Retirement income planning used to be straightforward. Most Americans relied on a pension with some Social Security income and used their investments to help supplement their monthly cash flow.
Today, retirement is much more complex because most individuals do not have a large pension to rely on and Social Security isn’t enough to live on for most people. This means optimizing the income from your investments and Social Security benefits is more important than ever. The key is having a customized, tailored plan to provide income today without jeopardizing your future.
The financial advisors at Dechtman Wealth Management can help you retire with confidence.
Our approach to providing you with the income you need is focused on:
Reducing taxes through proper tax planning. Understanding when to withdraw money for each account is crucial to lowering taxes and having enough money through retirement.
Making sure you can participate in the gains while managing your downside risk. You’ve worked hard for your money, and we’ll help you protect it.
Diversifying through prudent asset allocation.
Optimizing your income stream over the course of your retirement by taking into account all your income sources, including Social Security.
Our proprietary financial planning strategies are based on 40+ years of comprehensive research. Our approach has navigated the test of time through a wide range of market conditions.
What you see is what you get — we avoid conflicts of interest in how we manage your assets. We always put your best interest first and adhere to the fiduciary standard.
We strive to be your primary resource for all aspects of retirement and estate planning. We provide clear, unbiased, honest advice based on experience and ongoing research.
With more than 38 years of experience, Dechtman Wealth Management has advised clients from a wide range of backgrounds through a variety of market environments. We take our responsibility to our clients very seriously and work hard to avoid any potential conflicts of interest. We pride ourselves on developing innovative solutions, using strategies that our clients may not have considered, but we always do so based on a solid foundation of research and experience. Trust and integrity are vital to us, and we enjoy long-term relationships with our clients.
Retirement income strategies are not as simple as collecting a pension or Social Security check each month and making a budget to live within those means.
The goal is to have your money keep working for you while in retirement. Retirement income planning means creating a flexible plan that suits your needs, and revisiting it periodically to make any needed adjustments as your circumstances evolve. To make the most of your retirement, it is vital to consult with a professional who understands the complex factors that come into play once you stop working.
Retirement plan services encompass professional guidance to help individuals prepare financially for retirement, a core aspect of retirement planning. These services include creating savings strategies, managing investments, estimating retirement expenses, and optimizing income sources like 401(k)s, IRAs, and pensions. They may also cover tax planning, Social Security optimization, and estate planning to help create long-term financial security. Certified professionals tailor plans to align with clients’ goals and risk tolerance.
A retirement planner is worth it if you need help navigating complex retirement planning decisions, such as investment allocation or withdrawal strategies. We provide personalized advice to manage savings, manage taxes, and help ensure your funds last through retirement. For those with significant assets or limited financial knowledge, retirement planning advice can be helpful.
One of the biggest risks in retirement planning is outliving your savings, often due to underestimating expenses or poor investment performance. Longevity risk, coupled with inflation, can erode purchasing power, making it critical to plan for a longer lifespan. Other risks include market volatility and unexpected healthcare costs. A solid retirement planning strategy helps to manage these by diversifying investments and factoring in rising costs.
The $1000-a-month rule is a retirement planning guideline estimating that you need $300,000 in savings for every $1,000 of monthly retirement income, assuming a 4% withdrawal rate. For example, $2,000 monthly requires $600,000 saved. This rule simplifies retirement planning but doesn’t account for taxes, inflation, or other income sources like Social Security. It’s a starting point, but we'd recommend scheduling a complementary consultation.
The safest places for retirement money in retirement planning are typically low-risk options like Treasury bonds or high-yield savings accounts. These prioritize capital preservation. These assets offer stability but may yield lower returns, potentially not keeping pace with inflation. Diversifying with a mix of bonds, CDs, and conservative mutual funds can balance safety and growth. An advisor can determine the right options for your unique financial situation.
A safe retirement amount depends on your lifestyle, expenses, and retirement planning goals, but a common benchmark is 10–12 times your annual income or enough to replace ~80% of pre-retirement income. For example, if you spend $50,000 annually, aim for ~$1.5 million, including Social Security and pensions. Factors like healthcare costs and inflation require personalized calculations. A retirement planner can help estimate your specific needs.
The average 401(k) balance at age 65 as of July 2025 is approximately $148,153, though this varies widely in retirement planning. Consistent savers with employer matches may have higher balances, closer to $500,000 or more. Balances depend on contribution rates, investment performance, and years of participation.
Starting a 401(k) at 60 (or older) can still be worthwhile in retirement planning, especially if you maximize contributions and catch-up provisions (up to $31,000 annually in 2025 for those 50+). While time for growth is limited, tax-deferred savings and potential employer matches can add value quicker. It’s most beneficial if you plan to work into your late 60s, but pairing it with other retirement planning strategies enhances its impact.
You should hire a retirement planner when your retirement planning needs become complex, such as nearing retirement or significant savings (e.g., $250,000+). They help manage withdrawals, manage taxes, and ensure funds last through retirement. If you’re unsure about investment choices or Social Security timing, a planner’s advice is valuable. Younger individuals with simpler finances may potentially rely on automated tools until complexity increases.
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