Sean Polley

Retirement savings risk often comes from timing, rigid spending, and weak income planning, so start with a clear, personalized withdrawal strategy early.
Before choosing a retirement date, carefully estimate desired spending, projected savings, and annual income needs using personalized financial advisor planning calculations early.
Match accounts to timing: keep 5 yr of income needs in safer assets, while longer-term savings stay invested for recovery potential later.
Track real spending instead of guessing; retirement costs may not drop, especially with travel, hobbies, home needs, and healthcare expenses over time.
Federal retirement benefits are not expected to vanish; even if trust funds deplete by 2033, payroll taxes could cover ~80% scheduled benefits.

US Retirement Savings Need Flexible Planning

Inflation matters because it shapes purchasing power, investment performance, and long-term security as housing, healthcare, food, transportation, and utilities become costlier over time.
High inflation can pressure fixed incomes and cash savings, yet diversified assets like stocks, Real Estate, and commodities may help some investors adapt.
Moderate inflation is often viewed as healthiest, supporting spending, borrowing, business expansion, gradual wage growth, and portfolio appreciation during stable economic periods.
Low inflation offers predictability, while stagflation combines rising prices with slow growth; both can challenge returns, purchasing power, and retirement confidence for retirees.
Planning across inflation environments means diversifying investments, adjusting withdrawals, and preparing for rising expenses so retirees can better protect long-term security throughout retirement.