The first month of retirement can feel strangely quiet after decades of paychecks, work schedules, and automatic payroll deductions. Unfortunately, your financial life doesn’t retire when you do, and several decisions that were previously handled automatically by an employer suddenly become your responsibility. Health insurance premiums may change, taxes may no longer be withheld the same way, and you’ll need to determine exactly where the money for next month’s bills is coming from. That’s why the best money moves after retirement aren’t necessarily dramatic investment decisions. They’re often practical adjustments that make the transition from earning a paycheck to funding your own lifestyle smoother. Before booking the celebratory cruise, put these five tasks on your first-month retirement checklist.
