Retirement income planning is the process of turning the money you've saved into a reliable paycheck that covers your needs for the rest of your life. It's a different skill from saving, and it deserves its own plan.
This cornerstone guide pulls together every major piece — your income sources, how much you can safely spend, the order you draw from accounts, and the risks to plan around — so you can see the whole picture in one place.
What retirement income planning really means
Why the shift from saving to spending requires a deliberate plan, and what a good plan accomplishes.
Your sources of retirement income
Social Security, pensions, savings and investments, and guaranteed income products — and how they fit together.
How much can you safely spend?
An overview of withdrawal approaches and why a personalized number beats a rule of thumb.
The order you draw from accounts
How withdrawal sequencing across taxable, tax-deferred, and tax-free accounts can affect how long your money lasts.
The risks every income plan must address
Longevity, market volatility, sequence-of-returns risk, inflation, and healthcare costs.
Where guaranteed income fits
How tools like annuities can cover essential expenses, with guarantees subject to the insurer's claims-paying ability.
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.