What retiring at 55 really requires
- Sustainable withdrawals: A plan for drawing from 401(k)/IRA/taxable accounts that can last 30–40 years.
- Bridge to Medicare: Coverage options and premiums from 55–64, including ACA subsidies and plan design.
- Tax strategy: Account sequencing (pre-tax, Roth, taxable), Roth conversions, and capital gains management.
- Inflation & long-term risk: Guardrails for rising costs and unexpected healthcare or LTC needs.
- Investment alignment: Risk that supports income stability without starving long-term growth.
Florida: No state income tax, big lifestyle upside
Pros: No state income tax; year-round outdoor living; mature healthcare networks in metro areas.Watchouts: Property insurance and some coastal housing can be costly; plan carefully for pre-Medicare premiums.
| Best fit | Low-tax seekers wanting an active lifestyle near beaches or central Florida hubs. |
| Plan focus | Healthcare bridge, property insurance budgeting, hurricane deductibles, cash reserves. |
South Carolina: Charming, affordable, and retiree-friendly
Pros: Moderate cost of living; retiree income exclusions; attractive small cities and coastal towns.Watchouts: Sales taxes are higher; hospital access varies by region.
| Best fit | Value-oriented retirees who want community feel and reasonable property taxes. |
| Plan focus | Sales-tax impact on spending, Medicare gap coverage, inflation guardrails. |
Georgia: Balanced costs with city-to-mountain variety
Pros: Competitive taxes overall; below-average housing in many counties; diverse lifestyle options.Watchouts: Health insurance planning is essential before 65; property tax rules vary by county.
| Best fit | Retirees seeking affordability plus access to urban amenities or mountain/coastal escapes. |
| Plan focus | County-level tax differences, healthcare premiums, sequencing withdrawals for taxes. |
Quick readiness check at 55
Income planTarget withdrawal rate with guardrails, Social Security timing, and a 1–2 year cash buffer.
Tax designBlend pre-tax, Roth, and taxable assets; consider Roth conversions in lower-income years.
Healthcare bridgeACA marketplace options, HSA strategy, and catastrophic protection until Medicare.
How a fiduciary plan brings 55 within reach
- Year-by-year cash-flow map (ages 55–70+) with editable inflation assumptions.
- Tax-smart withdrawal sequencing and Roth conversion windows.
- Healthcare premium modeling and deductible/coinsurance stress tests.
- Evidence-based investment policy you can live with through cycles.
- Estate and survivor-income planning integrated from day one.
Ready to see if 55 works for you?
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