When most people think about retirement, they focus on their net worth. Maybe you’ve saved $1 million, $2 million, or even $5 million or more. That’s great — but here’s the truth: your net worth doesn’t guarantee you the retirement income you want.
What matters most is how you turn that nest egg into reliable income you can never outlive. That’s where income planning comes in.
👉 In this article, we’ll break down why income planning is more important than net worth, and how the right annuity strategy can give you peace of mind for life.
Need help choosing the best annuity for your unique situation? Have questions about getting an annuity? If so, it’s best to speak with an annuity specialist. Watch this short video to see how I can help you do this (at no cost to you!)
Tip: See how much an annuity could pay you using our annuity calculator.
Why Net Worth Isn’t Enough
Imagine you retire with $1 million. A common rule of thumb is the “4% withdrawal rule,” meaning you safely withdraw $40,000 a year.
But what if $40,000 isn’t enough?
What if the market drops right after you retire?
What if you live longer than you expected?
Suddenly, your net worth feels less like a safety net and more like a guessing game.
That’s why relying on net worth alone can leave retirees feeling stressed instead of secure.
The Power of Income Planning
Instead of focusing only on the size of your portfolio, income planning looks at how to turn assets into guaranteed, predictable paychecks.
💡 Pro Tip: You may not need as much saved as you think if your money is set up the right way.
For example, by putting $500,000 into the right annuity strategy, you could generate over $70,000 a year in lifetime income starting at age 70 — far more than the 4% rule would give you. (see video above)
And here’s the key: that income is guaranteed for life. Whether you live to 75, 85, or 95, the checks keep coming.
Why Annuities Work So Well for Retirement Income
Annuities are designed for one thing: lifetime income you can’t outlive.
With the right annuity, you can:
- Lock in guaranteed income regardless of market ups and downs.
- Potentially withdraw at a higher rate than traditional “safe withdrawal” rules.
- Use only a portion of your net worth for income — and let the rest of your portfolio grow.
Example: Instead of trying to stretch $1 million across 30 years, you could put half into an annuity for guaranteed income and keep the other half invested for growth.
That way, you enjoy the best of both worlds: security plus opportunity.
👉 Want help finding the best annuity for lifetime income? Schedule a call with John Stevenson.
Why Income Matters More Than Net Worth
At the end of the day, you don’t spend your net worth — you spend income.
- Net worth is a number on paper.
- Income is what pays your bills, funds your vacations, and keeps you comfortable in retirement.
By shifting focus from “how much I’ve saved” to “how much guaranteed income I’ll have every month,” you take control of your retirement lifestyle.
John Stevenson’s Approach
I’m John Stevenson, the Guaranteed Retirement Guy. I work with annuities from top-rated companies across the market. My goal is simple:
- Show you all the options.
- Help you compare the best annuities for your situation.
- Never pressure you into buying something you don’t want.
👉 Click here to book a call, and I’ll walk you through everything step by step.
Conclusion
Don’t let your retirement depend on the size of your net worth alone. With the right income planning strategy, you can:
- Turn savings into reliable, lifetime paychecks.
- Reduce stress about market ups and downs.
- Enjoy retirement knowing your income is secure.
👉 Watch my video to see how it works
👉 Schedule a call with John Stevenson