LVW Advisors Private Wealth Advisor Jonathan Thomas, CFP®, recently shared insights with Kiplinger on what pre-retirees should be focusing on as they prepare for retirement in 2026. He highlighted the importance of building a realistic picture of retirement spending – not just day-to-day expenses, but also major future costs that can create “spike years,” such as home repairs, vehicle purchases, or family milestones. Jonathan emphasized the need for a thoughtful Social Security claiming strategy that balances long-term optimization with personal comfort and income needs. He also noted that health care planning is especially critical for those retiring before Medicare eligibility, as costs and coverage can vary significantly depending on timing.