When climbing Mount Everest, everyone enters a very dangerous elevation zone where oxygen is very scarce. In this "danger zone," the human body burns more oxygen than it can take in from normal breathing. Even when supplementing with added oxygen, people must overcome incredible levels of fatigue and exhaustion to make it to the peak.
Some sadly never make it safely back down the mountain. In fact, most people who die on Everest die while descending from the summit. Many make it to the "top of the world," only to fall victim to the "danger zone" on the way back down.
Statistics show that the most critical years for retirement planning are the three years before retirement and the three years after retirement. This crucial six-year window is like the "retirement danger zone." Any serious mistakes in this narrow window of time can have devastating affects on your retirement, driving you to postpone retirement plans, reduce income expectations or even work longer than planned.
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This "danger zone" is a great metaphor for effective retirement planning, highlighting a very important aspect of retirement that is often neglected - the distribution and income phase. With the disappearance of pension plans over the past few decades, we must now manage longevity risks, health care costs and stock market risks all on our own. While we are very focused on the accumulation phase of retirement planning—ascending to the peak—we do not pay as much attention to the distribution and income phase—which is like coming safely back down the mountain after having reached the summit.
Remember, getting to the top of the mountain is optional; getting safely back down the mountain is not. While the accumulation phase is very important, planning on how to protect your assets and distribute them in the form of a reliable 20- to 30-year income stream is equally, if not more important.
When planning for our clients' retirement income, we consider many approaches depending on needs and resources. We look at controlling taxable income, managing required minimum distributions, optimizing Social Security and sequence of withdrawals, as well as generating some guaranteed income to fund lifestyle needs.
The guaranteed income really brings a high level of comfort when planning for retirement. To do this, we investigate different annuity options, and in some cases carefully structured cash value life insurance strategies. These approaches are new to some, and can be somewhat complex, so it is imperative to work with an adviser who specializes in this area. When done properly, retirement planning is well worth the effort to get you "safely back down the mountain."
Please watch this video from that explains retirement planning in a very powerful way, and I hope it gets you thinking.
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Sam's Club Extends A Popular Shopping PerkSam's Club has adopted a new policy on Sundays and holidays. Learn what it is and how to save on a membership.
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The Ultimate Cruise Packing List for RetireesReady to set sail on your dream cruise? Here’s a no-fuss packing list tailored for older travelers to keep your trip stress-free.
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Where There's a Will, There's a Way Your Assets Will Be Distributed as You WishYour will is the backbone of a strong, adaptable estate plan that ensures what you leave behind goes to your selected beneficiaries. Without a will, state laws determine who gets your assets.
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I'm a Financial Adviser: This Is What You're Really Losing if You Cut Back on Your 401(k) ContributionsMissing out on the benefits of the employer match and compounding growth could force you to work longer and lower your standard of living in retirement. Here are some alternative options.
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Preferred Bank Stocks: The Investment Retirees (and Others) May Be Missing Out OnMost large banks issue preferred stocks that pay out fixed dividends, often with higher yields than bonds. Should you make room for them in your portfolio?
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The Spendthrift Trap: Here's One Way to Protect Your Legacy From an Irresponsible HeirA spendthrift clause in an estate plan can protect an inheritance from a financially irresponsible child's debts and poor decisions.
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Four Ways a Massive Emergency Fund Can Hurt You More Than It HelpsSaving too much could mean you're missing opportunities to put your money to work. Redirect some of that money toward paying off debt, building retirement funds, fulfilling a dream or investing in higher-growth options.
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I'm a Financial Planner: How to Dodge a Retirement Danger You May Not Have Heard AboutTiming is everything, and sequence of returns risk can mean the difference between a retirement nest egg that's overflowing … or empty.
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Caring for Aging Parents: An Expert Guide to Easing the Financial and Emotional StrainEarly conversations, financial planning and understanding the progression of care needs can help to mitigate stress and protect family relationships.
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I'm a Financial Adviser: The OBBB Is a Reminder for Older People to Have a Long-Term PlanThe new tax bill presents a good opportunity for retirees to revisit tax plans, look into doing some Roth conversions and consider plans for long-term care.
