Accumulate
Build resources while keeping near-term needs and protection responsibilities in view.
Plan for everyday expenses, unexpected needs, and the possibility of a long retirement while preserving an appropriate balance of liquidity and risk.
Your goals. Your needs. Our focus.During accumulation, the emphasis is often on adding to resources over time. In retirement, those resources may need to support recurring withdrawals. A plan that looks adequate as a balance can feel different when it must fund monthly expenses.
Begin with expected spending and the income already available from Social Security, pensions, work, or other sources. Then consider the remaining gap, the timing of withdrawals, inflation, and money that needs to remain accessible.
Build resources while keeping near-term needs and protection responsibilities in view.
Review timing, expenses, income sources, withdrawal order, liquidity, and potential gaps before retirement.
Coordinate withdrawals and income benefits, then revisit the plan as spending and circumstances change.
A market decline early in retirement can be especially challenging when withdrawals continue. Selling assets to cover expenses leaves fewer assets available for a later recovery. This is sequence-of-returns risk.
Consider the mathematics below before withdrawals. Once withdrawals enter the picture, the recovery needed may be greater. This supports a conversation about risk management; it does not mean all retirement assets should be moved into an annuity.
Simple mathematical examples, not historical investment results. Calculations assume no withdrawals, contributions, fees, or taxes. Actual investment outcomes vary. Withdrawals during a decline can make recovery more difficult. Annuities do not eliminate every financial risk.
A single premium may be converted into payments beginning soon after purchase. Payout choices influence income and survivor benefits.
Understand Immediate Annuities ↗Resources accumulate before a later income decision. A deferred contract may offer annuitization or optional withdrawal benefits.
Explore Annuity Strategies ↗Some contracts offer lifetime withdrawal features governed by a separate set of rules. A benefit base is not necessarily cash you can withdraw.
Understand Income Riders ↗A contractual income promise applies only when its conditions are met. The payment structure, life or lives covered, withdrawal limits, start age, and insurer’s ability to pay all matter.
Lifetime income can help address longevity risk: the risk of living longer than available resources support. It does not automatically address inflation, unexpected large expenses, or every survivor need. A level payment can buy less over time.
An income rider is not the same as simply withdrawing account value. Review its benefit base, fees, eligible withdrawal amount, treatment of excess withdrawals, and impact on death benefits.
Annuities are long-term insurance contracts and are not suitable for everyone. Surrender periods, surrender charges, withdrawal restrictions, fees, and tax consequences may apply. Guarantees are subject to contract terms and the claims-paying ability of the issuing insurance company. Product features and availability vary by carrier and state.
An annuity doesn’t have to be your whole retirement plan. Some people may have no appropriate annuity need. Others may benefit from a modest protected-income allocation. Someone else may have a larger income-planning need.
There is no universal percentage. The decision depends on your income, expenses, assets, liabilities, debt, time horizon, liquidity, risk tolerance, retirement and legacy goals, health and longevity considerations, and existing resources such as Social Security, pensions, and other investments.
Tell us what matters to you. We’ll begin with your goals, your needs, and the questions on your mind.
