Piecing together your retirement puzzle

This realization of no longer being able to rely on earned income is compounded by numerous other risks an individual will face leading up to and during retirement.

Given the uncertainty of world economies and the increased volatility in world stocks and bonds, market risks are near the top of the concern list. The impact of increased volatility is amplified as one approaches and then enters retirement. It is difficult enough for someone with a long-time horizon to see his or her savings decrease in market downturns, but it can be outright devastating for an individual close to or in retirement. The sustainability of his or her portfolio could be in question depending on the degree and timing of negative market returns.

Couple the aforementioned risks with unknown risks, such as premature death of a spouse, long-term care needs, and disability, and it is no wonder individuals have concerns about the prospects of their retirement years.

Taking the first step

The reliable income can be counted on and should support the majority of your Needs. Using our example from above, the Income Needs are $60,000 and the Reliable Income is $45,000. There is a shortfall of $15,000.

The goal is to have as much of your income needs satisfied with reliable income as possible.

This way, you are not relying on market performance and investment assets to meet your most essential retirement expenses. Since this is not always possible, any shortfall will need to be made up using income derived from investments.