To Retire, Mind Your P's: Purpose, Planning and Procrastination
Focusing on those three basic concepts will keep you out of trouble, even if you're in the "retirement red zone."


Financial industry insiders use so much jargon that at least two websites — TheStreet.com and Investopedia.com — have posted their own glossaries for investors seeking clarity.
Which is why you can’t procrastinate.
When I give a seminar, I’ll often ask the participants to raise a hand if life has never kicked them in the teeth. Not a single hand goes up. And yet, so many people enter retirement without a thought beyond GROWTH. They’re so set in their ways after years in the accumulation phase, they can’t switch their brains over to the strategies needed to survive and thrive in the distribution and preservation phase. Or, on the flipside, they haven’t thought nearly enough about saving. If you’re waiting until you’re in your 50s or 60s, that’s a lot of catching up to do.
A few years ago, Prudential coined the term “retirement red zone” to describe the critical years immediately before and after retirement, when finances are most vulnerable to adverse market movements. Of course, Prudential was selling its financial products — but the term resonated because it touched on something real. If the market turns and you’re in the red zone, you may not be able to retire when you hoped or, if you’re already retired, you might have to go back to work.

Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free E-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.
We saw it in 2000 and 2008, and it likely will happen again. But it doesn’t have to happen to you.
The secret? Stop procrastinating, and pursue a plan with purpose. Make that your mantra, and get moving.
*Guarantees provided by insurance products are backed by the financial strength and claims-paying ability of the issuing insurance carrier.
Kim Franke-Folstad contributed to this article.
Get Kiplinger Today newsletter — free
Profit and prosper with the best of Kiplinger's advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and much more. Delivered daily. Enter your email in the box and click Sign Me Up.

Michael Martin is the co-founder of South Florida-based Legacy Financial Partners, where he is the director of investments and insurance. He is a fiduciary and holds his Series 7 and Series 66 securities licenses. He also maintains life, health and variable annuity licenses in Florida, West Virginia, North Carolina and Illinois. Securities and advisory services are offered through, Madison Avenue Securities, LLC ("MAS") Member FINRA/SIPC and a Registered Investment Adviser. MAS and Legacy Financial Partners are not affiliated entities.
-
AI Goes To School
The Kiplinger Letter Artificial intelligence is rapidly heading to K-12 classrooms nationwide. Expect tech companies to cash in on the fast-emerging trend.
-
Where to Invest in an Uncertain Market
In an uncertain market, you can still pocket juicy payouts ranging from 4% to 14%, depending on risk.
-
Social Security Pop Quiz: Are You Among the 89% of Americans Who'd Fail?
Shockingly few people have any clue what their Social Security benefits could be. This financial adviser notes it's essential to understand that info and when it might be best to access your benefits.
-
Such Attractive Yields in High-Grade Munis Are Rare and May Not Last Long
According to this munis expert, the last time munis were this cheap was a brief period in 2023. If you kicked yourself for missing out then, you have a second chance now.
-
Financial Analyst Sees a Bright Present for Municipal Bond Investors
High-tax-bracket investors have an excellent opportunity to secure low-volatility, high-quality returns at yield levels rarely seen in over a decade.
-
I'm an Insurance Pro: How Not to Get Dumped by Your Insurance Agent
Your insurance agent or broker might show you the door if you do any of these five things. Being a good customer is about more than paying your bill on time.
-
Two Estate Planning Issues You Should Never Overlook
This estate planning attorney explains why proper asset titling and beneficiary designations make a big difference when it's time to transfer your wealth.
-
The Four D's That Could Force You to Sell Your Business
Business owners (or their heirs) can be rushed into a sale of their company if they haven't planned for a major change in circumstances — or the four D's.
-
The Three Retirement Tax Issues I Nag My Clients About
A financial professional highlights areas of tax planning that retirees should have on their radar as they finalize their retirement plan.
-
Do You Need Disability Insurance? Three Things to Know
Disability insurance can help replace some of your income during unexpected life events. Here are the basics, courtesy of a financial professional.