Smart Strategies for Investing During Retirement

Smart Strategies for Investing During Retirement

If you’re investing during retirement, you’ll likely be placing a premium on immediate income generation. Investing during retirement doesn’t provide you with the same luxury of time or alternative income sources like pre-retirement investing. This means that the investments themselves must yield consistent income.

If you’re retired or will retire soon, you also have many other things to consider in your retirement plan, such as how to pass on value to future generations, estate planning, and how much you can safely withdraw each year without compromising your portfolio

This guide will help you clarify your plans and realize your goals. 

Consider these strategies:

1. A dollar today will not be worth the same as a dollar tomorrow. Inflation has shown to be a game-changer in in the economy for the past several decades and this trend shows no sign of slowing down.
  • It’s important to consider including some medium risk investments in your portfolio to help offset the effects of inflation. Having too conservative of a portfolio could mean that your yearly earnings will lag behind the rate of inflation.
2. How much can you withdraw? This may be one of the single-most confusing areas for retirees. Often individuals approaching retirement may plan on withdrawal rates as high as 10%.
  • A more realistic number is 3% to 5%. By opting for a lower asset withdrawal rate, you’ll be able to help ensure that you don’t outlive your retirement savings. 
3. Costs, fees and penalties. Some companies may offer attractive-sounding fee percentages at just one or two percent. However, in some situations, these fees can amount to thousands of dollars in lost earnings.
  • Additionally, some savings have fees and penalties associated with early withdrawals and this can end up costing you a pretty penny as well. Depending on the type of account, the fees can be as high as 35%! 
  • Before you invest, find out all the fees you may incur, including any for early withdrawal. Ask when would be the earliest date you could withdraw without extra costs. Then determine if this date fits your needs.
  • Ensuring that you understand the fees associated with your accounts can save you a considerable amount of money.
4. Work with an advisor. It may be possible to do it all yourself, yet chances are you could benefit from the added experience that a trusted financial advisor brings to the table. This is not the same thing as working with a broker, which could cost you additional and unnecessary fees.
  • A financial advisor can help you navigate your retirement investing with ease. An advisor can also help you develop a withdrawal strategy that is both tax-efficient and helps minimize penalties or avoid them altogether.
Investing during retirement may seem intimidating, yet it pays to be smart. Being aware of potential pitfalls puts you in a better position than most people, who base their whole retirement plans on false pretenses and inaccurate assumptions.

Whether you’re currently retired or planning ahead, it’s never too late to begin taking steps to maximize your earnings when investing during retirement.
Retirement Planning Education: Can You Afford to Retire?
By Darnell Frazier July 18, 2025
"Wondering if you can afford to retire? Explore smart retirement planning strategies to secure your future and enjoy financial freedom in your golden years."
Trump's Big Beautiful Bill: A Comprehensive Guide - What You Need to Know Explained.
By Darnell Frazier July 8, 2025
Trump's "Big, Beautiful Bill" extends tax cuts, raises border and defense funds, slashes Medicaid and food stamps, and adds trillions to the deficit.
The Road to Financial Empowerment Podcast by Empowering Your Finance.
By Darnell Frazier May 22, 2025
"Discover 'The Road to Financial Empowerment' podcast—your go-to source for practical tips, inspiring stories, and expert advice on building financial freedom."
Empowering Your Finance: Financial Education
By Darnell Frazier May 15, 2025
"Empower your future with financial education. Learn key principles to budget better, build wealth, and take control of your money with confidence and clarity."
Social Security Cuts for Defaulted Student Loans
By Darnell Frazier May 14, 2025
"Learn how defaulted student loans can lead to Social Security benefit cuts. Understand your rights, the risks, and how to protect your retirement income."
Your Federal Student Loans: Learn the Basics and Manage Your Debt.
By Darnell Frazier May 14, 2025
"Student loan garnishment resumes in 2025. Learn what it means for your paycheck, how to protect your income, and steps to manage or avoid wage garnishment."
Social Security Overpayment Withholding Rate: 50% Update April 2025
By Darnell Frazier May 14, 2025
"Learn about the April 2025 update to the Social Security overpayment withholding rate. Discover who's affected, what's changed, and how to protect your benefits."
Trump's economic trade war is halting shipping at all U.S. ports.
By Darnell Frazier April 5, 2025
Markets react to Trump’s new tariffs. Is a financial storm ahead—or a chance for savvy investors? Here’s what you need to know to protect your portfolio.
Millennials enjoy an afternoon lunch discussing achieving financial freedom.
By Darnell Frazier January 15, 2025
"Master the money skills every millennial needs in 2025. Learn budgeting, saving, investing, and debt strategies to build wealth and secure your future."
Parents standing with their children behind a college logo on a college campus tour.
By Darnell Frazier December 9, 2024
"Get expert tips for college visits with your child. Learn how to plan, what to ask, and how to make the most of every campus tour experience together."
Show More