A calm, powerful checklist to stop leaks, protect your future, and feel back in control.

Let’s be honest, things are starting to get real now, right?

Most of us don’t wake up excited to “review our super” (or pension / retirement accounts).

We wake up thinking about everyone else.

But here’s the truth I want you to feel in your bones:

Ignoring your retirement accounts doesn’t make them simpler — it just makes them more expensive.

So today we’re doing a check-up that is:

• clear

• practical

• not fear-based

• and absolutely doable

Quick note: This is general information only, not personal financial advice. If you need tailored help, speak with a qualified professional.

First — what are we talking about?

Depending on where you live, your retirement savings might sit in:

• Australia / NZ: Superannuation / KiwiSaver

• UK: Workplace pension / Private pension

• US: 401(k), IRA, Roth IRA

• Canada: RRSP, TFSA, workplace pension

Different names, same goal: future income + future choices.

The 9-check retirement account check-up (save this)

1) Where is your money actually sitting?

This sounds basic… but it’s the number one issue.

Do you have:

• an old employer account you forgot about?

• multiple accounts?

• statements going to an old email?

Action: Make a list of every account you can remember.
If you’re unsure, make “find my accounts” your one task this week.

2) Are you paying duplicate fees?

Multiple accounts often = multiple fees.

Fees matter because they quietly nibble at your future.

Action: Write down:

• how many accounts you have

• what each one charges (or request the fee info)

Then ask: “Do I still need all of these?”

3) If you consolidate, do it safely (not blindly)

Consolidation can be brilliant — but check first:

• Is there insurance inside the account you’d lose?

• Are there special conditions on the older account?

• Are there exit/transfer considerations?

Action: Before you merge anything, ask the fund/provider:

• “What happens to my insurance if I close this account?”

• “Are there any costs or conditions to transfer?”

4) Check your insurance — because midlife is not the time to guess

Some accounts include insurance (life, disability, income protection).
Sometimes it’s helpful. Sometimes it’s overpriced. Sometimes it’s unnecessary.

Action: Ask:

• What cover do I have?

• What am I paying?

• Would I be okay without it?

No shame either way. Just be informed.

5) Update your beneficiaries (this one is BIG)

If your life has changed (marriage, divorce, death, blended families, adult kids), your beneficiary nomination may be outdated.

And yes, it matters.

Action: Check:

• who is currently nominated

• whether the nomination is binding (if relevant)

• whether it matches your current wishes

This is not morbid.
It’s loving leadership.

6) Make sure your investment option matches your timeline

This is where many women freeze because it sounds “too finance-y”.

Here’s the simple version:

• Longer timeline usually means you can tolerate more ups and downs.

• Shorter timeline usually means you want less volatility.

Action: Ask your provider:

• What option am I in?

• Why am I in it?

• What’s a reasonable option for my timeline and comfort?

You’re allowed to want both: growth and peace.

7) Increase contributions in a way that doesn’t wreck your week

Midlife is the perfect time for “small but mighty”.

Try one:

• add a small automatic contribution weekly/fortnightly

• direct a portion of a pay rise into retirement savings

• set a “Future Me” rule: half my bonus goes to retirement

Action: Pick a number you won’t resent.
Resentment kills consistency.

8) If you’re partnered, talk about the household plan —

not just “his” and “mine”

Women often end up financially vulnerable after caregiving seasons or relationship changes.

So instead of separate anxiety, build shared clarity:

• What do we each have?

• What’s the plan if one of us stops working?

• Are we protecting both people in this partnership?

Action: Schedule a 30-minute “money meeting” with these two questions:

1. “What do we want our life to look like later?”

2. “What’s one move we can make this month?”

9) Set a review rhythm (so you stop starting over)

You don’t need to obsess. You need a routine.

Action: Put this in your calendar:

• Quarterly check: contributions, fees, beneficiaries

• Annual review: big goals, retirement timeline, insurance needs

Future You will feel so held.

A simple script if you need to call your provider (use this!)

“Hi, I’m doing a midlife retirement check-up. Can you help me confirm:

1. what accounts I have with you,

2. what fees I’m paying,

3. what investment option I’m in,

4. what insurance I have, and

5. who my beneficiaries are?”

That’s it. That’s the script.

The gentle truth to finish this one off...

You don’t need to understand everything today.
You just need to take the next right step.

And if you’ve avoided this for years? No shame.
Today is your turning point.

If you want more “strong but calm” money support, read the next post, join the WyrLora Circle, or subscribe to the WL Message.

Until we chat again,

Blessing & hugs to you my dear friend,

Dianne xx