Investing for retirement involves balancing the need for lifetime income with the goal of preserving principal. A thoughtful investment strategy considers factors such as risk tolerance, life expectancy, inflation, and withdrawal needs. Working with a qualified advisor can help align your portfolio to support consistent income while reducing the risk of outliving your assets.

A retirement planner can assist with evaluating Social Security timing, choosing pension distribution options, and determining how to generate sustainable income from your investments. They may also guide you in structuring your withdrawals to balance income needs with long-term growth objectives, helping you maintain financial confidence throughout retirement.

A fiduciary is legally obligated to act in the best interests of the client, placing the client’s needs above their own. This contrasts with financial professionals who follow a suitability standard, which only requires that a recommendation be “appropriate,” even if not optimal. Working with a fiduciary can help ensure that advice is objective and aligned with your financial goals.

Creating a withdrawal plan is essential to ensure steady income during retirement. This typically involves coordinating distributions from various accounts—such as IRAs, taxable accounts, or pensions—with other income sources like Social Security. It may also require adhering to Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) based on IRS rules.

Retirement planners can provide specialized knowledge and planning strategies to help manage your assets efficiently. Their guidance may be particularly valuable for optimizing retirement income, planning for taxes, and adjusting to life events or market conditions.

Advisory fees vary by firm but are often based on a percentage of assets under management. In some cases, these fees include financial planning, portfolio management, and ongoing consultation. Transparency in pricing and services is essential, and clients are encouraged to review all costs, including whether planning and investment management are bundled or billed separately.