1. The Balanced 50/50 Portfolio

This is the classic mix of 50% stocks and 50% bonds — the foundation for the famous “4% Rule” that many retirees have heard about.

Why it’s popular:

• Steady, predictable withdrawals
• A blend of growth and safety
• Simple to manage for the average investor

Risks to watch for:
The 50/50 portfolio still depends heavily on the market’s cooperation.

If you suffer a significant loss early in retirement — a phenomenon known as sequence of returns risk — your long-term plan can be severely impacted.

Who it’s best for:
Retirees who want moderate growth and are comfortable with some market ups and downs, but still want a sizable portion of their portfolio in bonds for stability.

2. The Safety & Income-Focused Portfolio

This approach puts roughly 75% of your assets into guaranteed income strategies or market-protected investments, and the remaining 25% into growth (or equity-based market assets).

Why it works:

• Guaranteed lifetime income for essentials
• Market protection for peace of mind
• Modest growth potential to hedge inflation

By covering most of your needs with predictable income, you’re free from the stress of worrying whether market swings will affect your ability to pay your bills.

Who it’s best for:
Retirees who value a smooth ride over chasing the highest returns, and who are less concerned about leaving a large inheritance.

3. The Legacy-Building Growth Portfolio

This portfolio is for retirees who don’t need to withdraw much from their investments to cover living expenses — often because they have significant pensions, Social Security, rental income, or other assets.

Why it’s powerful:

• Heavy market exposure offers higher long-term growth potential
• Ideal for legacy building, charitable giving, or multi-generational wealth transfer
• Can significantly outperform more conservative portfolios over decades

Risks to watch for:
High volatility and unpredictability.

This approach is only suitable if you can truly afford to ride out market declines without changing your lifestyle.

Who it’s best for:
Those with substantial wealth or alternative income sources who want to maximize growth for heirs or charitable causes.

Matching Your Portfolio to Your Priorities

The portfolio you choose should reflect what matters most to you in retirement:

• Monthly income security → Consider the Safety & Income-Focused approach.
• Balanced growth and stability → The classic 50/50 portfolio might be right.
• Long-term wealth transfer → A Legacy-Building Growth portfolio could make sense.

The Bottom Line

Retirement investing isn’t one-size-fits-all.

Before deciding where to allocate your money, ask yourself:

• How much market risk am I truly comfortable with?
• Do I want to prioritize steady income, stability, or long-term legacy?
• How will I adjust my plan if the market changes?

When your portfolio aligns with your personal goals, you’ll have the confidence to not only enjoy retirement, but also protect the people and causes you care about most.