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6 Mistakes to Avoid When You Turn 65

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Waiting too long to file for Medicare

You should start thinking about your Medicare options and which ones are best for you a long time before you turn 65. If you don't do this and sign up for Medicare late, you might have to pay a lot.

1

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Continuing to contribute to an HSA

If you've been putting money into a health savings account for a long time, it might seem normal to keep doing so after you turn 65. But that would be a big mistake for a lot of people.

2

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Thinking you can get ‘full retirement age’ Social Security benefit

“Full retirement age” is the age when you are eligible for 100% of your Social Security benefit.

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4. Forgetting that you qualify for a larger standard deduction

Many people probably don't know that the year they turn 65, the amount they can claim as their standard deduction on their tax return goes up.

4

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Not making ‘catch-up’ retirement contribution

We said at the beginning that not everyone quits at 65. Some people keep working after that age, often for many years. 

5

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Avoiding thinking about an estate plan

When you're young, it might be okay to put off making an estate plan. But when you're 65, it's just not reasonable to not have a plan for your estate.

6

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Turning 65 has been a landmark in our minds for a long time. It is the age when most people stop working and start their well-deserved retirement.

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In fact, if you're not careful, you could make some big mistakes the year you turn 65 that could hurt you financially and in other ways for years to come.

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