We've all had deadlines in our lives, and while some were important, others were just everyday that might be categorized as "nice to." But other things or events were firmly in the "have to" category. These deadline events are what made you...you!
These days, we find ourselves facing deadlines every which way we turn. From completing a product's return to more serious issues like renewing a passport before it expires for that big upcoming trip. It's like everything has an expiration date. Renew your driver's license, your credit card is about to expire, you have to have the receipt to return that purchase, and it has to be within 30 days of purchase. Rules, rules, and more rules.
What has made it easier these days is that many stores and organizations have computerized systems and can find your transaction "in the system." But what amazes me is that other organizations want you to start from scratch each time you visit them.
The Doctor's Office Clipboard Ritual
I've been seeing the same primary care doctor for almost 25 years, but every time I see them, I get the "fill out all this, and show all your ID and medical health insurance cards." I have to laugh at the situation because I'm one of the most stable people you'll ever meet. The same address for 33 years; my birthday hasn't changed in my lifetime, and the doctor has my prescription drug list because he's the one that put me on these pills! I just smile and take the clipboard and fill it out all over again with good humor, with the thought that somebody on the staff is just following orders, and it makes their life easier to just comply with the request to meet their deadline.
Sometimes the deadline must be met while depending on someone else to complete their part. The other person or party might not have the same sense of urgency or attention to detail that I do. Thank goodness our office has a process where at least three team members review paperwork to ensure nothing falls through the cracks. There's reassurance that goes with dealing with detail-oriented folks.
So, what was your recent deadline event? What was it about? Were you successful? Was it a nice-to or a have-to? Whatever it was, it made you….you!
By David Edge
David Edge is a retirement lifestyle writer and contributor to the ARA monthly newsletter. His articles blend personal stories with practical insights on living well in retirement.
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Easy Eddie's Take
David's right about how deadlines shape us, and in retirement, staying on top of certain deadlines becomes even more important. Let's take a look at some big ones together. Medicare has strict enrollment periods, like the Initial Enrollment Period when you first turn 65 and the Annual Open Enrollment from October 15 to December 7 each year. Miss these windows, and you could face permanent penalties or gaps in coverage.
Here's the good news: Social Security Administration benefits don't have the same pressure. You can apply for Social Security retirement benefits up to four months before you want them to start, but there's flexibility if you need more time to decide. The IRS Required Minimum Distributions from your traditional IRA and 401k accounts do have firm April 1 deadlines the year after you turn 73, so that's definitely a "have to" deadline.
Most people are surprised when they learn that estate planning documents should be reviewed every few years, not just when major life changes happen. A little preparation with these retirement deadlines can make a big difference in avoiding penalties and maximizing your benefits.