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How to plan your retirement income: Balancing your retirement income and expenses

Retirement could last 20+ years. Learn to plan your retirement income using strategies to balance income sources against your living expenses.

 

Planning your retirement income sources

Most people in retirement plan to draw income from several sources. Even if you receive guaranteed income from both Social Security and a pension, it may not be enough to cover all your expenses and support your lifestyle. You may also need to draw on your savings, investments and supplemental retirement income sources to generate income.

Government and guaranteed retirement income sources

Personal retirement savings and supplemental retirement income sources

  • Social Security. While it may not cover all your expenses, Social Security can provide some income. If you are not yet receiving Social Security, you can contact the Social Security Administration at www.ssa.gov to get started or to request an estimate of your future benefits.
  • Pension plans. If you are fortunate enough to be covered by a traditional pension plan, you probably receive a steady income every month.
  • 401(k) or other workplace retirement plan
  • IRAs
  • Annuities
  • Savings accounts and certificates of deposit (CDs)
  • Stocks, bonds and other investments
  • Part- or full-time work
  • Rental property

 

 

Understanding retirement withdrawal strategies

Do you have a strategy for withdrawing the money you need? Social Security and pensions may provide a fixed amount every month, but you'll need to know how to plan out your retirement income in order to make the most of your other assets throughout retirement. Consider working with a financial advisor to develop an appropriate strategy for you.

Timing when you withdraw money can have a significant impact on the taxes you pay.

The order in which you withdraw money also matters. While everyone's needs are different, the general guideline for tax-efficient withdrawals is:

  • Taxable accounts first
  • Tax-deferred accounts next
  • Tax-free accounts last

This order may vary based on your individual goals and tax bracket, so it's wise to consult your Ameriprise financial advisor.

 

Generating income in retirement

Once you have the timing and order for withdrawals down, you'll need a plan for generating income during retirement while also keeping some assets growing. Your Ameriprise financial advisor will show you how to provide retirement income using three basic elements:

  • A cash account for day-to-day money
  • A short-term reserve to cover emergencies and generate consistent income
  • Long-term assets for potential growth

Cash account

A cash account is your primary access point for day-to-day money. It provides a convenient way to manage your income and expenses. Typically, a cash account includes checking, savings or money market accounts. Most assets in this category are liquid, so you can draw from them at any time without loss or penalty.

Short-term cash reserve

As part of your retirement income plan, you'll also need short-term assets to serve as a cash reserve and create consistent and predictable income. Short-term assets are investments that generally have guaranteed principal, such as:

As these assets mature, the money may be moved to your cash account. This way, your short-term cash reserve can serve as a reliable plan for retirement income for several years during retirement, regardless of how your long-term investments are performing.

Long-term assets

The third element for planning your retirement income is long-term assets. Their primary goal is to provide growth that will help meet your financial needs throughout retirement as well as help build assets for your legacy. You may also draw from long-term assets to create income, which can be transferred as needed to your short-term reserves or directly to your cash account.

Long-term solutions may include:

  • Stocks and bonds held individually or in mutual funds
  • Fixed and variable annuities
  • Real estate and real estate investment trusts (REITs)
  • Hedge funds and commodity investments
  • Life insurance cash value

When you begin drawing on your assets, it's critical to remain aware of the effects of market volatility and inflation. Placing some of your assets in bonds and other fixed-income vehicles can help reduce your portfolio's overall volatility, while also mitigating the impact of inflation and stock market downturns.

 

Estimating how long your money will last in retirement

With careful planning, your retirement income sources should be enough for a long, comfortable retirement. But if your expenses are more than you expected, or your investments haven't performed well enough, you may need to bridge a gap between your costs and income.

While it's impossible to predict the future, there are tools that can help you make a reasonable estimate of how long your money will last. For example, by plugging your numbers into a retirement planning calculator, you can get an estimate of how long your money will potentially last in thousands of possible market scenarios. If you find that your money might run out too soon, you may need to make some adjustments.

 

Strategies to reduce expenses or increase income

  • Find lifestyle expenses that you can cut. Keeping an expense diary can help you evaluate your current expenses.

  • Consider shifting money from low-interest savings accounts into investments such as long-term bonds that pay higher interest rates — if you are comfortable with the additional risk.

  • Reduce your mortgage and living expenses. Downsizing to a less expensive home or area can help you save on taxes, maintenance and other costs.

  • Go back to work, at least part-time, to earn extra income and enjoy the benefits of remaining active.

 

Using a variety of investments, an Ameriprise financial advisor will help you turn your assets into a stream of income that is designed to last throughout retirement. This includes choosing appropriate investments for your cash reserve and long-term assets, as well as setting up a central cash account for your day-to-day.

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At Ameriprise, the financial advice we give each of our clients is personalized, based on your goals and no one else's. 

If you know someone who could benefit from a conversation, please refer me.

Background and qualification information is available at FINRA's BrokerCheck website.

This information is being provided only as a general source of information and is not a solicitation to buy or sell any securities, accounts or strategies mentioned. The information is not intended to be used as the sole basis for investment decisions, nor should it be construed as a recommendation or advice designed to meet the particular needs of an individual investor. Please seek the advice of a financial advisor regarding your particular financial situation.

 

Investment products are not insured by the FDIC, NCUA or any federal agency, are not deposits or obligations of, or guaranteed by any financial institution, and involve investment risks including possible loss of principal and fluctuation in value.

 

There are risks associated with fixed income investments, including credit risk, interest rate risk, and prepayment and extension risk. In general, bond prices rise when interest rates fall and vice versa. This effect is usually more pronounced for longer-term securities.

 

Stock investments involve risk, including loss of principal. High-quality stocks may be appropriate for some investment strategies. Ensure that your investment objectives, time horizon and risk tolerance are aligned with investing in stocks, as they can lose value.

 

Like real estate, REITs are subject to illiquidity, valuation and financing complexities, taxes, default, bankruptcy and other economic, political or regulatory occurrences.

 

Commodity investments may be affected by the overall market and industry- and commodity-specific factors, and may be more volatile and less liquid than other investments.

 

Hedge funds are designed to be low or non-correlated to traditional equity and fixed-income markets with a long-term expectation of illiquidity.

 

Alternative investments involve substantial risks and are more volatile than traditional investments, making them more suitable for investors with an above-
average tolerance for risk.

 

Before you purchase a life insurance policy or annuity contract, be sure to consider the features, benefits, risks and fees, and whether the product is appropriate for you based upon your financial situation and objectives. Annuities are long-term insurance products.

 

Guarantee, as used in this material, depends upon the ability of the issuing entity to honor and pay the amount you may be entitled to. U.S. Government bonds are backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Government. CDs are FDIC-insured up to $250,000 per depositor. It is possible that an issuing entity may not be financially able to meet income guarantee obligations.

 

Ameriprise Financial, Inc. and its affiliates do not offer tax or legal advice. Consumers should consult with their tax advisor or attorney regarding their specific situation.

 

Securities offered by Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC. Member FINRA and SPIC.


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