Retirement Planning in a Changing Economy
Welcome to our home base for Retirement Planning in a Changing Economy. Here, we translate uncertainty into action: practical strategies, relatable stories, and clear steps to help you retire confidently. Join the conversation, share your questions, and subscribe for weekly insights that move you forward.
Make Sense of Today’s Economy Before You Make Moves
Inflation quietly erodes purchasing power, especially over long retirements. A reader named Lois told us groceries that once cost $85 now hit $112, nudging her to review her budget. Build modest cost-of-living raises into your plan, and consider assets that historically keep pace.
Make Sense of Today’s Economy Before You Make Moves
Rising rates hurt existing bond prices, but they also improve future income. After years of thin yields, new bonds and CDs pay more, which can strengthen your retirement cash flow. Review duration, ladder maturities, and match dependable income to known expenses.
Build Durable Income Streams That Outlast Uncertainty
Delaying benefits can boost lifetime income, but health, longevity, and cash needs matter. One couple staggered claims—one at full retirement age for stability, one later for a larger check. Run scenarios, compare break-even ages, and invite your questions in the comments.
Some retirees trade a portion of savings for guaranteed income to cover essentials. That steadiness can reduce stress when markets wobble. Understand fees, inflation features, and survivor benefits. If you’ve made this choice, share your experience so others can learn from real outcomes.
High yields are tempting, but concentrated income strategies can backfire in a changing economy. A balanced total-return approach—dividends, interest, and prudent asset sales—can fund spending more consistently. Rebalance regularly, and align risk with your real-life cash flow needs.
Market dips, early retirement years, or gaps before required distributions can create chances to convert at lower rates. Jane converted modest amounts over five years, smoothing taxes and shrinking future required withdrawals. Work with a pro and share your conversion questions below.
Tax Smarts: Keep More of What You’ve Earned
Holding a mix of taxable, tax-deferred, and Roth accounts gives you levers when policy or income changes. In an inflationary surprise or market drop, choosing the best account for withdrawals can reduce taxes and stress. Map your buckets and revisit annually.
Tax Smarts: Keep More of What You’ve Earned
A Spending Plan That Bends, Not Breaks
Cover essentials—housing, food, utilities, insurance—with guaranteed or highly reliable income. Keep travel and extras in a flexible layer that can shrink temporarily. During a rough patch, one reader postponed a second trip and kept their plan intact without feeling deprived.
Investing for Resilience, Not Perfection
Diversification That Actually Diversifies
True diversification spans stocks, bonds, and cash—and may include TIPS or real assets. Correlations change in a changing economy, so avoid overconfidence in a single “safe” asset. Revisit your mix yearly and after life changes, not just after dizzying headlines.
Cash Buffers and Bucket Strategies
Keeping one to three years of planned withdrawals in cash-like buckets can reduce the need to sell during downturns. In 2020, several readers slept better knowing next year’s expenses were already set aside. Peace of mind is a real return—protect it.
Inflation Hedges: When Prices Climb and Stay There
Consider inflation-linked bonds, selective real estate, and businesses with pricing power. None are magic, but together they can soften blows to purchasing power. Share how you’re hedging today, and subscribe for deep dives on each option in upcoming posts.
Life Design: Purpose, Work, and Community in Retirement
Encore Work: Earning With Autonomy
Part-time or project-based work can bridge gaps without sacrificing freedom. Carlos shifted from full-time management to consulting two days a week, funding travel while delaying Social Security. What skills could you offer selectively? Tell us, and we’ll share resources to get started.
