Your teacher retirement checklist.

I know my pension tier and eligibility rule.

The rule that determines when you can retire with a full, unreduced benefit.

I know how my final average salary is calculated.

Which years count, and how raises or reductions in those years affect it.

I know what's inside my 403(b).

Contribution amount, investment mix, and fees.

I know whether I have access to a 457(b).

Not every district offers one, but it's worth confirming.

I've listed every employer I've had since my first job.

Including short-term ones, to check for forgotten accounts.

I know how my pension interacts with Social Security.

Especially if I've also worked outside of education.

I understand the survivor benefit options on my pension.

And what choosing one costs monthly.

I know what my investment mix looks like relative to my timeline.

Whether it still matches how many years are left until I retire.

I've checked for any old, forgotten accounts.

401(k)s, 403(b)s, or IRAs from past employers.

I have a rough idea of my retirement income gap, if any.

The difference between what I'll have and what I'll need.