How to Stop Worrying About Money in Retirement

When the Paychecks Stop but the Bills Keep Coming

You’ve put in the work. You saved where you could. And now, retirement is finally here. You should feel free — but that first month without a paycheck can hit harder than expected, even if you’ve done everything “right.”

The bills still arrive. Property taxes don’t care that you’re retired. The car doesn’t know you’re on a fixed income when it breaks down. Before long, you’re running mental math at the grocery store and wondering when it’s okay to start dipping into your accounts.

If that shift feels familiar, you’re not alone. Many retirees go through this. The good news? There are clear steps you can take to feel in control again — and stay financially independent for the long run.

Build Income You Can Count On

Retirement shouldn’t feel like a gamble. When your monthly income is tied too closely to the markets, every headline becomes personal — and stressful.

One way to bring peace of mind is by creating income you can rely on month after month. That could include:

• Using annuities to provide consistent lifetime payments
  
• Maximizing your Social Security strategy
  
• Setting up structured withdrawals from more stable investments
  

Think of it as rebuilding a paycheck — one designed to support your needs no matter what the markets are doing.

Get Ahead of Retirement Tax Surprises

Retirement doesn’t automatically simplify your taxes. In fact, you may face fewer deductions and more taxable income from Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) than expected — especially if most of your savings are in traditional retirement accounts.

That’s why many retirees take proactive steps years in advance. Smart strategies might include:

• Converting some traditional IRA funds to Roth IRAs in low-tax years
  
• Planning which accounts to withdraw from and when
  
• Coordinating withdrawals with your Social Security start date
  

These moves can reduce your lifetime tax bill — and help your savings last longer.

Be Ready for the Big Expenses

At some point, the roof will need work. A spouse may need ongoing care. An adult child might hit a rough patch and turn to you for help.

These aren’t emergencies — they’re just part of getting older. But in retirement, they can quickly disrupt your plan if you haven’t built in some flexibility.

Here’s what helps:

• Keep reserves for larger, one-time costs
  
• Explore long-term care insurance or hybrid coverage
  
• Make sure your income plan has some breathing room for the unexpected
  

Planning ahead gives you more than just financial protection — it gives you peace of mind.

Keep Your Plan Working, Even After You Stop

Retirement planning doesn’t stop the day you retire. Your expenses evolve. So do tax laws, market conditions, and healthcare needs. The more often you check in with your plan, the more confident you’ll feel about staying on track.

Mid-year reviews are a good time to:

• Reassess spending and income sources
  
• Confirm RMDs are handled properly
  
• Make tax-smart adjustments before the end of the year
  

Staying ahead of changes is always easier than catching up.

You Worked for This. Let It Support You Now

You spent decades building your savings. Now those dollars should work just as hard for you — consistently, confidently, and without second-guessing every decision.

Ready to build that confidence? Call Barb Swiatek at 719.597.2179 to talk about creating a retirement income strategy designed to support your independence — and help your money last as long as you do.