⭐️ Meet Peggy and Al ⭐️

Here’s their situation:

• Both are 62 years old
• Al will receive $3,600/month in Social Security at age 67
• Peggy will receive $1,800/month in spousal benefits
• Their income goal is $12,000/month of market-proof, dependable income
• They’d like to spend more in the early years of retirement while they’re healthy and active
• Al has $900k in a 401(k) (and continues to contribute + receive $12k/year in employer match)
• Peggy has a $600k taxable investment account, and is contributing $25k/year
• They also have $150k in cash (not factored into the retirement plan)

Their biggest goals:

• Protect part of their portfolio from market risk
• Create a stream of guaranteed lifetime income
• Still grow the rest of their assets over time

Here’s how we built a custom plan that does exactly that 👇

⭐️ Step 1: Create Market-Independent Income

The foundation of their retirement income plan is a market-proof annuity strategy:

• $750k is rolled from Al’s 401(k) into a protected income IRA annuity
• This annuity grows at a guaranteed 10% per year until they start taking income at age 67
• It then generates $9,000/month for the first 9 years of retirement
• After that, it provides $4,200/month of lifetime guaranteed income
• This strategy immediately protects 50% of their assets from sequence-of-return risk
• And that income is 100% independent from market volatility

✅ This means their essential retirement income needs are covered — without ever touching their market-based investments.

⭐️ Step 2: Position the Rest for Growth

With the remaining $750k — plus ongoing contributions — they’re planning for long-term market exposure:

• Their total investment portfolio is projected to reach $1.5M in 5 years, assuming 8% average returns
• They’ll take a 6% annual portfolio withdrawal, adjusted for inflation
• They’ve set an “upper guardrail” — if their portfolio reaches $1.75M, they’ll increase spending to 7% annually
• All future contributions are aimed at growth assets, knowing their core income is already secured

✅ This allows them to confidently stay invested, participate in growth, and potentially leave a significant legacy — without jeopardizing their income plan.

⭐️ Results at Retirement (Age 67)

✅ First 9 Years of Retirement:

• $21,794/month total income
• $14,289/month from guaranteed sources (Social Security + annuity)
• $7,505/month from portfolio withdrawals

✅ Remaining Retirement Years:

• $10,942/month of guaranteed income
• (Includes reduced annuity payout in year 10 + full Social Security benefits)
• $8,000–$13,000/month from their growing portfolio

And the best part?

💰 They’re projected to have $1.5 million still remaining in their portfolio at age 95.

✅ The Takeaway

This case study is a perfect example of how thoughtful income design can:

• Provide high levels of predictable, early retirement income
• Protect half the portfolio from market losses
• Allow aggressive growth with the remaining assets
• Reduce sequence-of-return risk
• And still preserve long-term wealth

You don’t need to guess your way through retirement.

You can design a strategy that supports your lifestyle and your legacy — while protecting against the risks that derail most plans.

💬 If you’re wondering how to create guaranteed income without depleting your portfolio, let’s chat.

I’ll build a customized retirement income strategy that fits your goals, risk tolerance, and future legacy.