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Customizing Your Retirement Income Strategy for Life’s Phases Thumbnail

Customizing Your Retirement Income Strategy for Life’s Phases

Retirement

Introduction

Retirement isn’t a one-time financial shift—it’s a dynamic, evolving journey. Your lifestyle, priorities, and spending needs will change over time, so your income strategy should, too. Understanding the phases of retirement—and how to adapt your income accordingly—can keep you financially confident every step of the way.

The Three Phases of Retirement

Go-Go Years

  • Typically from your 60s into the early 70s
  • Active lifestyle: travel, dining, entertainment, hobbies
  • Higher discretionary spending
  • Opportunity to take on a bit more investment risk

Slow-Go Years

  • Mid-70s through 80s
  • Reduced activity and travel
  • Increased focus on routine and medical expenses
  • Begin shifting to more conservative income sources

No-Go Years

  • Late 80s and beyond
  • Limited mobility and lower discretionary spending
  • Rising healthcare and potential long-term care costs
  • Emphasis on asset preservation and income stability

Matching Income Strategy to Life Phase

  • Go-Go: Favor flexible, liquid assets to fund adventures and experiences
  • Slow-Go: Begin drawing more from guaranteed sources and stabilize spending
  • No-Go: Prioritize predictable income streams (annuities, Social Security) to cover essential needs and care

Using RISA to Support Phase-Specific Planning

Your income style can influence how you experience each phase of retirement. RISA® (Retirement Income Style Awareness) helps identify if you lean toward:

  • Income Protection
  • Total Return
  • Time Segmentation
  • Risk Wrap

At Mark Sharp Retirement, we’ve partnered with Retirement Researcher to offer the RISA assessment complimentary. Knowing your style helps ensure your plan evolves along with your needs.

Conclusion: Plan, Live Fully

Your retirement income plan should be as adaptable as your life. By recognizing the Go-Go, Slow-Go, and No-Go phases—and adjusting your strategy along the way—you can support your changing lifestyle without compromising your financial future.

Want to align your plan with your life stage? Start with your complimentary RISA assessment and build a phase-ready income strategy.