An interview with Jerry Golden, Founder of Go2Income.com.
Kiplinger’s Custom Studio: So, you have a beef with the way most retirement calculators work?
[EMBED TYPE=WIDGET ID=146]
From just $107.88 $24.99 for Kiplinger Personal Finance
Become a smarter, better informed investor. Subscribe from just $107.88 $24.99, plus get up to 4 Special Issues
Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free Newsletters
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail.
Jerry: Yes. What most calculators do is come up with the amount of money you need to generate a desired amount of income over a specified number of years assuming average investment returns. Look at all the uncertainty there. For one thing, studies show that individual investors underperform the market by 1% to 3% a year. For another, what if you live longer than the calculator assumes?
KCS: You have a better idea?
Jerry: I think so. First, we don’t start with a hypothetical number. Rather, using your retirement savings we determine the amount of guaranteed income you can generate each year for the rest of your life. We call this number your “Income Power.” Then we design a customized plan that reflects the tax attributes and income-generating potential of each retirement savings component. Finally, we go beyond stock and bond investments to consider all of the financial products at your disposal, including reverse mortgages (used in moderation) and income annuities.
KCS: I’m intrigued by the concept of Income Power. Tell me more.
Jerry: Income Power answers the most critical question Baby Boomers ask about retirement – do I have enough money to retire? We rephrase the question as “can you generate income each year to cover your basic living expenses for as long as you live?” To us, income means payments from Social Security, a pension, income annuity, and interest and dividends. We’re not just talking about withdrawals from your savings, which most retirement plans are based upon.
KCS: How can I get my Income Power?
Jerry: Enter your information in the tool above to get your Income Power. I also suggest you watch our video of Tom and Janet’s story on the site to learn how knowing your Income Power can be the first step to an income-smart retirement.
KCS: You mentioned income annuities a couple of times. Why are you such a fan?
Jerry: I know how powerful they can be. I trained as an actuary, hold two patents on income annuities, and built two successful businesses around these unique pension-like products. They are proven products guaranteed to provide lifetime income. And, often they are tax-advantaged. What’s not to like?
Jerry is President and CEO of Golden Retirement, LLC, the developer of Go2Income.com. He is also President of Golden Retirement Advisors, Inc., a registered investment advisor, and the 2Income Annuity Group, Inc., an insurance agency licensed for life insurance and annuities.
This content was provided by Golden Retirement. Kiplinger is not affiliated with and does not endorse the company or products mentioned above.
-
The Stoic Retirement: Ancient Wisdom for Today's RealityA "Stoic retirement" doesn't mean depriving yourself. It's a character-based approach to life and aging that can bring calm and clarity.
-
My Teen Crashed His Car and Now Our Insurance Has Tripled. What Now?Dealing with the costly aftermath of a teen car accident is stressful. Here are your options for navigating it.
-
11 Outrageous Ways To Spend Money in RetirementWhether you have excess cash to spend or want to pretend, here’s a look at 11 ridiculous ways retirees can splurge.
-
457 Plan Contribution Limits for 2026Retirement plans There are higher 457 plan contribution limits in 2026. That's good news for state and local government employees.
-
Medicare Basics: 12 Things You Need to KnowMedicare There's Medicare Part A, Part B, Part D, Medigap plans, Medicare Advantage plans and so on. We sort out the confusion about signing up for Medicare — and much more.
-
The Seven Worst Assets to Leave Your Kids or Grandkidsinheritance Leaving these assets to your loved ones may be more trouble than it’s worth. Here's how to avoid adding to their grief after you're gone.
-
SEP IRA Contribution Limits for 2026SEP IRA A good option for small business owners, SEP IRAs allow individual annual contributions of as much as $70,000 in 2025, and up to $72,000 in 2026.
-
Roth IRA Contribution Limits for 2026Roth IRAs Roth IRAs allow you to save for retirement with after-tax dollars while you're working, and then withdraw those contributions and earnings tax-free when you retire. Here's a look at 2026 limits and income-based phaseouts.
-
SIMPLE IRA Contribution Limits for 2026simple IRA For 2026, the SIMPLE IRA contribution limit rises to $17,000, with a $4,000 catch-up for those 50 and over, totaling $21,000.
-
457 Contribution Limits for 2024retirement plans State and local government workers can contribute more to their 457 plans in 2024 than in 2023.
-
Roth 401(k) Contribution Limits for 2026retirement plans The Roth 401(k) contribution limit for 2026 has increased, and workers who are 50 and older can save even more.
