As the sun stays out longer and our calendars fill with summer fun, it’s the perfect time to think not just about vacations—but about the kind of retirement we’re building toward. Just like planning a summer trip requires thought, timing, and the right gear, a confident retirement takes planning, clarity, and action.

Here’s your Summer Bucket List for a Confident Retirement—five essential to-dos that can help you feel more prepared for the future, while still enjoying today.

1. Review Your Retirement Roadmap

Before hitting the beach or the lake, take an hour to revisit your financial plan. Are you still on track to retire when you hope to? Has your income, health, or lifestyle changed in a way that might shift your retirement goals? Summer is an ideal time to update your numbers, revisit your timeline, and make any course corrections needed. Click here for your mid-year checklist.

2. Check Your Income Sources

Imagine your future-self lounging in a hammock without worrying about money. That’s the dream, right? But for that to happen, you’ll need a reliable income plan. This summer, review your expected income sources—Social Security, pensions, retirement accounts, and annuities and ask yourself: Do I have enough guaranteed income to cover my essentials? If not, this might be a good time to strategize ways to close the gap.

3. Assess Your Risk Tolerance (and Your Investments)

A confident retirement means sleeping well at night—now and later. Review your investment portfolio to ensure it matches your risk tolerance and time horizon. The markets fluctuate, but your comfort level shouldn’t. If you’re within 5–10 years of retirement, consider reducing volatility in your portfolio and focusing more on preservation than aggressive growth.

4. Get Strategic About Tax Planning

Summer isn’t just barbecue season, it’s also a great time to plan ahead for taxes. Many retirees are surprised by their tax burden in retirement. Work with a professional to explore strategies like Roth conversions, tax-efficient withdrawals, and charitable giving plans. A few smart moves today can save thousands down the road.

5. Talk With Your Spouse or Family

Summer brings people together—make use of those long evenings and family cookouts to have the conversations that matter. Talk with your spouse about your retirement vision. Do you both want to travel? Downsize? Stay close to grandkids? If you're single, consider talking with trusted family members or friends about your wishes and support system. Clarity leads to confidence.

Bonus Tip: Dream a Little

Retirement isn’t just about money, it’s about meaning. Make a “joy list” of what you want to experience when you retire: places to visit, hobbies to try, people to reconnect with. The more vivid your retirement vision, the more motivated you’ll be to plan for it.

At Rock Castle Wealth Management, I believe in helping clients not just retire, but retire well. If you’re ready to start checking off items on your summer retirement bucket list, let’s talk. Contact Eric by email or phone.

The opinions voiced in this article are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual. Securities and advisory services offered through LPL Financial, a Registered Investment Advisor, Member FINRA/SIPC