Picture this: It’s the middle of retirement. Your Social Security covers some of your monthly expenses, but every time the market dips, you worry. Do you pull from your portfolio now? Wait it out? Cut spending?
That’s the kind of stress guaranteed income is designed to eliminate.
What Is Guaranteed Income?
Guaranteed income refers to payments you receive regularly—no matter what the stock market is doing. This can come from:
- Social Security
- Pensions
- Annuities
- In-plan income guarantees through retirement plans
And research shows that retirees who have more of this type of income? They’re happier.
The Psychology of Income You Can Count On
A study from the Nationwide Retirement Institute found that retirement satisfaction rises significantly with each increase in guaranteed income. Even retirees with high net worths reported greater happiness when they had $30,000 or more in protected annual income beyond Social Security.
Why? Because guaranteed income:
- Reduces anxiety about market downturns
- Helps retirees spend more confidently
- Makes budgeting simpler
- Protects surviving spouses if the primary decision-maker passes away
More Income = More Flexibility (and More Fun)
When your basic expenses are covered with predictable income, you free up the rest of your savings for other goals—like travel, hobbies, gifting, or legacy planning. You also give yourself the freedom to invest more aggressively with your remaining assets, if appropriate, because your essentials are already handled.
Think of it like having your mortgage, groceries, and utilities prepaid for life. The rest is play money.
Why This Matters More Now Than Ever
Retirees today face more financial uncertainty than previous generations:
- Market volatility
- Inflation
- Longer life spans
- Fewer pensions
That’s a dangerous mix unless you’ve got a stable foundation to rely on.
The Bottom Line
When you know your income is locked in—month after month, year after year—you can focus on living, not just surviving.
Want more peace of mind in retirement? Let’s explore how guaranteed income fits into your retirement income plan. CLICK HERE to schedule your Right Fit Call now.