Top Blogs of The Week:
Featured Blog of the Week
From $800K IRA to $1.6M Tax-Free Roth: A Hybrid Conversion Strategy
Retirement planning isn’t just about growing wealth — it’s about minimizing taxes and risk. One of the most powerful ways to do that is through Roth conversions.
In this new case study, we look at how Jamie & Jeffrey (both 59) used a 5-step Hybrid Strategy — powered by a simplified accumulation annuity — to transform their $800,000 IRA into a projected $1.6 million tax-free Roth IRA.
✅ Full principal protection
✅ Zero fees, zero market risk
✅ Predictable, tax-efficient conversions funded by the contract itself
✅ Long-term tax-free growth and legacy potential
By isolating income they didn’t need, reallocating into a structured annuity, managing conversions around tax brackets, and reinvesting Roth dollars back into the market, they turned a looming tax liability into a powerful legacy asset.
👉 Read the full case study here
Portfolio Income Planning Blog
Why the 4% Rule Falls Short — and How Guardrails Can Boost Your Retirement Income
Most people enter retirement craving stability. That’s why fixed income sources like pensions, Social Security, and annuities are so valuable — they provide predictable, reliable income.
But here’s the problem: relying only on fixed income often leaves retirees falling behind inflation and underspending in their healthiest years.
For decades, the “4% Rule” has been the go-to withdrawal strategy. Yet it’s rigid, conservative, and often results in retirees leaving lifestyle on the table.
✅ Enter the Guardrails Approach: a smarter, more flexible strategy that adjusts withdrawals based on market performance.
By using guardrails, retirees can:
- Safely withdraw around 5.5% instead of 4% — a 37.5% income boost
- Spend more freely in good years, and pull back slightly in downturns
- Maximize lifetime income while protecting their portfolio
👉 Read the full article here
Retirement Case Study Blog
How Much Do You Really Need Saved for $5,000/Month in Retirement?
Most people ask the wrong retirement question. It’s not “How much should I save?” — it’s “How much income can my savings safely generate — and for how long?”
If you need $5,000/month ($60,000/year) from your portfolio, the answer depends on two key factors:
- Your time horizon (20 years vs. 30 years makes a big difference)
- Your portfolio allocation (conservative vs. growth-oriented)
📊 For a 30-year retirement, the savings required can range from $1.728M (conservative) to $1.38M (growth-oriented) — a 25% difference based on investment mix alone.
But the real risk isn’t just market volatility — it’s longevity. Planning for only 20 years when you live 30+ could leave you short.
That’s why a Safety-First Strategy works best:
✅ Guaranteed lifetime income with annuities
✅ Portfolio guardrails for flexibility
✅ Growth assets for inflation protection
👉 Read the full article here