• 1. Analysis: Retirement income and expenses

    With a retirement nest egg and your Social Security or state pension benefits in place, you need a strategy to make the most of these. With assistance from our experienced financial professionals, the first step is to answer the following:

    • Will I be able to make my retirement savings last a lifetime?
    • Will my retirement assets cover my basic expenses?
    • How can I invest for growth while protecting against market volatility?
    • Will I have enough to pursue my interests and cover unexpected expenses?
    • Will I be able to leave assets to my heirs?

    Tip: Determine how much income will you need in retirement

    How much income you will need in retirement involves many factors. Your PlanMember Financial Professional can help you analyze these factors in order to create an income and investment strategy to meet your needs. Below are some important considerations when starting this process.

    • Current income: This often serves as the base for your retirement budget since this is the lifestyle you are used to.
    • Expected retirement income: This may be a combination of retirement savings plans, state retirement or Social Security benefits, IRAs and other investments. Your financial professional can analyze your anticipated income in retirement to construct an income strategy designed to help meet your needs.
    • Your retirement budget: Start with essential expenses such as food, housing, healthcare and insurance, and factor in your anticipated retirement income. This will help determine if you can spend more on things you enjoy.
    • Expected changes in expenses: Also consider how your budget is going to change over time. You may spend more on entertainment and travel at the beginning of your retirement, and then shift to spending more on healthcare later on. Your housing may also change, as many people downsize later in retirement.

  • 2. Advice: It’s not just what you’ve saved, it’s how you invest it

    How you invest your retirement assets can have a big impact on how long they may last and how much income they could generate. Your PlanMember Financial Professional will work with you to design a retirement income and investment strategy that focuses on the following:

    • Investment strategies that mitigate risk but still provide for growth
    • Investment options that are lower-risk and flexible as your needs change
    • Withdrawal game plans that help you meet your income needs

    The result is a retirement income and investment plan designed to both meet your lifestyle needs and last over the course of your lifetime.

    Tip: Consider different approaches to retirement

    You may want to supplement your income with a part-time job early in retirement until you are comfortable with your income, and then gradually increase your withdrawals. Or you may want to do the opposite, and go big early in retirement with activities and travel, and plan to slow down and spend less later.

    Whatever your plans, your PlanMember Financial Professional can help you map your course and guide your decisions and show you strategies to help make the most of what you’ve saved.

  • 3. Review: Keep your strategy fresh

     

    A regular review of your income and investment strategy is an integral part of making your savings last. If changes in your health, living situation or other unexpected life events circumstances occur, your PlanMember Financial Professional will work with you to adjust your strategy as needed.

    Tip: Ask questions

    Your PlanMember Financial Professional is your advocate for a financially stable retirement, so when you have questions, reach out. Don’t make rash decisions or changes without speaking with your professional as changes you make to your investment or income strategy can have an impact down the road.

  • 4. Support: Your needs are important to us

    Life can change dramatically in retirement. While your first priority should be to relax and enjoy the results of your hard work, it can also be a stressful time if you are not confident in your retirement income and investment strategy. You’ll have access to a variety of support services that will keep you informed and actively involved in the progress of your plan with:

    • The long-term support of a dedicated PlanMember financial professional providing guidance
    • A toll-free service center staffed with friendly, securities-licensed professionals ready to help
    • Educational resources, financial market updates, asset allocation bulletins, membership newsletters, statements, online planning tools and more

    Take the stress out of spending in retirement. Your PlanMember Financial Professional will collaborate with you to determine your most important expenses and then construct a retirement income and investment strategy you can stick with.

    Contact us today to help ensure you have a strategy in place for your financial future.