Kaiser Pension Decision Checklist: Lump Sum vs. Monthly Annuity
Make the choice you won't regret. Use a one-page flow + worksheets to see which option truly "fits" your retirement.
Independent fiduciary. Not affiliated with Kaiser Permanente® or TPMG.
Who this is for
- Kaiser employees within 3–24 months of retirement
- Anyone weighing lump sum vs. monthly annuity (or a blend)
- Spouses who want clarity on survivor protection and income stability
- Savers who care about taxes, IRMAA, and timing
What you'll get
One-page decision flow
Print-friendly. Income floor, spouse/survivor, behavior/risk, liquidity/legacy, taxes/IRMAA window. Output: a clear lean toward lump sum, annuity, or a blend.
Worksheets
Income floor & estimates (SS, pensions, annuity quotes, expense buckets). Side-by-side lump sum vs. annuity. Taxes, Medicare, timeline (IRMAA, Roth windows, RMDs, deadlines).
Fit summary + next steps
Capture your lean, rationale, and what would change your decision. Walk into your election with a written plan.
One-way door decisions
- • Once you elect your pension option, changes are limited or impossible.
- • Survivor % choices can't be fixed later.
- • Model the household impact before you submit.
How it helps
- See if your essentials are covered (income floor) before you choose
- Stress-test the decision with taxes, IRMAA, and Social Security timing
- Balance peace of mind vs. flexibility and legacy — on one page
- Avoid "one dollar over" surprises that raise Medicare premiums
Bereket Kelile, CRTP, CRPC
Independent fiduciary working with Kaiser families — nurses, PCTs, lab techs, MAs, and physicians — to make the pension election with eyes wide open.
- California Registered Tax Preparer (CRTP)
- Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor (CRPC)
- Experience with Kaiser families
- Independent fiduciary — not affiliated with Kaiser Permanente® or TPMG
How it works
Get the checklist
Instant PDF delivered to your inbox.
Fill in your numbers
5 pages, 10–20 minutes.
Optional: Pension Fit Call
Book a 15-minute review of your results.
Get the Checklist
Free 5-page PDF, delivered instantly.
Need help inside 90 days?
Election windows are short and many choices are permanent. Get a quick second set of eyes.
Book a 15-Minute Pension Fit CallFrequently asked questions
The election is one-way. Get it right the first time.
Spend 10–20 minutes with the checklist before you sign.
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