For many Americans, retirement isn’t just about getting by — it’s about living comfortably and maintaining a middle-class lifestyle. Earning $12,000 a month ($144,000 a year) in passive income, for instance, could make that possible, covering everyday expenses while still allowing for travel, dining out, and other luxuries. But reaching that level of income in retirement requires more than just a large nest egg. Your savings must also be resilient enough to handle inflation, market swings, and the risk ...