Retirement planning: what to know
What the job involves, what changes the price, and what to ask a pro.
What retirement planning is
A planner reviews your savings, income sources and goals, and discusses ways retirement accounts, benefits and spending might fit together. People look for one when retirement is approaching, when changing jobs or when they want to understand what they have. This is general information, not financial or investment advice.
Signs you need it
- You are within a few years of retirement and want to see how the pieces fit
- You have accounts at several employers and are unsure what to do with them
- You are deciding when to start receiving benefits
- You have a pension and need to understand the payment choices
- You want to understand how health costs may affect your plan
- You own a business and want to plan your exit and your own retirement income
What the pro does
- Collect statements for retirement accounts, pensions, benefits and other assets
- Ask about your target retirement date, spending needs and goals
- Review how accounts are invested and how they are taxed in general terms
- Discuss possible sources of income and the order they may be used
- Review insurance and health coverage questions with you
- Put the discussion in writing and schedule reviews
What changes the price
Every job is different, so we do not publish prices. These are the things that move the quote up or down.
- Number and type of accounts
- Whether you have a pension or a business
- Whether the plan covers a couple
- Complexity of benefits timing
- Whether ongoing management or reviews are included
- How close you are to retirement
- How the planner is paid
What a written quote should spell out
- The planner's compensation method in writing
- What the plan covers and the deliverables
- Whether investment management is included
- Conflicts of interest disclosed
- How often you will meet
Questions to ask before you hire
- How are you paid, and what could you earn from products you suggest?
- What credentials and registrations do you hold?
- Are you required to act in my best interest?
- Do you look at benefits timing and health costs?
- Will you coordinate with my CPA or enrolled agent on tax questions?
- Who holds my money?
- What happens if I want to stop working with you?
Red flags
- A planner who promises returns or guaranteed income without disclosing risk
- Pressure to roll over an account right away
- A planner who will not explain fees
- Free dinner seminars that push a product
- A planner who does not ask about your other accounts and benefits
What you can do yourself
You can list accounts, pensions, benefits and expected spending, and review your statements and workplace plan materials. Questions about moving accounts or taxes affect your situation, so speak with a licensed financial professional and a CPA or enrolled agent before acting.
Licenses and permits
Retirement planning that involves investments, insurance or advice for pay is a licensed or registered activity. Ask what licenses the planner holds and check them with the state securities or insurance regulator.
Retirement planning questions
Can a planner tell me if I can retire?
A planner can discuss your numbers and assumptions but cannot guarantee any result.
Should I roll over my workplace account?
Ask a licensed financial professional to explain the options and costs. Do not rush.
Do I need to work with a CPA too?
Tax questions belong with a CPA or enrolled agent.
Pro reviewers
Pros who offer retirement planning remotely can improve this guide, like Wikipedia. We check every edit before it goes live. Every approved edit is credited in the edit history and on the pro's profile.
Edit history
- Oct 29, 2026: Drafted by infinibell to our content guidelines.
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