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What should you do before you retire from your job?
After all, you can't just stop showing up one day.
Among the many other things on your retirement checklist, you must notify your employer. Often, they require you to submit an official retirement letter of resignation.
Even if writing a retirement resignation letter isn't required, it's the considerate thing to do!
A retirement letter of resignation is more than just a formality. It sets in motion a process for handling changes in pay, insurance, and your retirement benefits.
How can you write a retirement letter of resignation that helps you and your company transition to the next step?
This article will address how to write a retirement letter of resignation and provide an example that you can use as a template for your own retirement letter.
What Should You Include In Your Retirement Resignation Letter?
Your resignation letter is the official notice that you're leaving your job. Since this is your formal notice, it's important to get right.
Let's get to the specifics.
What should your retirement letter of resignation include?
The letter should be formatted with the same basic elements of any formal letter, plus some retirement-specific data, as well as a statement of your retirement plans.
Perhaps the most crucial element? The date.
Dating your resignation is vital because sometimes retirement benefits hinge on not only the retirement date itself but when you provide notice. Including the date on the letter offers a tangible way to verify when you gave notice—and how much time you provided—should a question from human resources or senior management arise.
Next, your letter should include a customary salutation and address it to your boss or the appropriate supervisor.
In the body of the letter, state your intended retirement date (your last day) and your thoughts on a transition plan. If you plan to assist with the transition or help train a new person, then make those intentions known. This act could establish more goodwill, which could go a long way if you want to transition into consulting or other part-time work in retirement.
You may only wish to make yourself available during a specific time frame, like three months. If that’s the case, be as clear as possible. For example, you might say that you will be retiring on January 1, 2022, but you are willing to stay for four weeks or until a specific date to help train your replacement.
Also, remind your employer of your current job title, how long you’ve been with the company and your most significant achievements.
For example, you might say, “I've loved my 25 years with "x" company and leading the team to create our best-selling product.”
If you want to add a personal touch to your letter, express your gratitude for having a rewarding career at the company and share your retirement plans. Lastly, close out the letter and include your contact information.
You’ll need to decide how much time you want to give your employer. While two weeks' notice is standard, many employers would appreciate a longer notice period, especially for retirement.
For example, we had a team member at my firm, Covenant Wealth Advisors, notify me of his goal for retirement two years ahead of time.
Guess, what?
I was super appreciative of him being so considerate because it helped me plan better. It also helped him because I was able to make his transition much more comfortable from both a timing and monetary perspective.
It's essential to give your employer enough notice to maintain goodwill and aid in the transition period. If you know you're retiring at the end of this year, consider drafting your letter at least a month or so in advance.
Even longer doesn’t hurt.
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Tips To Make Your Retirement Letter Polished and Professional
Alongside being a respectful gesture, your retirement letter of resignation is also an official document that HR will use to begin processing your retirement paperwork. As it is an official document, you want it to be a good representation of you and the work you've done.
To that end, consider the following to get your point across in a professional way:
1. Strike the right tone
Be commanding and firm, but at the same time respectful. Depending on your situation, your employer may hope to convince you to stay longer. If you are confident of your plans to retire, then a firm tone can help convey that message. However, there is no need to be harsh about it. A concise and deliberate statement is entirely appropriate.
2. Proofread
You don't want to misspell your manager's name or forget to capitalize the company—awkward oversite. Ensure it's free of errors and high-quality, including the grammar—yes, punctuation and commas count. If you have a particularly literary friend, have them check it for you. You can also use an online proofreading tool such as Grammarly.
3. Choose the proper delivery method.
Your employer may have a particular required delivery method. If so, make sure to follow it. Regardless of the necessary delivery method, it’s a good idea to submit the letter electronically, so there is a record. Copy your boss and the appropriate person at HR.
These writing tips will help your business letter be as polished and professional as possible.
We have created three sample retirement letter templates that you can use to write your own retirement letter of resignation. Simply copy the template and customize it to fit your needs.
Example 1: Retirement Letter Sample
June 6, 2024
Name
Street Address
City, State
Supervisor Name
Title
Company Name
Company Street Address
Company City, State
Dear Mr. or Ms. Supervisor,
This letter expresses my intent to retire on (Month) (Day) of this year. I have enjoyed my XX years with the company and appreciate the opportunities to help our (clients/customers).
I know it will take some time to ensure that my replacement is adequately trained and ready to take over my current responsibilities. I am willing to make myself available through the month of (Month) if you think it would be beneficial.
Thank you for the opportunity to learn and grow with an incredible team and company. My phone number is xxx-xxx-xxxx and my email address is x.
Sincerely,
Signature
Typed Name
Example 2: Retirement Letter Sample
June 6, 2024
Name
Street Address
City, State
Supervisor Name
Title
Company Name
Company Street Address
Company City, State
Dear [Employer's Name],
I am writing to inform you that I have decided to retire from my position as [Job Title] effective [Retirement Date]. After [Number of Years] years of dedicated service to [Company Name], I feel it is time to step back and enjoy my retirement.
I want to express my sincere gratitude for the opportunities and experiences that I have gained during my time here. I have learned so much and have had the privilege of working alongside a great team. I appreciate all of the support and guidance that you and my colleagues have provided me throughout my career.
In preparation for my retirement, I will ensure a smooth transition by completing any pending tasks and training my replacement, if necessary. I am confident that the skills and knowledge I have gained during my time here will be valuable to me in my retirement and in future endeavors.
Please let me know if there are any specific tasks or duties that you would like me to complete before my departure. I will also ensure that all company property and resources in my possession are returned by my last day of work.
Thank you again for the opportunity to be a part of this organization. I look forward to maintaining a positive relationship with you and my colleagues in the future.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Example 3: Retirement Letter Sample
June 6, 2024
Name
Street Address
City, State
Supervisor Name
Title
Company Name
Company Street Address
Company City, State
Dear [Employer's Name],
It is with mixed emotions that I announce my intention to retire from my position as [Job Title] at [Company Name]. My last day of work will be [Retirement Date]. It has been an honor to be a part of this company and work with such a talented and dedicated team.
I am grateful for the many opportunities that I have had during my [Number of Years] years of service with [Company Name]. I have enjoyed my time here, but I feel that it is time for me to begin the next chapter of my life.
I want to take this opportunity to thank you for your support, guidance, and leadership during my time at [Company Name]. I have learned so much from you and the other members of our team. I am proud of the work that we have accomplished together, and I know that the company will continue to thrive in the years ahead.
As I prepare to retire, I am committed to ensuring a smooth transition. I will complete any outstanding projects and work with my colleagues to ensure that my responsibilities are transitioned smoothly. If there is anything specific that you need me to do before my departure, please let me know.
I will miss my colleagues and the work that we have done together. I wish you and the company all the best in the future.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
It can be as simple as the letters above! Again, you could also mention your retirement plans in a sentence or two, but remember, brief is best.
Conclusion
Writing a formal retirement letter of resignation is a big step toward officially resigning and leaving your job.
It is an important document as it marks the beginning of your next journey. Follow the guidelines above to help your letter be as professional and polished as possible.
But, writing your retirement resignation letter is only one step in the process. You'll also need to be financially prepared for retirement.
That's where expert advice from Covenant Wealth Advisors can help.
At Covenant Wealth, we specialize in financial planning for retirement. Financial planning is the process of determining all of the financial steps you need to take to ensure your money lasts the rest of your life.
It’s important to us that you feel confident and prepared for your next step. Ready to set a retirement date?
Want to find out how we help individuals make their money last in retirement?
Find out how we can help you maximize your income, reduce taxes, and better manage your investment portfolio in retirement.
About Mark Fonville, CFP®
Mark is a financial advisor with Covenant Wealth Advisors and specializes in helping individuals aged 50 plus plan, invest, and enjoy retirement without the stress of money.
In 2022, Mark was ranked on Forbes list of Best-In-State Wealth Advisors and is currently the #1 ranked Fee-Only NAPFA-Registered Financial Advisor on the Forbes list in the state of Virginia*
Disclosures:
Covenant Wealth Advisors is a registered investment advisor with offices in Richmond and Williamsburg, VA. Past performance is no guarantee of future returns. Investing involves risk and possible loss of principal capital.
The views and opinions expressed in this content are as of the date of the posting, are subject to change based on market and other conditions. This content contains certain statements that may be deemed forward-looking statements. Please note that any such statements are not guarantees of any future performance, and actual results or developments may differ materially from those projected.
Please note that nothing in this content should be construed as an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to purchase an interest in any security or separate account. Nothing is intended to be, and you should not consider anything to be, investment, accounting, tax, or legal advice. If you would like accounting, tax, or legal advice, you should consult with your own accountants or attorneys regarding your individual circumstances and needs. No advice may be rendered by Covenant Wealth Advisors unless a client service agreement is in place.