Retirement Income Plan Review

The following questions can help you identify issues and risks to consider as you develop your retirement income strategy. It can also serve as a discussion guide for meeting with a financial advisor.

Withdrawal strategy – Creating retirement income

• At what age will you choose to begin receiving Social Security benefits?
• Have you projected the effect of mandatory distributions on your retirement tax situation? 
• Will taking withdrawals from IRAs or qualified plans prior to age 70½ reduce your income tax bills throughout retirement years? 
• What is your portfolio withdrawal rate, and how does it account for market risk and inflation? 
• How well do you understand the importance of ordering your withdrawals? Which accounts are you tapping first—taxable or tax-deferred accounts, or traditional or Roth IRAs? 
• Do you understand the long-term impact of taking portfolio withdrawals in a declining market? 

Investment strategy 

• Is your asset allocation properly aligned with your risk tolerance and time horizon? In addition to fixed-income investments, it may be important for you to maintain an appropriate level of equity investments.
• Do you have multiple retirement accounts and a number of financial institutions? Does it make sense to consolidate some of your accounts to make it easier to manage? 
• Which strategies are you using to generate the portfolio income you need? Interest payments from bonds and cash alternatives? Stock dividends? Annuities? 

Expenses and longevity 

• Have you estimated your retirement expenses?
• What amount have you set aside for non-discretionary expenses? For discretionary expenses? For medical and long-term care costs? 
• Given your family's health history and your current age, how many years of retirement income do you expect to need? 
• Do you have a 20- or even a 30-year retirement plan in place?

Inflation 

• Have you planned for an appropriate annual inflation rate through your retirement years? 
• What steps have you taken to position your retirement portfolio to help keep pace with inflation and preserve your purchasing power?

Taxes 

• How are you planning for income taxes, and minimizing the amounts you will owe? 
• Should you consider converting some or all of your Traditional IRAs and/or qualified plan assets to a Roth IRA or annuity?

Medical and long-term care expenses 

• Which funds are earmarked to cover medical insurance coverage and potential long-term care expenses? 
• Have you adequately accounted for potential increases in these premiums and expenses? 
• Do you have a clear understanding of the impact long-term care costs may have on your budget, and what role long-term care insurance can play?

We are here to help you take the steps that are right for you. To get started, contact a Wells Fargo Retirement Professional today.