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Retirement Risks Cornerstone Guide

Retirement Income Mistakes to Avoid

Some retirement income mistakes can't be undone. Here are the most common ones — and how to steer clear.

Updated June 8, 2026 9 min readRetirement Risks
Original infographic in development: Retirement Income Mistakes to Avoid

Many retirement income setbacks come down to a handful of avoidable mistakes — and the costliest ones are often permanent.

This guide highlights the most common pitfalls and how to plan around them.

Claiming Social Security without a strategy

Why claiming on autopilot can leave lifetime benefits on the table.

Overspending in the early years

How the 'go-go' years can quietly drain a plan.

Ignoring taxes and RMDs

How a lack of tax planning can mean paying more than necessary.

Taking too much (or too little) market risk

The dangers at both extremes of the risk spectrum.

Not having a written income plan

Why a plan on paper beats decisions made one at a time.

This guide is for general educational purposes only and is not financial, tax, or legal advice. Tim Hartle is an independent insurance professional. Annuity guarantees are subject to the claims-paying ability of the issuing insurance company and are not FDIC insured. Rules and product features vary by situation and by state. Please consult a qualified advisor about your own circumstances.

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Tim Hartle is an independent insurance professional licensed to sell annuity and life insurance products. Annuity and insurance products are not deposits, are not FDIC or NCUA insured, are not guaranteed by a bank or financial institution, and are subject to investment risk including possible loss of principal in variable products. Fixed and fixed-indexed annuities guarantee principal and a minimum interest rate, subject to the claims-paying ability of the issuing insurance company. Guarantees are not backed by the federal government. Past performance is not a guarantee of future results. This material is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, tax, or legal advice. Please consult with a qualified advisor regarding your individual circumstances before making any financial decisions. Product availability and features vary by state.

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