A library of strategies, explained plainly.

In plain terms

A retirement income strategy is a plan for replacing your paycheck once you stop working. It looks at every source you may have, such as Social Security, pensions, savings accounts and insurance products, and organizes them so income arrives steadily and is designed to last as long as you need it.

Often considered by

• People within 10 to 15 years of retiring
• Anyone unsure how to draw down their savings
• Households without a pension

Questions to ask

• How long does my income need to last?
• What happens to my plan if markets fall early in retirement?
• How will inflation and taxes affect what I actually receive?

In plain terms

An annuity is a contract with an insurance company. You pay money in, all at once or over time, and in return the company can pay you income later, in some cases for the rest of your life. Common types are fixed, fixed indexed and variable annuities, and each has different features, costs and levels of risk.

Often considered by

• Pre-retirees who want a predictable income floor
• People concerned about outliving their savings
• Savers looking for tax-deferred growth

Questions to ask

• How long is the surrender period, and what does it cost to leave early?
• What fees and rider charges apply?
• Which features are guaranteed? Guarantees depend on the financial strength of the issuing insurer.

In plain terms

Some permanent life insurance policies build cash value alongside the death benefit. Over time, that value may be available through policy loans or withdrawals for goals like supplementing retirement. Loans and withdrawals reduce the cash value and death benefit, and the policy must stay properly funded to remain in force.

Often considered by

• People who want lifelong coverage
• Those who have maximized other savings options
• Business owners planning for future liquidity

Questions to ask

• What are the total policy costs, especially in the early years?
• How much premium keeps the policy in force?
• How would loans affect the death benefit?

In plain terms

Different accounts are taxed differently: some now, some later, and some potentially not at all when the rules are followed. Tax-efficient planning looks at where your money sits and how it will be withdrawn so more of it may keep working for you. We coordinate with your CPA or tax advisor, who should confirm any tax decisions.

Often considered by

• High earners
• People with savings spread across many account types
• Business owners and the self-employed

Questions to ask

• What mix of taxable, tax-deferred and tax-free savings do I have?
• In what order should I draw from my accounts?
• Has my tax professional reviewed this plan?