Preparing to Retire from Dollar General Within Five Years? Start with This Smart Checklist

Healthcare Provider Update: Healthcare Provider for Dollar General Dollar General employees typically access healthcare coverage through UnitedHealthcare, which is their primary health insurance provider. This partnership offers a range of health plans that cater to the diverse needs of their workforce, including preventive care, emergency services, and other essential health benefits. Potential Healthcare Cost Increases in 2026 As we approach 2026, Dollar General employees and retirees may face significant increases in healthcare costs due to projected hikes in Affordable Care Act (ACA) premium rates. Anticipated increases could exceed 60% in some states, primarily driven by the potential expiration of enhanced federal subsidies, rising medical expenses, and aggressive rate requests from major insurers like UnitedHealthcare. Without renewed legislation to extend these subsidies, a staggering 92% of marketplace enrollees could see their out-of-pocket premiums jump by over 75%, drastically impacting their financial health and access to affordable care as they navigate this changing landscape. Click here to learn more

'Dollar General employees should prioritize proactive retirement planning by carefully evaluating their spending, adjusting their portfolio risk, and factoring in health care costs, all of which can support a more stable and fulfilling retirement journey.' – Paul Bergeron, a representative of The Retirement Group, a division of Wealth Enhancement.

'By taking a hands-on approach to retirement planning, Dollar General employees can steer clear of common pitfalls and prepare for the financial demands of retirement, from health care costs to sustainable income strategies.' – Tyson Mavar, a representative of The Retirement Group, a division of Wealth Enhancement.

In this article, we will discuss:

1. The importance of proactive retirement planning for Dollar General employees.

2. Key steps to take within five years of retirement, including reviewing benefits and spending.

3. Strategies for managing health care costs and adjusting investment portfolios as retirement approaches.

Planning for retirement requires careful consideration, particularly as your retirement date approaches. Automatic payroll deductions through Dollar General benefits programs may have made investing feel seamless, but effective retirement planning requires a hands-on strategy. Getting ahead of the curve allows you to refine your retirement plan to align with your objectives.

If you plan to retire from Dollar General within the next five years, begin taking these five key steps now:

1. Rethink the Function of Employment in Retirement

It’s important to assess whether you plan to continue working in some capacity during retirement. Consulting or part-time work might help ease the transition and provide supplemental income, but it shouldn’t be the core of your strategy. For Dollar General professionals, unexpected life changes or health issues may make continued work uncertain. Planning for retirement with financial independence—without relying on future earnings—creates a foundation for a smoother experience.

2. Monitor and Comprehend Your Spending

Understanding your current spending is crucial for estimating what you might need later. As a Dollar General employee, your spending habits could shift post-retirement—especially regarding health care, housing, and lifestyle choices. Evaluating your needs now provides insight into whether you’re on track to meet your retirement objectives. By revisiting your budget and savings patterns today, you can reduce the likelihood of surprises later on.

3. Examine Your Benefits from Social Security

Social Security plays a key role in retirement for many Americans. Begin by checking your information on the Social Security Administration’s website to model different claiming scenarios. For Dollar General employees, understanding the timing of when to begin collecting benefits—such as delaying until full retirement age—could substantially impact your monthly payments. Including this in your plan will help create a more effective retirement income strategy.

4. Evaluate Your Retirement Funds

Take a close look at your Dollar General retirement accounts and personal savings. Review how much you’ve saved, how your portfolio is allocated, and what income sources you expect to draw from. Subtract your estimated Social Security income from your expected living expenses to calculate how much you’ll need to withdraw. Depending on your financial needs, you may need to adjust your spending, increase contributions, or delay your retirement date.

5. Reduce the Risk in Your Portfolio

As you near retirement, consider shifting your investment portfolio toward less volatile assets. Dollar General employees who experience a market downturn early in retirement could face long-term impacts. Lowering exposure to riskier assets may give you more flexibility during market dips. This adjustment can help you preserve principal and draw income from more stable sources in your early retirement years.

Starting early on these five steps can lead to a smoother and more confident transition into retirement. Dollar General professionals who commit to reviewing and refining their plans now may be better positioned to shape the retirement lifestyle they envision. Proactive planning offers greater clarity into your future finances and more control over your timeline.

Medical expenses are a major factor to incorporate into your retirement planning. According to a 2023 Fidelity Investments report, a 65-year-old couple retiring today is expected to spend an average of $315,000 on health care throughout retirement. Dollar General retirees should factor this into their savings plans. Allocating funds for future health care needs can help cover both routine and unexpected medical costs, reducing financial pressure later on.

If you're expecting to retire from Dollar General in the next five years, this checklist provides a structured roadmap to follow. From reviewing your Social Security benefits and investment allocations to preparing for health care costs, these steps are designed to help you maintain financial balance. Evaluating spending, reconsidering the role of post-retirement work, and shifting toward lower-risk investments can help you face retirement with more confidence and fewer surprises.

Think of preparing for retirement like planning a cross-country trip. You wouldn’t hit the road without checking your car, mapping your route, and making sure you have enough fuel. Likewise, Dollar General employees shouldn’t head into retirement without reviewing finances, factoring in health care, and organizing their resources. With these steps in place, you're better equipped for the journey ahead—and ready to enjoy the ride.

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Sources:

1. 'The Unexpected Cost That Could Ruin Your Retirement.' Investopedia, 4 June 2025.

2. Sloan, Jim. 'I'm a Wealth Manager: This Is How to Reduce One of the Biggest Risks to Your Retirement.' Kiplinger, 2 June 2025.

3. 'Retirees: Tune Out the Noise When Filing for Social Security.' Barron's, 2 June 2025.

4. 'How Often Should You Review Your 401(k) To Maximize Returns?' Investopedia, 4 June 2025.

5. '5 Ways to Track Your Budget in the Years Before You Retire.' Kiplinger, 4 June 2025.