5 Smart Retirement Planning Moves to Make in Your 50s (or Sooner)

Retirement may feel like it’s years away—but the truth is, the steps you take today can make all the difference in how comfortably (and confidently) you’ll live in your later years.

Whether you’re in your 50s and preparing to retire soon, or simply looking to get ahead, these retirement planning strategies can help you stay on track.

At Davis Capital Management, we help individuals and families create personalized, tax-smart retirement plans that align with their goals and values. Here are five key moves to consider:

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we help you create personalized, tax-smart retirement plans that align with your goals and values.

1. Know Your Retirement Number

One of the most important steps is figuring out how much you’ll actually need. This includes estimating monthly expenses, healthcare costs, and how long your money needs to last.

 

Pro tip: Don’t just rely on generic calculators—personalized retirement projections are far more accurate.

2. Maximize Your Retirement Contributions

Now’s the time to take advantage of catch-up contributions in your 401(k) or IRA. For those 50 and older, the IRS allows you to contribute more, helping you boost your retirement savings quickly.

 

Use both Traditional and Roth IRAs strategically to manage taxes in retirement.

3. Diversify Your Income Sources

In retirement, income may come from multiple sources—Social Security, pensions, investment accounts, and possibly part-time work. A diversified income strategy can help smooth out market ups and downs.

 

A financial advisor can help you create a drawdown strategy that minimizes taxes and maximizes lifetime income.

4. Optimize Your Social Security Strategy

When you claim Social Security can significantly impact your total benefits. Claiming early may reduce your monthly payout, while waiting could increase it—especially if you’re in good health and have other income.

 

Coordinating Social Security with your overall plan can make a big difference in lifetime benefits.

5. Work With a Fiduciary Financial Advisor

Planning for retirement involves more than picking investments. A fiduciary advisor helps you consider the big picture: taxes, estate planning, insurance, and your long-term goals.

 

At Davis Capital Management, we act in your best interest—always. Our personalized approach helps you retire with clarity and confidence.

You don’t have to navigate retirement planning alone.

Whether you're years away or ready to make the transition soon, we can help you build a plan tailored to your life.

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