Mistakes to Avoid

Working in retirement is different from building a career. Avoid these common pitfalls to keep your “golden years” truly golden.

1. Ignoring the IRMAA Bracket: If your income rises significantly, you might trigger an Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount (IRMAA), which increases your Medicare Part B and D premiums. For 2026, the standard Part B premium is $202.90. Earning just a dollar over the income thresholds (approx. $109k for singles, $218k for couples) can spike your premiums by hundreds of dollars a year.
2. Locking into Rigid Schedules: You retired for freedom. Be wary of jobs that demand weekends or holidays unless the pay justifies the sacrifice. Negotiate your schedule upfront.
3. Underpricing Yourself: Seniors often undervalue their soft skills—reliability, problem-solving, and calmness under pressure. If you are consulting, do not charge an entry-level rate.