Retirement Planning Archives

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The Rule of 55 is one of the most underused tools available to individuals planning a work-optional lifestyle or early retirement. For someone leaving their employer in their mid-50s, it can create a flexible, penalty-free bridge between your last day of work and age 59.5, when the full menu of retirement account options becomes available.

This guide is to help you understand the Rule of 55 so you can plan retirement income with more flexibility, fewer penalties, and a clearer view of your tax picture.

Stay on top of the numbers that matter most for financial planning in 2026. This two-page quick reference guide brings together key tax rates, retirement plan limits, Social Security figures, and more in one easy-to-use resource. Perfect for keeping important thresholds at your fingertips.

Take the stress out of planning for life after work. The Retirement Readiness Checklist helps you uncover potential blind spots and prioritize the financial, healthcare, legal, and lifestyle steps that matter most. In just minutes, you’ll feel more organized and confident about your retirement plan.

Deciding when to claim Social Security is one of the most important retirement decisions you will make. The choice affects not only your monthly benefit but also your lifetime income, survivor benefits, and tax situation. Many retirees unintentionally leave money on the table by claiming too early without considering all the factors that impact their retirement years. With the right strategy, you can maximize your benefits and strengthen your overall retirement plan.

Jack and Rebecca hope to retire within the next year. Although they’ve accumulated significant assets during their careers at Dell Technologies, they still lack financial peace of mind. As retirement approaches, they have many unanswered questions about how to make the transition with confidence.

The Rule of 55: A Guide to Penalty-Free Early Retirement Income

2026 Important Planning Numbers (downloadable PDF)

Retirement Readiness Checklist (downloadable PDF)

Social Security Optimization: When and How to Claim Your Benefits

Planning for Retirement Case Study: Jack (61) & Rebecca (62)

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