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Picture this: You’ve spent the better part of your working life climbing the corporate ladder and, now, as a courtesy to your long-time employer, you announce your plans to retire.
This should be a cause for celebration, a capstone on a long career and a kindness to those who’ve done right by you. Not only does it help your employer manage the transition and hire a replacement, but it should also give you the time to get your personal finances in order.
But what if, just after you do the courtesy of announcing your retirement, your employer decides to show you the door ahead of your official retirement date?
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This can be especially frustrating and disorienting, especially after years of dedication. You might also wonder if your employer is breaking the law.
Can an employer fire you after you announce your retirement?
Surprising as it may sound, your employer is not typically under any legal obligation to let you keep working once you’ve announced your plans to retire.
That’s because most states have at-will employment laws. An at-will employee can be fired at any time for any reason and without warning — no “just cause” required.
But you may have some legal recourse if you have evidence that your employer fired you to stop your pension from “vesting” or as a direct result of age discrimination. These would violate the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA) and Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA), and you may have a case on your hands.
What should you do if you’re forced into retirement early?
You have a few options if you’re terminated before your official retirement date.
Your company may offer severance pay as a way to get you to waive your right to file certain lawsuits against your former employer. Aim to negotiate the fairest possible severance package, including asking for your employer to continue subsidizing your health coverage.
To know where you stand, you may want to consider talking with a financial advisor to understand how being let go will impact your retirement plans. And if you have the finances to support an early retirement, a financial advisor can help you plan for your golden years.
If you’re unsure which path to take amid today’s market uncertainty, it might be a good time to connect with a financial advisor through Advisor.com.
This online platform connects you with vetted financial advisors best suited to help you develop a plan for your new wealth.
Just answer a few quick questions about yourself and your finances and the platform will match you with an experienced financial professional. You can view their profile, read past client reviews, and schedule an initial consultation for free with no obligation to hire.
You can view advisor profiles, read past client reviews, and schedule an initial consultation for free with no obligation to hire.
Make sure to budget for health care expenses in case you decide to retire early. An average 65-year-old is estimated to need roughly $165,000 to cover health care expenses through retirement, according to the 2024 Fidelity Retiree Health Care Cost Estimate.
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If your employer isn’t subsidizing health insurance, you may be able to keep your employer-based coverage under the federal law known as COBRA, for a period of time.
That said, doing so may be expensive as you’d have to fork over money for full premiums without your employer contributing to monthly payments. You can look to reduce this bill by opting for private third-party insurance.
For those under the age of 65, U65 Health Insurance lets you compare policies offered by reputable providers near you for free.
You can shop around and compare policy premium rates and features from leading insurers like Anthem, Oscar Health and Aetna within minutes.
Get started and find the right coverage for you in under five minutes.
If you’re already over the age of 65, consider signing up for Medicare if you haven’t done so already. Keep in mind that there are some big changes coming to Medicare in 2025 that you may want to look into.
Prepare your finances for this scenario
By being proactive, you can hopefully ensure that your employer’s decision to force your early departure doesn’t derail your retirement goals.
Creating a financial buffer can help you weather this challenging time without compromising your lifestyle or taking on additional debt. You may want to invest in safe-haven assets like gold, which tends to deliver stable returns over time, while hedging your portfolio against inflation and recession risks.
One way to invest in gold that also provides significant tax advantages is to open a gold IRA with the help of Thor Metals.
Gold IRAs allow investors to hold physical gold or gold-related assets within a retirement account — combining the tax advantages of an IRA with the protective benefits of investing in gold, making it an option for those looking to potentially hedge their retirement funds against economic uncertainties.
Thor Metals offers expert guidance and secure storage of your precious metals assets in partnership with IRS-approved depositories. Plus, you can get $20,000 in free precious metals with a qualifying purchase.
They also provide guides for investors to help you understand the market and make informed decisions about your investments. Get your free guide today to find out if a gold IRA is the right investment option for you.
But make sure not to keep all your eggs in one basket. If all your money is tied up in stocks or precious metals, an emergency expense might force a withdrawal during market downturns or drive you into debt.
If you don’t have a consistent source of income, financial experts recommend keeping at least 12 to 18 months worth of expenses in your emergency fund.
“While saving adequately for retirement is crucial, an emergency fund ensures income stability no matter what comes — health issues, home repairs or market drops,” said Marty Burbank, founder of OC Elder Law.
“Retirees can’t predict future costs or market changes, but an emergency fund helps ensure financial security to fully enjoy retirement,” Burbank added further.
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This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.