Saving for retirement can often feel like climbing a mountain. It takes immense planning and discipline to reach the summit – the moment when you can finally retire and leave the working world behind.

Much like climbing a mountain, though, the summit isn’t the end of the story. You still have to get back down the mountain. Often, climbing down the mountain can be more dangerous than the ascent. It requires just as much planning and focus.

The same is true of continuing to grow your savings after retirement. Technically, you’ve reached the summit and retired, but you still have a long way to go. According to the Society of Actuaries, a 65-year-old man has a 50% chance of living to 87 and a 25% chance of living to 93. For a woman, those ages are 89 and 95.¹ If you retire in your mid-60s, it’s very possible that you will live another 20 to 30 years.

How do you make your savings and income last for that period of time? Your strategy should be based on your unique needs and goals, but there are a few good practices to keep in mind. Below are a few tips to keep in mind:

Be mindful of inflation.

Inflation is the increase in prices of goods and services. Annual inflation is usually modest. In fact, it hasn’t exceeded 5% since the 1980s.²

Even modest inflation can impact your strategy over the long-term, though. Consider an average 3% inflation rate. Over 24 years, that means a doubling in prices. Could you afford to see your expenses double throughout retirement?

A strategy that leaves room for growth potential can help offset the effects of inflation. As your assets grow, you may be able to take increased income to cover the increase in prices.

Many retirees opt for strategies that have little risk exposure. However, it may be wise to allocate some portion of your savings to assets that offer growth potential so you can keep up with inflation. A financial professional can help you find the right mix.

Take the “Goldilocks” approach.

Do you remember the story of Goldilocks, the girl who finds her way into the home of a family of bears? She tries their porridge, their chairs, and even their beds until she finds the one that is just right.

A “Goldilocks” approach to growing your savings may not be a bad idea, especially after retirement. Don’t look for the portfolio that offers the most return or the least risk. Rather, look for the mix that is “just right” for your needs and goals. For instance, it may be that your “just right” strategy is one that limits risk but also offers growth potential and consistent income. A financial professional can help you find your “just right” strategy.

Have a withdrawal strategy.

If you’re like many retirees, you’ll receive Social Security and possibly even a defined benefit pension in retirement. But you also may need to take withdrawals from your savings to supplement those income sources.

What’s the right amount of income to take? If you take too little, you may not live the type of lifestyle you desire. Take too much and you could drain your savings. Before you enter retirement, you may want to plan your income strategy. Determine the right level to take without draining your savings.

Also develop backup plans. For example, how will you adjust your income if your investments decline? What if you have a costly emergency? How will you cover that expense? Should you look at tools to guarantee* your income? Again, a financial professional can help you answer these questions.

Ready to develop your post-retirement strategy? Let’s talk about it. Contact us today at Benefit Resource Partners. We can help you analyze your needs and develop a plan. Let’s connect soon and start the conversation.