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The Simple Habit Most Americans 40+ Skip That Costs Thousands

November 5, 2025 · 7 min read

5 Actionable Steps You Can Take Today

You don’t need a PhD in finance. A few deliberate actions today can make a big difference:

1. Estimate Your Healthcare Costs

Sit down and calculate your expected healthcare expenses in retirement. Don’t just rely on Medicare; include:

  • Prescription drugs

  • Dental and vision care

  • Long-term care (home care or assisted living)

  • Unexpected emergencies

Quick Tip Today: Pull your last 6 months of healthcare receipts and see what you’re already spending. Use this as a baseline for your retirement plan.

2. Adjust Your Portfolio for Longevity

It’s not enough to save; your money needs to last. Consider:

  • Stay invested longer: Even small returns over time compound significantly.

  • Diversify investments: Balance growth and risk based on your retirement timeline.

  • Plan withdrawals: Avoid draining high-return investments too early; sequence matters.

Quick Tip Today: Check your retirement account allocation and see if it still fits your expected retirement horizon. Even a small tweak can reduce the risk of running out of money.

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