Picture this: Jim and Linda, both 67, just retired after decades of hard work. They planned carefully, saved consistently, and looked forward to enjoying their golden years. But then came a market downturn. Suddenly, their portfolio dropped 20% in a matter of weeks. The income they planned to draw from their investments now seems shaky.^* Sound familiar?

Market volatility may hit hard when you’re approaching or living in retirement. Why? Because you’re not just investing for growth anymore—you’re investing for income, security, and financial well-being. And taking big hits during retirement, when you’re no longer earning a paycheck, can derail your plans fast.

The Risk of Sequence of Returns

It’s important to make sure you acknowledge not just how much your portfolio earns but when it earns it. Imagine two retirees with identical average returns, but one experiences losses early in retirement while the other sees growth first. The retiree who gets hit with early losses could run out of money years sooner. It’s called sequence of returns risk, and it’s real.

What Can You Do?

You don’t have to live at the mercy of the market. There are strategies and tools designed to add more stability and predictability to your retirement income plan:

• Types of Annuities, such as Fixed Index Annuities, can offer growth potential based on market performance but with downside protection. You won’t lose money when the market drops, and many offer guaranteed income for life.
• Types of ETFs such as Buffer ETFs and Capped ETFs offer defined outcomes: partial downside protection and still upside potential to a cap. These can be useful for investors who want market exposure with guardrails.
• Cash alternatives, CDs, bonds, and other options can also help preserve capital while generating steady income.

The key is not putting all your eggs in one basket. A well-designed retirement plan blends growth, protection, and income strategies tailored to your risk tolerance and goals.

This Isn’t One-Size-Fits-All

Jim and Linda didn’t know they had other options until they sat down with a financial advisor. They learned that the market doesn’t have to dictate their lifestyle—and neither does fear. With the right strategy, they restructured their portfolio to include more conservative income sources, giving them freedom to enjoy retirement without constantly checking the stock ticker.

If recent market swings have left you uneasy, maybe it’s time for your own plan B. There are ways to protect your retirement dreams while still growing your wealth—but it starts with a conversation.

Don’t wait for the next dip to wonder if you’re protected. Reach out to schedule a complimentary retirement check-in today. Your future self will thank you.