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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Four Tips for Mastering a Financial Security MindsetThis financial professional's mom helped him learn that financial security is more than making money — it's about cultivating a mindset that will help you stick to an investment plan even when times get tough.
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Lessons to Be Learned From a $1 Billion DivorceAn estate planning attorney notes that an oil executive’s billion-dollar divorce could have turned out very differently if the couple had a premarital agreement and the executive had used asset protection trusts.
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How Women Can Turn a Gray Divorce Into a Financial WinGetting divorced later in life can be a big financial blow, especially for women. But, as this financial adviser points out, it can also serve as a positive turning point for growth and independence.
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Private Markets: Six Things Investors Can Learn From BlackRock's CEOBlackRock's chief executive, Larry Fink, recently argued the case for increased access to private markets. Here's how a financial professional sees Fink's views translating into action for accredited investors.
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The Future of Opportunity Zones: Outlook for 2025 and BeyondThere are three potential paths forward for this innovative tax incentive program that's set to expire in 2026.
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Is Your Retirement in Danger of Crumbling?Ignoring any of these five essential financial pillars could put your future at risk. Take a moment to make sure you haven't overlooked anything.
