Retirement Readiness Part 6 - Market Drops, Medicare, and Tithing

We wrap the Retirement Readiness series by tackling three issues that can blindside a solid plan: a major market drop right after you retire, the Medicare choices that quietly cost people money, and how tithing works when paychecks stop. We share practical decision rules, planning guardrails, and real-world options you can talk through with your advisor and your family. 

• Why the first big retirement market dip feels scarier than downturns during your working years 
• How sequence of returns risk and withdrawals can compound losses 
• Three steps when markets fall: don’t panic, learn from your reaction, look for planning wins 
• Tax planning in down markets, including capital loss strategies and Roth conversions 
• Using smaller pullbacks as a “practice run” to test your true risk tolerance 
• Medicare explained clearly: eligibility at 65, enrollment windows, and retiring after 65 
• When to file for Part A, when to avoid Part B while working, and why Medigap matters 
• Part B premiums and income lookback rules, plus using SSA-44 after retirement 
• Why we avoid Medicare Advantage plans 
• Three common ways retirees handle tithing: income and withdrawals, account growth, or AGI