Decades of diligent saving can hide a future tax bill. Once required minimum distributions begin, forced withdrawals can raise your tax bracket, Social Security taxation, and Medicare premiums. The 5-to-15 Window before and after retirement is your best chance to defuse it.

For those planning to retire before age 65, one of the most important questions to answer early is how healthcare coverage will work between retirement and Medicare eligibility. This gap is a routine part of retirement planning, and with the right strategy in place, it is entirely manageable.