If you are getting near to retirement, you may want to take some time to take an inventory of your retirement assets and accounts. If you have multiple retirement accounts, then you may want to may want to look into ways you can most efficiently oversee and track those accounts and the money in them. One easy way to accomplish that is to consolidate your retirement accounts when and where you can. I have written about consolidation in past blog posts and how it can be a great way to get organized for retirement. Not only does putting all your money in as few accounts as possible make it easier to calculate and take withdrawals and required minimum distributions (RMDs), but it can also make things easier on your beneficiaries when you pass away. Fewer retirement accounts mean you can ensure that your money goes to the beneficiaries you designate and can prevent squabbles that may happen if an overlooked retirement account is not properly designated. Now, let’s focus on your money, though, that you plan to spend while you are alive. Having your money in fewer places will make it easier to track withdrawals and will allow you to better track the overall size of your nest egg, which can come in handy if big expenses rear their ugly heads. It’s also just good financial practice to keep your money as organized and efficient as possible. As to when and how you decide to consolidate, that is up to you and the will also be determined by the type of accounts you have and what they allow in regards to transferring money. You can decide to consolidate your finances before retirement or after you retire, that is up to you. If you have questions about whether you should better organize your finances or how to go about doing so, you should speak with a certified financial planner or wealth manager.