How to Make Your Retirement Last

July 29, 2024

Retirement planning is a critical aspect of financial management and ensuring that your retirement savings last throughout your golden years is a key concern for many individuals. Your Fresno financial advisor understands that various strategies and approaches exist to help retirees manage their finances effectively and make the most of their retirement funds. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore different methods to make your retirement last, including the 4 percent rule, the guardrails approach, RMD guidelines, and annuitization.

The 4 Percent Rule

The 4 percent rule, initially proposed by financial adviser Bill Bengen, suggests that during the first year of retirement, an individual can withdraw up to 4 percent from their retirement savings, with adjustments for inflation in subsequent years. The rule is based on a portfolio invested in half large-company U.S. stocks and half government bonds.

The Guardrails Approach

The guardrails approach, developed by financial planner Jonathan Guyton, offers a more flexible method for retirement withdrawals. It involves starting with a larger payout of 5.3 percent, with 60 to 70 percent of the portfolio in stocks, and adjusting the annual withdrawal based on portfolio performance and inflation.

RMD Guidelines

The Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) guidelines, as established by the IRS, provide a framework for determining the annual withdrawal from tax-deferred retirement accounts such as IRAs or 401(k)s. The formula for RMD is based on an individual’s age and account value, with the percentage of withdrawal increasing gradually each passing year. This approach ensures that retirees adhere to the IRS guidelines for managing their retirement accounts, potentially providing a structured and reliable method for withdrawals.

Annuitization

Annuitization involves purchasing an income annuity, which guarantees a monthly paycheck throughout retirement. This approach is akin to hiring someone to manage retirement income, offering a predictable and consistent stream of payments. An annuity may provide larger monthly income compared to other withdrawal strategies, and it can serve as a safeguard against market uncertainties.

Determining a Sustainable Withdrawal Rate

Determining the sustainable withdrawal rate is essential for ensuring that retirement savings last. According to historical analysis, a withdrawal rate of 4% to 5% in the first year of retirement, with annual adjustments for inflation, has been found to work in 90% of historical periods.

Making your retirement savings last requires careful consideration of various factors, including withdrawal strategies, investment decisions, and personal circumstances. By understanding the different approaches to managing retirement income and determining a sustainable withdrawal rate, individuals can plan for a secure and fulfilling retirement.

Conclusion

Understanding the difference between income and net worth is crucial for achieving financial stability and long-term wealth. Your financial advisor Fresno, Ca is committed to helping you understand that while income represents the money you earn on a regular basis, net worth reflects your overall financial health by considering your assets and liabilities. By tracking your income and net worth, you can make informed financial decisions, set realistic goals, and work towards achieving financial independence.

We have a strong team of professionals helping ensure you receive all the assistance you need not only in developing your retirement income strategy, but in maintaining it throughout your retirement. Contact us today at 559-230-1648 or visit us today at Soutas Financial to get your retirement plans on track for success!

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Investment advisory services offered through Foundations Investment Advisors, LLC, an SEC registered investment adviser. The commentary on this website reflects the personal opinions, viewpoints, and analyses of the author, Soutas Financial, and should not be regarded as a description of advisory services provided by Foundations Investment Advisors, LLC (“Foundations”), or performance returns of any Foundations client. The views reflected in the commentary are subject to change at any time without notice. Any mention of a particular security and related performance data is not a recommendFresno ation to buy or sell that security, or any security. Foundations manages its clients’ accounts using a variety of investment techniques and strategies, which are not necessarily discussed in the commentary. Foundations deems reliable any statistical data or information obtained from or prepared by third party sources that is included in any commentary, but in no way guarantees its accuracy or completeness.

 

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