Retirement planning is complex, and every financial plan is unique to individual circumstances, income sources, and goals. In this case study, we’ll explore a real-world example of retirement planning for a pre-retiree couple in their early 60s with multiple income sources, including Social Security, pension, rental income, and portfolio income. With a solid savings base and specific financial goals, they’re seeking to retire by the end of 2025. This article will break down the strategies considered, including Roth conversions, Social Security timing, withdrawal strategies, and tax planning.
Meet John and Mary: Key Financial Background
John and Mary, a married couple living in Florida, are preparing for retirement. John, currently earning $125,000 annually, recently transitioned to a lower-paying role to ease into retirement. Mary, effectively retired, earns about $35,000 a year from part-time work. They have an impressive asset base and wish to retire by the end of 2025. Their goals? Maximizing their income potential while managing tax obligations and minimizing risks in the event of market downturns.
Key Areas of Concern
John and Mary have three major concerns they’re hoping to address with their retirement strategy:
1. Maximizing Social Security: They want to know if delaying Social Security benefits until age 70 would yield greater lifetime benefits.
2. Roth Conversion Strategy: They are considering partial Roth conversions to strategically minimize taxable income and provide a “tax-free” cushion in retirement.
3. Optimizing Withdrawal Order: They want to structure withdrawals efficiently from their taxable, tax-deferred, and tax-free accounts to minimize taxes and provide steady income.
Financial Profile and Assets Overview
John and Mary’s total resources include around $2.7 million, comprising:
– Joint Brokerage Account: $900,000 (with $300,000 in unrealized gains).
– John’s IRA: $1.1 million from consolidated 401(k) funds.
– Mary’s 401(k): $750,000, built largely through employer matches and contributions.
Their income sources, aside from their portfolio, include:
– Social Security: Anticipated at $2,700/month for each starting in January 2027.
– Pension: Mary will receive $1,200/month with a 100% survivor benefit.
– Rental Income: A net income of about $1,000/month.
With a monthly spending target of $12,435, roughly $8,400 covers essential costs, and the rest goes toward discretionary expenses. They also hold a term life insurance policy with a $1 million face value, which will end in 2034.
Developing a Retirement Spending and Guardrail Strategy
A central goal for John and Mary is to enjoy their retirement savings while maintaining flexibility to adjust based on market conditions. They are targeting a monthly spending rate of $16,800 after taxes starting in 2026, drawing from various sources to balance taxes and sustain their desired lifestyle.
Guardrails for Income Adjustments:
To protect against market volatility, they plan to adjust spending based on their portfolio’s value. If their portfolio falls to $2.1 million, they will reduce monthly spending to $15,700. If it grows to $3.2 million, they can safely increase their spending to $18,100 per month.
Stress Testing Their Plan Against Market Volatility
Stress testing their portfolio against events like the 2007 financial crisis provides a window into how John and Mary’s income could be affected. If they were to experience a significant drop, their planned income would adjust accordingly to keep their retirement on track. This “guardrail approach” ensures flexibility and adaptability to maintain their lifestyle even during market downturns.
Strategic Roth Conversions
With tax savings in mind, John and Mary are looking at Roth conversions for a portion of their retirement savings. By converting funds from traditional IRAs to Roth IRAs gradually, they could potentially reduce future taxable income, allowing them to preserve Social Security benefits and minimize Medicare surcharges.
Projected Savings with Roth Conversions:
Partial Roth conversions over a span of 4 to 10 years could save them almost $500,000 in federal taxes throughout their retirement. This strategy aligns with their tax planning goals, providing greater flexibility in managing unexpected expenses like medical costs or major home repairs without increasing their tax bill.
Additional Considerations for Retirement
To solidify their plan, John and Mary will set aside five to ten years of income in lower-risk investments. This “cash reserve” acts as a buffer against market drops, allowing them to avoid selling stocks during a downturn and preserving their portfolio’s value for the long term.
For John and Mary, retirement planning isn’t just about the numbers; it’s about aligning their financial decisions with their lifestyle goals and risk tolerance. By strategically balancing Social Security timing, implementing Roth conversions, and establishing flexible withdrawal strategies, they are well-positioned for a financially secure and fulfilling retirement.
Key highlights of their retirement plan include:
– Social Security at Age 70 for maximized benefits.
– Annual Roth Conversions to reduce lifetime tax burdens.
– Guardrail Spending Adjustments to maintain income stability.
– Cash Reserves for income during down markets.
This comprehensive approach ensures John and Mary can enjoy their retirement years without sacrificing their financial security. By incorporating tax planning, income strategies, and risk management, they’re ready to make the most of their resources and create a comfortable future.
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