10 retirement mistakes that cost $10,000 or more.

What the guide covers

• IRMAA. One year of higher income can permanently raise your Medicare premiums.

• The widow's tax penalty. A surviving spouse can pay more in taxes on the same income.

• Sequence of returns risk. Bad returns early in retirement can drain a portfolio faster than the same losses later.

• Claiming Social Security too early. Starting benefits at 62 can cost you hundreds of thousands in lifetime income.

• Tax-inefficient withdrawals. Pulling from the wrong accounts first can push you into higher tax brackets over time.

• Underestimating healthcare costs. Medicare does not cover everything, and long-term care can quickly drain savings.

• Missing RMD deadlines. Failing to take required minimum distributions can trigger penalties up to 25%.

• Keeping too much risk in your portfolio. A market drop right before or after you retire can force you to sell investments at a loss.

• Carrying high-interest debt into retirement. Credit card and loan payments can eat up fixed income when your earning years are behind you.

• Outdated beneficiaries or no estate plan. The wrong name on an account can send money to unintended people and create family conflict.