People have different ideas about how they plan to enjoy retirement. Some plan to travel, while others plan to do volunteer work or start a new career. Whatever your vision of retirement is, there are a number of important issues to consider. Here’s a look at some of them:

Estate Planning

If you’re like most people, your focus may be on accumulating assets for your retirement, not passing them on to others. However, if you don’t take an active role in planning for the eventual distribution of your assets, a large portion of your estate may be unintentionally eaten up by taxes. Almost everyone — young and old, experienced investors and those just starting out — should have an estate plan that clearly spells out where his or her assets will go. Every state has a set of laws that governs the distribution of an individual’s assets if he or she dies without leaving a will. The trouble is, under these laws, the assets may not go to the people you want in the manner that you want. But a little time spent planning your estate can ensure that your wishes, not the state’s, are carried out. A qualified attorney and financial professional can help you develop a thoughtful plan to secure your assets.

Life Insurance

A life insurance policy can be an important safety net for your loved ones. Although you may not like to think about it, after your death there may be remaining financial responsibilities for your dependents such as a mortgage, education and food and clothing costs.  These are in addition to medical bills and funeral expenses.  The last thing anyone wants to do is burden his or her loved ones. By helping to replace lost income, pay off debts and cover expenses, life insurance can help ensure the financial security of those who matter most should something happen to you..

Health Insurance

Whether you are 25 or 65, long-term considerations for health care are important. Medical expenses can be costly in more ways than you might expect. A serious injury or debilitating illness can wipe out an entire retirement portfolio, erasing a lifetime of hard work and financial planning. To help prevent this calamity, consider building up your defenses now with a disability insurance policy to help you maintain an income stream if you are ever unable to work. Many employers offer this type of coverage at relatively low rates – however, not all policies are portable if you change employers – so an individual policy may be worth considering. .

Also, as you approach retirement, learn how to get the most out of Medicare and, when applicable, Medicaid. The U.S. government maintains a website, medicare.gov that’s full of important Medicare information. You can also call 1-800-MEDICARE for assistance. To better protect your health and your assets, you should learn what’s available to you before you need it.