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Robert A. Imparato, Jr CFP®
CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional
Craig A. Hyldahl CFP®
CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional
R.I.C.H. Planning Group, LLC
105 Fieldcrest Avenue, Suite #507
Edison, NJ 08837
Robert: 732-326-5240
Craig: 732-326-5241
Fax: 732-326-5331
Robert: robert@richplanninggroup.com
Craig: craig@richplanninggroup.com
Website: www.richplanninggroup.com
July/August 2026
The Wobbly Retirement Stool
The traditional three-legged retirement stool consists of Social Security, retirement savings, and a pension to provide guaranteed income. However, today, most retirees lack the employer pension leg, and many also have concerns about the future of Social Security and the possibility of benefit cuts.
Bolstering the Pension Leg
What can replace the pension leg of your stool? Annuities are one option. With an annuity, you pay a lump sum to an insurance company, and in exchange, they guarantee you monthly payments for a specific time or even for life. If reducing exposure to market fluctuations is a concern, this strategy is worth exploring. Before investing in any annuity, talk with your trusted professional.*Another option is a bond ladder.** This strategy involves buying individual bonds or defined-maturity bond funds that mature at different intervals. Defined-maturity bond funds are investment funds with a specific maturity date, typically indicated in the fund's name. As with individual bonds, at maturity the funds will be liquidated, and all assets will be returned to you.
As each bond or fund matures, you can reinvest the original principal into a new bond or fund, allowing you to maintain a steady cash flow from the interest accumulated. This approach not only can provide regular income but also allows you to take advantage of rising interest rates over time.
Variety Is the Spice
A key to a successful retirement strategy is not put all your investment eggs into one basket. The same principle applies to your retirement income sources. By combining Social Security, your personal savings, annuities, and possibly a bond fund ladder, you can create a robust plan that helps ensure you'll have the income you need. Remember, it's never too early—or too late—to start planning for a comfortable and fulfilling retirement.* Distributions from annuities are taxed as ordinary income and, if taken prior to reaching age 59½, may be subject to an additional 10% IRS tax penalty.
**Prices of fixed-income securities may fluctuate due to interest rate changes. Investors may lose money if bonds are sold before maturity. Before investing in any fund, read the prospectus and consider its investment objectives, charges, expenses, and risks.
GE-8892031.1(4/26)(Exp.4/30)
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Duly registered and licensed financial professionals offer securities through Equitable Advisors, LLC (NY, NY 212-314-4600), member FINRA,SIPC (Equitable Financial Advisors in MI & TN), offer investment advisory products and services through Equitable Advisors, LLC, an SEC-registered investment advisor, and offer annuity and insurance products through Equitable Network, LLC (Equitable Network Insurance Agency of Utah, LLC in UT; Equitable Network of Puerto Rico, Inc.). Equal Opportunity Employer - M/F/D/V. Equitable Advisors and its associates and affiliates do not provide tax, accounting, or legal advice or services.
R.I.C.H. Planning Group, LLC is not owned or operated by Equitable Advisors or Equitable Network. GE-8877021.1(4/26(Exp.4/30)
CFP® and CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ are certification marks owned by the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc.
These marks are awarded to individuals who successfully complete the CFP Board's initial and ongoing certification requirements.
R.I.C.H. Planning Group, LLC and LTM Marketing Solutions, LLC are unrelated companies. This publication was prepared for the publication’s provider by LTM Marketing Solutions, LLC, an unrelated third party. Articles are not written or produced by the named representative.
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