October 2026

I plan on living to 100. You might have a different age in mind, but when it comes to retirement income planning, we share the same goal: we do not want to outlive our money. Clients sometimes tell me they only need their income to last until 85 or 90. My next question is always,

How much money do you really need to retire comfortably? The answer is different for everyone, but you might not need as much as you think. A lot depends on how much income you want, when you plan to retire, and how early you start planning. Instead of focusing only on your retirement account balance,

Your retirement account balance may be the wrong number to focus on if it does not tell you how much income you can comfortably spend. A large portfolio can look reassuring, but it does not automatically remove the fear of running out of money. I meet people who have spent decades building their savings, yet

If you feel wealthy but you do not feel secure about retirement, you are not alone. I talk with people who have $500,000, $1 million, or even $5 million saved, and many share the same concern: How do I turn this money into income I can depend on? The difference between wealth and retirement security

Yes, you can create your own pension in retirement. Even if you do not have an employer pension, you can use a portion of your savings to purchase an annuity that provides guaranteed lifetime income. The question is which option fits your needs. I want to walk you through the examples from my video below

How much guaranteed income do you actually need in retirement? I would start with your expenses, where you live, and what you want retirement to look like, because one average cannot answer that question for everyone. Some retirees are comfortable with a modest income and a paid-off home. Others want more room for travel, healthcare,

When you retire, having money saved is only part of the equation. You also need a plan for turning those savings into income you can count on. The three retirement income sources I want you to understand are Social Security, pensions or annuities, and your personal retirement savings. Each plays a different role, and together

You have spent years saving and investing. Now retirement is approaching, and the question changes: How do you replace your paycheck when you retire and turn that portfolio into income you can count on? That transition can feel a little scary, especially if Social Security or a small pension will not cover the lifestyle you

I’m not retired yet, but I already know what I want from my retirement income strategy: dependable lifetime income and the freedom to keep growing my other investments. I don’t want every market decline to make me question whether I can keep spending. The approach I would use is straightforward. I would use annuities to

If I didn’t trust Social Security, I would build a retirement income strategy that could cover my bills without it. I would use part of my savings to create guaranteed lifetime income, keep money liquid, and leave another portion invested for growth. Do I think Social Security will still exist in some form? Personally, I