Creating Reliable Retirement Income That Lasts

After a lifetime of saving, the real challenge of retirement is spending wisely — converting your nest egg into income that lasts as long as you do. A reliable income plan is built in layers, each doing a specific job, so that no single market event can put your lifestyle at risk.

Start with guaranteed income for essentials

The most resilient plans cover essential expenses — housing, food, healthcare, insurance — with income that's guaranteed: Social Security, any pension, and, for many people, lifetime income from an annuity. When your must-pay bills are covered no matter what, market swings become far less frightening.

Layer in growth and flexibility

• Keep a portion invested for long-term growth to help your income keep pace with inflation.
• Maintain a cash reserve so you never have to sell investments in a down market.
• Use a withdrawal strategy that draws from the right accounts in the right order to manage taxes.

Stress-test the plan

A good plan holds up against the threats that derail retirements: a market drop early on, a long life, rising prices, and unexpected costs. Running through these scenarios before they happen is how you turn hope into confidence.

Tim Hartle offers a complimentary, no-pressure review for Tampa Bay retirees to help you build that confidence. Annuities are not FDIC insured, and any guarantees are subject to the claims-paying ability of the issuing insurance company.

This article is for general educational purposes only and is not financial, tax, or legal advice. Rules and product features vary by situation and by state. Please consult a qualified advisor about your own circumstances. Any annuity guarantees discussed here are subject to the financial strength and claims-paying ability of the issuing insurance company. Annuities are not FDIC insured and are not bank guaranteed.