5 Ways To Mitigate Risk as You Plan Financially for Retirement

Core Insights - Retirement planning is essential not only for ensuring sufficient funds for leisure activities but also for mitigating financial risks post-retirement [1][2] Group 1: Financial Risks in Retirement - Longevity risk is a significant concern, as retirees may outlive their savings due to various factors [4] - Sequence-of-returns risk can severely impact retirement savings if a market downturn occurs early in retirement [5] - Inflation, rising healthcare costs, and the IRMAA surcharge can further strain financial resources, with human behavior also posing risks through panic selling or chasing trends [5] Group 2: Strategies for Retirement Planning - A recommended approach is to engineer cash flow first and optimize returns second, ensuring a stable income that retirees cannot outlive [6] - Maintaining 12 to 24 months of essential expenses in cash can prevent forced selling during market dips [6] - Focusing on steady income allows retirees to balance safety and growth, enabling them to pursue higher-risk investments when their cash flow is secure [6][7]