The problem with "I'll just pull from savings"
When all of your income comes from a portfolio, a down year forces a choice between selling low and cutting spending. A bucket approach separates the money you need soon from the money you can leave alone, so monthly bills don't ride on market timing.
Who this strategy works well for
- People within 5–10 years of retirement who want to reduce the risk that early market losses do outsized damage to a portfolio they're drawing from (sometimes called sequence-of-returns risk).
- Retirees who want a floor of dependable income (guaranteed by Social Security, a pension, or an insurance carrier) separate from their portfolio.
- Couples who want to make sure household income stays stable regardless of what the market does.
How we help
Map what you need each month
We start with your actual expenses (fixed costs, variable spending, and what you'd need to feel comfortable) to define the income target.
Identify what's already dependable
Social Security, pensions, and any existing annuities count toward the floor. We build from what you already have.
Fill the gaps with the right tools
If there's a shortfall between guaranteed income and what you need, we walk through options such as fixed annuities, income riders, or laddered safe assets, and explain what each is meant to do.
Common questions
Is this the same as an annuity?
Annuities are one tool in the bucket approach, not the whole thing. Whether an annuity makes sense, and which kind, depends on your situation. We'll explain all the options so you can decide without pressure.
What if I have a financial advisor managing my investments?
This kind of planning complements investment management. It's about the income layer, not replacing your advisor. We often work alongside people who already have someone managing their portfolio.
How much income do I need to guarantee?
The number varies by person. A common starting point is covering essential fixed expenses (housing, food, insurance, healthcare) with dependable income, and leaving discretionary spending to your portfolio.