Should you retire in 2025? 

1 min read by Alene Laney Last updated January 15, 2025

Deciding to retire in 2025 depends on your financial and personal circumstances. Here’s what you need to know about retiring in 2025.  

Summary 

  • Retiring at the end of the year could potentially increase your Social Security benefit if it’s one of your highest-earning years.  

  • Consider bonuses and the vesting schedule of your retirement benefits to ensure you work long enough to receive the full amount.   

  • Retiring earlier in the year could help with Roth conversions and other tax-efficient moves. 

  • For more specific advice geared toward your situation, Unbiased can match you with a financial advisor who can help solidify your retirement plans for 2025.   

Is 2025 a good year to retire? 

The best year to retire is the one that works best for you.  

There’s no crystal ball about what could happen with your retirement portfolio in any given year, so deciding to retire should be more about your unique needs and less about the market.  

That said, retiring with the market in mind could mean rebalancing your portfolio with lower-risk investments and preserving gains made from strong investment portfolios in the last few years.  

A financial advisor can be invaluable when you’re unsure if this is the year to retire. If you haven’t spoken to one, they can help create a solid plan for your retirement.  

What is the best month to retire? 

“The best time of the year to retire is when you're ready emotionally and financially to retire,” says Sean Mullaney, a financial planner in Woodland Hills, California. “That said, there can be situations that favor waiting until after a certain date to retire.  

“For example, it can be logical to delay retirement until later in the year to earn certain bonuses or stock-based compensation.  

“Further, some employees may need to get a certain amount of time in to qualify for a certain level of retiree healthcare benefits (this can be true of some government workers, for example).” 

You may want to retire early in the year if: 

  • Your company waits until the first quarter to distribute ​year-end bonuses. 

  • You’re claiming​ Social Security income right away.   

You may want to retire in the middle of the year if: 

  • Your employment follows a fiscal year that doesn’t adhere to a calendar year (such as July through June). 

  • Your financial advisor suggests Roth conversions or other tax-efficient strategies. 

You may want to retire later in the year if: 

  • Your company distributes bonuses at the end of the year.  

  • You want to earn a ​higher income for retirement calculations.  

  • You want healthcare coverage to continue. 

Timing of your first Social Security check: Keep in mind your first Social Security check will come the month after the one you pick in your application. If you picked January to receive your first Social Security check, you won’t see it until February. If you need money from Social Security earlier, select the month before you need it (e.g., pick December, and it will arrive in January). 

Where is the best place to retire in 2025? 

The best place to retire is one where you will find fulfillment in retirement. Whether that’s close to family or close to the beach depends on your preferences.  

There are places recommended for retirees for tax-friendly policies, quality of life, lower cost of living, and strong healthcare.  

The top five, as per analysis conducted by WalletHub, include: 

  • Florida: Known for beautiful weather, high quality of living, and tax-friendly policies for seniors.  

  • Colorado: Known for its high quality of life, beautiful mountain landscapes, and great healthcare options. 

  • Virginia: Known for its rich history, high quality of life, and affordability.  

  • Delaware: Known for affordability and one of the lowest tax burdens in the U.S.  

  • Wyoming: Known for its safety, open spaces, clean air, and low tax burden.  

What are the pros and cons of retiring in 2025? 

Retiring in 2025 has some advantages, but you’ll also want to consider the drawbacks.  

Pros of retiring in 2025 

  • Stock market gains: In recent years, stock market gains have boosted retirement portfolios. Retiring and changing the allocation to be more conservative may preserve gains.  

  • Increased Social Security benefit: In 2025, the cost-of-living allowance for all Social Security recipients increased by 2.5%.  

  • Retire before full retirement age increases: Full retirement age increases every year as Congress attempts to preserve Social Security funds. It’s only by a few months, but you may consider retiring before Congress pushes the goalpost back again.  

  • More free time: If you’re ready for your time to be your own, retiring in 2025 might be the right move.  

Cons of retiring in 2025 

  • May retire too early: If you haven’t put together a solid retirement plan with an advisor, you may not have enough funds to last through your retirement. Be sure that you’re financially ready so you don’t have to unretire if you don’t need to. 

  • May lose fulfillment from working: Working can help provide purpose and fulfillment in life. Retiring can make you feel like you’ve lost something, even if you’re happy to have more free time.  

  • May experience less social interaction: You may miss your co-workers and colleagues when you retire. 

How can you retire in 2025? 

“There's no ‘check these boxes’ and you can retire,” says Mullaney. “Rather, you should do an assessment of your own emotions and your own finances.” 

Mullaney suggests looking at your assets and income streams. Would your Social Security, pensions, rental income, and retirement savings be enough to support your spending level?  

Retiring in 2025 is more than a calculation or an evaluation of the best time to retire. There’s a lot to prepare for in your next stage of life.  

Get expert financial advice 

Retiring in 2025 is a big step, but you don’t have to make a plan alone.  

Unbiased can match you with a financial advisor that’s just right for your needs, and you can feel at peace knowing a plan for your retirement is in place.  

Get started now. 

Content Writer

Alene Laney

Alene Laney is an award-winning journalist for Unbiased, where she breaks down financial topics related to retirement, investing, and banking. She specializes in helping readers make the best decisions for their money with long-form content for brands and consumer publications.