The Retirement Question That Could Make or Break Your Income Plan

You work hard, you save, and you plan.

But here’s the question almost no one asks until it’s too late:

“How long will my money actually last?”

Not how much you’ve saved, but whether you can sustainably withdraw from it without outliving it.

Even though 68% of workers say they feel confident about retirement, only 31% have a written plan, and most vastly underestimate how long their savings need to last. (Source: EBRI 2024 Retirement Confidence Survey)

Let that sink in. We plan vacations better than we plan how to pay ourselves when we’re no longer working.

The Retirement Myth That Trips Everyone Up

Most people think the finish line is retirement but the reality is, that’s when the real game begins.

Without a solid withdrawal strategy that factors in taxes, inflation, market dips, and lifespan, your nest egg could crack too soon. This is what’s called a retirement income gap, which is the shortfall between what you have and what you need to sustain your lifestyle.

If you withdraw too fast, you risk running out. On the other hand, if you're too slow, you could leave money on the table or even lose access to needed care.

The 4% Rule? It’s Not That Simple Anymore

Once upon a time, the 4% rule (withdrawing 4% annually from your retirement account) was the golden guideline.

But with longer lifespans, volatile markets, and rising costs? That rule is now more of a loose estimate than a guarantee.

You need a strategy that moves with your life, not a static percentage baked into an outdated spreadsheet.

What You Can Do Now

• Get clear on your monthly retirement expenses, not just survival costs, but life costs (travel, hobbies, grandkids).

• Stress test your retirement income against worst-case scenarios.

• Consider layering guaranteed income sources like annuities or cash value life insurance alongside investments.

• Work with someone who understands tax-efficient withdrawals (hint: it’s not just about your 401(k)).

Make Your Plan Real

“Plans are worthless, but planning is everything.” – Dwight D. Eisenhower

Don't wait for uncertainty to make the decision for you.

Let’s build a retirement strategy that actually pays you to live the life you’ve worked for.

Start your journey with SLD Solutions.

The best retirement plan is about knowing how to make it last, not just about having enough.