This article was contributed by Chad Slate.

Retirement is a life-changing event that requires careful planning and preparation. While many people focus on saving enough money for their golden years, one crucial aspect that often gets overlooked is income planning. Having a solid income plan in place can make the difference between a comfortable retirement and one filled with financial worries.
 
In simple terms, income planning involves strategizing how you will generate a steady stream of income during retirement. This process considers various sources of income, such as Social Security benefits, pensions, retirement accounts (like 401(k)s and IRAs), and any other investments or sources of passive income you may have. During your working years, you rely on your regular paycheck to cover expenses. However, once you retire, that steady stream of income disappears. Income planning helps you create a substitute "paycheck" by mapping out how you'll draw income from your various sources to meet your living expenses.
 
Proper income planning also involves strategically withdrawing funds from different accounts to maximize your income potential while minimizing taxes. This could involve things like timing Social Security claims, taking Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) from certain accounts, and drawing from taxable accounts before tax-deferred ones. Coordinating these withdrawals in the most tax-efficient manner can significantly boost your retirement income and help your nest egg last longer. Additionally, planning, monitoring and adhering to a sustainable withdrawal rate from your retirement funds is a key to making sure your retirement funds last you your entire lifetime. You want to enjoy your retirement but not at the expense of spending through your savings. 
 
With advances in healthcare, people are living longer than ever before, so income planning takes into account your life expectancy and helps ensure that your income sources last throughout your retirement years, potentially spanning several decades.  Running out of money is one of the biggest fears retirees face, and a carefully constructed income plan can provide more confidence in your plan by showing that your funds will likely stretch as far as needed. We say it’s like planning to fund a 30-year vacation. 
 
Over time, the cost of living tends to rise due to inflation. Income planning accounts for this by helping you adjust your income sources and withdrawal strategies accordingly, protecting your purchasing power and standard of living. As a result, often just saving for retirement may not be enough. Having an investment portfolio incorporated into your plan can help to hedge against the eroding effects of inflation.
 
Additionally, if leaving an inheritance is important to you, income planning can help you balance your income needs with your legacy goals, ensuring that you don't outlive your assets while still preserving wealth for your loved ones. Estate planning strategies like life insurance policies and trusts can be coordinated with your income plan to facilitate an efficient transfer of your wealth.
 
Income planning is a complex process that requires careful consideration of various factors, including your retirement goals, risk tolerance, tax situation, and more. It's often best to work with a qualified financial advisor who can guide you through the process and help you develop a personalized income plan that meets your unique needs. A good advisor will take a comprehensive look at your full financial picture and model out different scenarios to optimize your income streams.
 
Don't make the mistake of overlooking income planning in your retirement preparations. Without a solid plan, you'll be left to navigate the complex world of retirement income on your own, increasing the risk of making costly mistakes or running out of money prematurely. Take the time to create a solid income plan, reviewing and adjusting it as needed over the years, and you'll be well on your way to a secure and financially stable retirement, free from the worry of running out of money.
 
Retirement should be an enjoyable and fruitful time of life, but that's only possible when you have sufficient income to support your desired lifestyle. Income planning is the key that unlocks that freedom, giving you confidence that your money will last as long as you need it to. With diligent preparation and the guidance of experienced professionals, you can craft an income plan that provides a steady, reliable paycheck throughout your golden years. 
At Pathfinder Wealth Consulting, we model healthy, sustainable income plans for our clients everyday and work hand-in hand with them to help them enjoy their golden years to the fullest. If you question if how much you can safely spend in retirement, feel free to contact us to start the discussion. 
 
Advisory services offered through Commonwealth Financial Network®, a Registered Investment Advisor.