Retiring? Plan for these 7 birthdays.

Age 62

Celebrate: You're eligible for Social Security benefits

The best time to collect depends on personal circumstances, but 62 is the earliest age you can claim Social Security retirement benefits. You'll take a hit for claiming early, so only file if you need the money. How long you think you'll live, how many assets you have, and whether you want to leave an inheritance are a few factors that can determine when to start collecting. If you can hold off, that's another reason to celebrate!

Age 65

Celebrate: You have more options—including Medigap

Medigap is supplemental private health insurance that covers some of the costs not covered by traditional Medicare. If you decide to purchase Medigap, the enrollment period begins the first day of the month you turn 65. During the enrollment window, you can't be denied Medigap coverage or charged extra because of poor health. Like Medicare, you can wait to sign up for Medigap if you have insurance through an employer.

Age 73

Celebrate: You begin taking RMDs

This is the age when tax deferrals on traditional IRAs and 401(k)s run out. Generally, you must withdraw your RMD (required minimum distribution) for a given year by December 31 of that year. However, if you're taking an RMD for the first time, you may delay withdrawing until April 1 of the year after you turn age 73***. If you decide to delay taking your first RMD, you'll have to take 2 RMDs that calendar year, which may put you in a higher tax bracket. Whenever you decide to withdraw your money, be sure to thank yourself for preparing for this important stage of life.

These milestones may seem unusual to celebrate, but each of them signifies another benefit that you've earned. You've done the hard work to accumulate your nest egg—now let your investments do the rest. Together, we can make retirement the best chapter of your life.