or decrease your lifetime benefit by tens or even hundreds of thousands of dollars.
You can claim Social Security as early as age 62, but your benefit will be permanently reduced - up to 30% less than your full retirement age benefit⁸. For many people born after 1960, full retirement age is 67. Waiting until age 70 allows your benefit to grow by 8% per year beyond your full retirement age, potentially increasing your monthly payment by up to 24%⁸.
For Washington State employees, coordinating your DRS pension start date with your Social Security claiming strategy is crucial. Your pension can provide income during the years you're delaying Social Security to maximize your eventual benefit. This is called a "bridge strategy" and can be highly effective for maximizing lifetime income⁹.
The Social Security Administration provides detailed calculators on their website to help you estimate your benefit amounts at different claiming ages⁸.
Powerful Strategies for Married Couples to Maximize Household BenefitsFor married couples, coordinating Social Security claiming strategies can dramatically increase your household's lifetime benefits. This coordination is especially important for Washington State public employees who may have different work histories than their spouses.
The Higher-Earner Delay Strategy The higher-earning spouse should generally delay claiming until age 70 if possible. This provides two major benefits¹⁰:
1.        It maximizes the higher earner's own monthly benefit
2.        It maximizes the survivor benefit for the lower-earning spouse
This survivor benefit protection is one of the most valuable and often overlooked aspects of Social Security planning¹⁰.
Split Strategy for Cash Flow Management You can also implement a "split strategy" where the lower-earning spouse claims earlier (perhaps at 62-66) while the higher earner delays until 70⁹. This approach:
·       Provides early retirement income
·       Preserves cash savings
·       Maximizes the higher earner's benefit
·       Optimizes the potential survivor benefit
Leverage Your DRS Pension for Greater Flexibility Your Washington State pension creates unique opportunities in Social Security planning. If your pension provides substantial income and you can comfortably delay Social Security to maximize your eventual benefit. This pension-and-delay strategy is often the optimal approach for maximizing lifetime household income⁹.
Boosting Your Benefits Through Strategic Earnings PlanningYour Social Security benefit is calculated based on your 35 highest-earning years in Social Security-covered employment⁸. This calculation method creates powerful opportunities for Washington State employees to maximize their benefits through strategic earnings planning.
Fill the Gaps in Your Earnings Record Some public employees have years with zero Social Security earnings because they worked in non-covered government positions. Each "zero" year significantly reduces your eventual benefit. The solution? Add more years of covered earnings to your record. Even working part-time in retirement can substantially increase your benefit⁸,¹¹.
Strategic Post-Retirement Work Consider these high-impact earning strategies after retiring from your state position:
·       Part-time consulting in your field of expertise
·       Seasonal work during peak periods
·       Teaching or training positions that leverage your professional knowledge
·       Remote work options that provide flexibility
Even earning $15,000-$20,000 annually for a few years can dramatically improve your Social Security benefit if you have gaps in your earnings record¹¹.
Your Action Plan for Maximizing Social Security BenefitsThe strategies we've covered can potentially add tens or even hundreds of thousands of dollars to your lifetime retirement income. Social Security represents one of your most valuable retirement assets—it's inflation-protected, guaranteed for life, and partially tax-advantaged. Making informed decisions about how to maximize this benefit is one of the most important aspects of retirement planning.
Here's your action plan for maximizing your Social Security benefits:
1.        Review your earnings record: Create an account at ssa.gov and verify that your earnings history is accurate⁸
2.        Run the numbers: Use the Social Security calculators to see how different claiming ages affect your benefit amount⁸
3.        Coordinate with your spouse: If married, develop a household strategy that maximizes both individual and survivor benefits¹⁰
4.        Align with your pension: Structure your retirement timing to use your pension strategically with Social Security⁹
5.        Consider strategic work: Evaluate whether additional work could meaningfully increase your benefit¹¹
Remember that these decisions are highly personal. Your health, financial situation, retirement goals, and family circumstances all play important roles in determining the best approach for you. What works perfectly for your colleague might not be the optimal strategy for your situation.
Consider working with a financial advisor who understands both the Washington State Retirement Systems and Social Security rules. They can help you analyze your specific circumstances and develop a personalized claiming strategy that aligns with your broader retirement plans.
Sources and Resources1. Social Security Administration - Social Security Fairness Act
2. MissionSquare - Social Security Fairness Act Repealing WEP/GPO Becomes Law
3. Government Executive - Retroactive benefits from the windfall elimination repeal to begin
4. LACERA - Update: Social Security Expedites WEP/GPO Repeal and Payments
5. NARFE - NARFE Applauds Historic Repeal of WEP/GPO With the Signing of the Social Security Fairness Act
6. IAFF - The WEP & GPO have been repealed. Now what?
7. Government Executive - SSA: It could take more than a year to implement the WEP and GPO repeal
8. Social Security Administration - When to Start Receiving Retirement Benefits
9. Social Security Administration - Retirement Benefits
10. Social Security Administration - Benefits For Your Spouse
11. Social Security Administration - How Work Affects Your Benefits
12. Center for Retirement Research at Boston College - Should You Take Social Security at 62?
13. Social Security Administration - Income Taxes And Your Social Security Benefit
Washington State Department of Retirement Systems
Washington State Retirement Planning Checklist

When planning for retirement, most people think about their investments, pension, Social Security or where they'll live. But there's another important question many Washington public employees approaching retirement should consider: "Do I really need long-term care insurance?"

This question becomes even more relevant with the WA Cares Fund now in effect, Washington's state-mandated long-term care program. But is this coverage enough, or should you consider additional protection?

What Exactly Is Long-Term Care Insurance?

Long-term care insurance helps cover costs for assistance with daily activities like bathing, dressing, or eating when you can no longer do these things independently. These services aren't typically covered by regular health insurance or Medicare.

For example, the average annual cost of a semi-private room in a nursing home in Washington State is about $152,570, while home health aide services average around $96,096 per year.[1] Without proper planning, these costs could quickly drain your retirement savings.

The WA Cares Fund: Understanding Your State Benefit

If you're employed in Washington State, you're likely paying into the WA Cares Fund through a payroll tax. This program provides a lifetime benefit of $36,500 (adjusted for inflation) for qualified long-term care needs.[2]

While this benefit is helpful, it may not cover extended care needs. The $36,500 benefit would cover a fraction of the care needed.

Start With Understanding Your Financial Picture During a Care Event

The first step in determining if you need long-term care insurance isn't looking at policies—it's understanding how a long-term care event would impact your specific financial situation.

For Married Couples

When one spouse needs care, the financial impact is complex:
·       Expenses often increase dramatically with care costs
·       The healthy spouse still needs sufficient income and assets for their own living expenses
·       While pension income remains stable, the overall household budget changes significantly
·       The healthy spouse may need to reduce their own activities to provide care

For Single Individuals

The financial equation is different if you're single:
·       Your entire pension and other income is available to pay for care
·       Without a spouse to provide informal care, you might need paid care sooner and for more hours per day
·       Asset protection becomes a different consideration without a spouse's needs to consider

Key Factors to Consider Before Purchasing Long-Term Care Insurance
1. Your Overall Financial Picture
Take Sarah's story as a cautionary tale. At 68, she purchased an expensive long-term care policy, fearing future health costs. The premiums increased dramatically over time, straining her budget. She later realized her assets might have been sufficient to self-insure.

2. Policy Details Matter
When evaluating policies, look closely at:
·       Benefit period (how long benefits last)
·       Elimination period (waiting time before benefits begin)
·       Inflation protection
·       Premium increase history of the insurer

3. Hybrid Policies as an Alternative
Many insurers now offer hybrid policies that combine life insurance with long-term care benefits. These products address one of the biggest objections to traditional long-term care insurance: "What if I pay all these premiums and never need care?"

With hybrid policies, your beneficiaries receive a death benefit if you don't use the long-term care portion. However, these policies typically require a larger upfront payment.

4. The Washington State Alternative: Partnership Policies
Washington participates in the Long-Term Care Partnership Program, which allows qualified insurance policies to protect a corresponding amount of your assets if you need to apply for Medicaid after exhausting your policy benefits.[3]

For example, if your partnership policy pays $300,000 in benefits, you could protect an additional $300,000 in assets and still qualify for Medicaid.

Alternative Strategies to Long-Term Care Insurance

Traditional long-term care insurance isn't the only way to prepare for potential care needs. Here are some alternative approaches:

1. Self-Insuring
If you have substantial assets, you might choose to set aside specific funds earmarked for potential long-term care needs. This approach gives you flexibility but requires disciplined saving and investment.

2. Home Equity Strategies
For many, their home is their largest asset. Options include:
·       Reverse mortgages
·       Home equity lines of credit
·       Downsizing to free up equity

3. Family Care Agreements
Some families create formal agreements where family members provide care in exchange for payment or future inheritance. These arrangements require careful planning and clear communication.

Making an Informed Decision
Before making any decision about long-term care planning:
·       Map out how your income and expenses would change during a care event
·       Review your retirement income sources and assets
·       Consider your family health history
·       Explore all options, including self-insurance and alternative strategies
·       Get quotes from multiple insurers if considering traditional policies
·       Consult with a financial professional familiar with Washington State's specific programs

Remember that traditional long-term care insurance isn't right for everyone. For some public employees, the combination of pensions, personal savings, alternative strategies, the WA Cares benefit may be sufficient. For others, dedicated insurance provides valuable peace of mind.

The right answer depends on your unique financial situation, health outlook, and comfort with risk. The most important thing is making an informed decision that aligns with your overall retirement plan.

Sources
​1.        https://www.carescout.com/cost-of-care
2.        https://wacaresfund.wa.gov/about
3.        https://www.insurance.wa.gov/insurance-resources/long-term-care   ​

​"How much do you need to have saved to feel confident in retirement in addition to your pension?"

This question often leads to a specific dollar amount—$500,000, $750,000, or even $1 million. When asked how they arrived at that figure, many Washington public employees cite online calculators or general rules of thumb.

After working with government employees across Washington State, one thing becomes clear: The "magic number" approach to retirement planning is often misleading, especially for those with pensions. Here's what actually works in 2025.

The Real Way to Calculate Your Retirement Needs

The most effective retirement planning process for Washington public employees looks quite different from the standard approach:

Step 1: Start With Your Life, Not a Formula

Most financial literature suggest you'll need 55-80% of your pre-retirement income [1]. However, this generic guidance misses a crucial point: Your retirement spending depends on YOUR specific plans, not statistical averages.

A more effective approach:
·       Create a detailed breakdown of your current spending patterns
·       Identify which expenses will change in retirement (commuting costs down, travel expenses up?)
·       Pay special attention to healthcare costs, which typically increase
·       Separate essential expenses (housing, food, utilities) from discretionary ones (travel, hobbies) [2]

The reality is that retirement spending varies significantly based on individual goals and circumstances. Some public employees find they need more than their working income to fund active retirement plans, while others require substantially less after downsizing or relocating.

Step 2: Understand Your Unique Income Mix

As a Washington public employee, your retirement income structure has distinct advantages:
1.        Your defined benefit pension (PERS, TRS, LEOFF, or other systems)
2.        Social Security benefits
3.        Personal savings (DCP/457b plans, IRAs, etc.)

Your target for savings depends heavily on your pension benefits. Here's how to find your true savings requirement:
1.        Calculate your expected annual expenses in retirement
2.        Subtract your projected pension and Social Security income
3.        The remaining gap is what your savings need to cover

For example, if you need $80,000 annually but will receive $35,000 from your pension and $25,000 from Social Security, your savings only need to generate $20,000 per year—a substantially different target than for someone without a pension.

Step 3: The 4% Rule Reimagined for Public Employees

The traditional 4% rule suggests multiplying your annual withdrawal need by 25. While this provides a useful starting point, Washington public employees should consider:
·       The security of your pension fundamentally changes the equation (you need less in liquid savings)
·       Utilizing a dynamic withdrawal plan that adjusts based on your portfolio balance
·       Your personal risk tolerance affects your "safe" withdrawal rate

For the example above, if your savings need to generate $20,000 annually:
·       Traditional 4% rule: $20,000 ÷ 0.04 = $500,000

Step 4: Reality-Check Your Progress

Standard retirement savings milestones rarely account for defined benefit pensions. Here's a more appropriate approach for Washington public employees:
1.        Calculate your expected annual pension using DRS tools or estimates
2.        Determine what percentage of your retirement needs will be covered by guaranteed sources
3.        Track progress toward funding the remaining gap

If your pension and Social Security will cover 75% of your needs, you're in a significantly different position than someone who must fund their entire retirement from savings.

Step 5: Stress-Test Your Plan for 2025's Realities

Your retirement plan must withstand real-world challenges:
·       Inflation fluctuations
·       Market volatility
·       Unexpected healthcare expenses
·       Longevity considerations (planning to age 95+ is increasingly prudent) [3]

Creating multiple scenarios helps test your plan's resilience:
·       Best case (strong market returns, moderate inflation)
·       Expected case (average returns, typical inflation)
·       Stress case (poor returns, higher inflation, unexpected expenses)

The Washington Public Employee Advantage

Here's what many financial advisors miss: Washington public employees possess unique advantages in retirement planning. Your pension provides a foundation of guaranteed lifetime income that most Americans simply don't have.

This pension foundation dramatically changes both your required savings amount and optimal withdrawal strategy. With a significant portion of essential expenses covered by guaranteed income, you may have more flexibility with your investment approach.

Your Action Plan
1. Next 24 Hours: List all your expected retirement expenses in two columns: "Must-Haves" and "Nice-to-Haves"
2. This Week: Request your pension estimate from the Department of Retirement Systems to see exactly what your monthly benefit will be
3. This Month: Create your "gap funding plan" to determine how much your savings need to generate annually
4. This Quarter: Test your plan against different inflation and market scenarios

There is no universal "magic number" for retirement—especially for Washington public employees with defined benefit pensions.

What matters is understanding your specific income sources, expenses, and how they work together. With the right approach that accounts for your unique benefits, you might discover you're closer to retirement readiness than generic calculators suggest.

Sources
​[1] https://www.fidelity.com/viewpoints/retirement/retirement-income-sources
[2] https://www.tiaa.org/public/pdf/r/retirement_expense-income_worksheets.pdf
[3] https://www.nerdwallet.com/calculator/retirement-calculator