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Retirement Income Planning Tips from David Scranton

I get asked about retirement planning all the time. It varies from people who are in retirement to younger people who are looking down the road at the future. Some people even ask, “What is Retirement Income Planning?” I am always eager to offer retirement income planning tips to those who are serious about achieving their dream retirement. With that said, I have put together a list of tips that I think you will find very helpful if you are in the planning stages, or even thinking about your retirement. 

1. Make the Right Investments

One of the more popular strategies when it comes to investing for retirement is Investing for Income. By following this strategy and making the right investments, you can look forward to having additional income even when you are no longer working. For more information, see 10 Ways to Invest for Income.

2. Understand Where You Are Right Now

To figure out what you will need, you must first have a clear understanding of your financial position today. You may be more or less prepared for retirement than you think. In order to properly assess where you are today and what you should do moving forward, take a Free Retirement Review. This will help you get the specific answers you need based on your current situation.

3. Factor in Inflation

Keep in mind that with inflation, prices will rise. If you factor in inflation when it comes to your retirement plan, you can help protect yourself in the future.

4. Speak with your Spouse

It is important to understand what your spouse or significant other thinks they will need in retirement. Questions like, “How much will we spend?”, and “How much should we save?” are critical when it comes to putting together your family’s retirement plan.

5. Stay Healthy

Not only will medical expenses eat up your savings, but you cannot enjoy the retirement you have worked so hard for if you are not healthy. Good health is just as important as proper planning when it comes to enjoying the retirement you have always dreamed of.

6. Determine How Much You Will Be Spending in Retirement

Do you know where you are going to live? What about your monthly expenses? Determine what your living costs will be and have a better idea of what you can do now to help ensure you are ready.

7. Stick To Your Budget

By now you have probably spent plenty of time coming up with a budget to help you save more and spend less. The key is to stick to it. Many Americans make budgets but have a hard time following them. Sticking to a well-planned budget can make a huge difference when it comes to saving money and planning ahead for retirement.

8. Speak With an Income Specialist

There are many reasons Why You Should Talk to an Income Specialist Today. By having a conversation with an Income Specialist, you will have the chance for someone to look at your needs and goals specifically and help you come up with the best plan that is catered to your needs.

9. Pay off Debt

If possible, pay off your mortgage and any credit card debt as soon as you can. By eliminating the extra payments each month, you free up money that can be used for savings or for low-risk, high-return investments.

10. Work More

In order to work less in the future, you may need to work more now. By working more, you will bring in excess money that can be used in your retirement. Is your significant other not working? Perhaps they could pick up a part-time job or start a business from a hobby as a way to bring in additional income.

What Next?

If you follow these tips, you should be in good shape when it comes to planning your retirement and enjoying it when the time comes. If you still have questions, or would like to speak with an Income Specialist who can help you come up with a specific plan designed around your needs and goals, you can contact The Retirement Income Store today.

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Within Ten Years of Retirement

Risk Management:
How prepared is your portfolio for a market downturn?

I haven’t thought about what a big market drop would do to my savings.

I know a downturn would hurt, but I’d probably recover over time.

I’ve already adjusted my investments, so a downturn won’t derail me.

Optimization of Income:
How clearly do you know the income you’ll need in retirement?

I’m not sure what I’ll need or where it will come from.

I have a ballpark number, but no detailed plan.

I’ve calculated my income needs and know exactly how I’ll fund it.

Unexpected Expenses:
If something happened to you tomorrow, how prepared would your dependents be?

They’d be financially lost without me.

They’d manage for a little while, but eventually struggle.

They’d be more financially secure because I’ve planned ahead.

Tax Efficiency:
How well do you understand the taxes you’ll pay on retirement accounts?

I have no clue how retirement withdrawals are taxed.

I know the basics, but I’m not sure how it affects me.

I fully understand and have strategies in place to help minimize taxes.

Estate Planning:
How prepared are you with wills, directives, and estate plans?

I don’t have anything written down.

I’ve started, but my plan is incomplete or outdated.

I have a complete and current estate plan in place.

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Risk Management: How prepared is your portfolio fora market downturn?
Optimization of Income: How clearly do you know the income you’ll need in retirement?
Unexpected Expenses: If something happened to you tomorrow, how prepared would your dependents be?
Tax Efficiency: How well do you understand the taxes you’ll pay on retirement accounts?
Estate Planning: How prepared are you with wills, directives, and estate plans?
Thank you for taking our risk assessment quiz! Please fill out this form, so we can help tailor a more risk-free retirement plan suited for your needs.

At Retirement Age

Risk Management:
How would a market swing affect your lifestyle right now?

It could force me to delay or change my plans.

I might need to tighten my budget for a while.

It wouldn’t change my retirement lifestyle.

Optimization of Income:
How certain are you about your retirement income sources?

I don’t really know where the money will consistently come from.

I know the main sources, but I haven’t planned how to use them.

I’ve mapped out all income streams and how they work together.

Unexpected Expenses:
How prepared are you for long-term care costs?

I haven’t planned for them.

I’ve thought about them, but I haven’t secured coverage.

I have protection and funding strategies in place.

Tax Efficiency:
How well do you understand taxes on your withdrawals and RMDs?

I don’t understand them at all.

I have a general idea, but not a detailed strategy.

I fully understand and have a tax-efficient plan.

Estate Planning:
How prepared is your estate plan?

I don’t have one.

I’ve started, but it’s incomplete.

I have a complete, updated plan in place.

"*" indicates required fields

Risk Management: How would a market swing affect your lifestyle right now?
Optimization of Income: How certain are you about your retirement income sources?
Unexpected Expenses: How prepared areyou for long-term care costs?
Tax Efficiency: How well do you understand taxes on your withdrawals and RMDs?
Estate Planning: How prepared is your estate plan?
Thank you for taking our risk assessment quiz! Please fill out this form, so we can help tailor a more risk-free retirement plan suited for your needs.

ALREADY RETIRED

Risk Management:
How do you feel about market volatility?

It makes me anxious that I’ll run out of money.

It worries me sometimes, but not always.

I feel secure no matter what the market does

Optimization of Income:
How secure do you feel about sustaining your income?

I’m worried I’ll outlive my money.

I think I’ll be okay, but I’m not fully certain.

I’m confident my income will last.

Unexpected Expenses:
If you faced a major medical expense today, what would happen?

It would devastate my finances.

It would hurt, but I could manage.

I’d be covered without stress.

Tax Efficiency:
How prepared are you for taxes on withdrawals, RMDs, and Medicare penalties?

I haven’t planned for them at all.

I know about them, but I don’t have a strategy.

I’ve implemented tax strategies to help reduce their impact.

Estate Planning:
How updated is your estate plan?

I don’t have one.

It exists, but it needs updates.

It’s current and clearly protectsmy wishes.

"*" indicates required fields

Risk Management: How do you feel about market volatility?
Optimization of Income: How secure do you feel about sustaining your income?
Unexpected Expenses: If you faced a major medical expense today, what would happen?
Tax Efficiency: How prepared are you for taxes on withdrawals, RMDs, and Medicare penalties?
Estate Planning: How updated is your estate plan?
Thank you for taking our risk assessment quiz! Please fill out this form, so we can help tailor a more risk-free retirement plan suited for your needs.

Retirement Readiness Self-Assessment Survey

____ RISK MANAGEMENT

My retirement accounts have been stress-tested for various market conditions.

My investments are safeguardedagainst market crashes.

Fear won’t stop me from enjoying retirement when the market drops.

My current investments match my risk tolerance.

____ OPTIMIZATION OF INCOME

I know how much income I need to support my retirement goals.

I know how much I can spend without touching my principal.

I have calculated inflation into my need for retirement income.

I don’t fear running out of money because I have a solid income plan.

____UNEXPECTED EXPENSES

If I were not here tomorrow,my dependents would be fine financially.

I’m prepared for the cost of future medical events.

I can handle long-term care expenses without running out of money.

My current investment strategy will keep up with rising medical costs.

____ TAX EFFICIENCY

I understand how retirement accounts are taxed,and I’m paying the minimum.

I have a plan to help minimize taxes on RMDs from my 401(k)s and IRAs.

I have implemented a conversion strategy to help maximize my tax savings.

I have a plan in place to help minimize IRMAA penalties.

____ ESTATE PLANNING

My estate plan establishes proper distribution of my assets.

My estate will not have to payprobate fees.

I have POAs for healthcare, medical,and a living directive.

I’m protected from anyone contesting my last wishes.

"*" indicates required fields

____ RISK MANAGEMENT
_____ OPTIMIZATION OF INCOME
_____ UNEXPECTED EXPENSES
_____ TAX EFFICIENCY
____ ESTATE PLANNING