Key takeaways:
- Retirement planning is shifting beyond growth alone, requiring a balance of risk management, income generation, and long-term sustainability.
- Indexed annuities, such as fixed indexed annuities (FIAs) and registered index-linked annuities (RILAs), can help bridge the gap between protection and growth by offering varying levels of downside protection with market-linked upside.
- A time-based “bucket” approach that incorporates FIAs and RILAs can help investors manage near-term needs while positioning portfolios for long-term growth and income stability.
Retirement planning has changed: It’s no longer just about accumulating assets. Today’s retirees face a more complex environment shaped by market volatility, rising longevity, and the need for reliable income that can last 30 years or more. For financial professionals, that means helping clients think beyond growth alone and plan for the risks that can derail even the strongest portfolios.
In Avoiding Retirement Pitfalls, Wealth Strategist Ben Rizzuto and Managing Director, Head of Insurance and Retirement Michelin Sharpe explore how advisors and investors can navigate this evolving landscape. The whitepaper examines how annuities, including variable annuities and indexed annuities like fixed index annuities (FIAs) and registered index-linked annuities (RILAs), can help bridge the gap between protection and growth potential. Each option offers different levels of downside protection paired with market-linked upside, giving investors more flexibility to manage risk without giving up opportunity.
The paper also introduces a time-based “bucket” strategy that groups assets by when they will be needed. This approach helps align near-term income with long-term growth, reduces the impact of market downturns early in retirement, and supports more consistent income throughout retirement. It also creates a clear framework for advisors to have meaningful, goals-based conversations with clients.
Whether you’re building portfolios for clients or planning your own retirement, understanding how these tools work together can strengthen long-term outcomes.
Read the full paper to explore strategies that can help avoid common retirement pitfalls.
