09/28/2026
Something caught my attention recently.
One of the most respected investment companies in the world released a retirement income guide, and one of the case studies reinforces something I've been telling clients for years.
Imagine a 75-year-old retiree with about $119,000 in retirement savings and $20,000 a year in Social Security. On paper, things look okay at first. But when thousands of market scenarios are analyzed, the projections show that eventually she has to start cutting back, and later in retirement she may struggle to cover even her essential expenses.
Then the strategy changes.
By using a portion of those retirement savings to create guaranteed lifetime income, the outlook changes dramatically. The guaranteed income helps cover essential expenses, allowing the remaining investments more time to grow and reducing the pressure to withdraw money during unfavorable markets.
Here's what I find interesting: this wasn't a sales pitch from an insurance company. It came from one of the largest and most respected investment firms in the world, using extensive financial modeling.
The takeaway isn't that annuities are the answer for everyone. The takeaway is that retirement isn't just about building wealth—it's about creating reliable income that lasts as long as you do.
A well-designed retirement plan doesn't force you to choose between investments and guaranteed income. In many cases, the two can work together.
If you're approaching retirement or already retired, it's worth taking the time to understand all of your options before making decisions that will affect the rest of your life.
The key to retirement income? It’s not a number | Vanguard
Retirement spending Distribution strategy in retirement Reliable income in retirement How to turn retirement savings into income How much can you spend in retirement Withdrawal rate Portfolio withdrawal rate Longevity risk.