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What’s the “Right Answer” for Your Retirement Income?

What’s the “Right Answer” for Your Retirement Income?

August 14, 2025

When it comes to planning for retirement, one of the most common questions is, “What’s the best way to generate income from my savings and investments?” Should you rely on systematic withdrawals from your portfolio, purchase an annuity for guaranteed income, focus on dividend-paying stocks, or build a bond ladder? Each of these approaches has its pros and cons, and the reality is that the best strategy depends on more than just the math.

While comparing interest rates, yields, and potential market returns is important, your comfort with risk, your need for certainty versus flexibility, and your overall lifestyle goals all play a role. That’s why understanding your personal preferences is such a critical part of retirement planning. This is where the Retirement Income Style Awareness (RISA®) framework can help.

Why RISA Matters

RISA is designed to help uncover your unique preferences as an investor. It’s not about finding the one right way to plan for retirement—it’s about identifying an approach that may work best for you.

Through the RISA framework, you may gain insights such as:
- Whether you naturally lean toward certainty or flexibility in your income strategy.
- If you prefer handling things independently or working side-by-side with a professional.
- How your personal style might shape decisions about income strategies, risk tolerance, and portfolio design.

Think of it as a financial personality framework—developed by researchers in retirement income planning to help guide practical conversations about your money.

A Smarter Starting Point for Retirement Planning

By taking the RISA, you may gain a clearer picture of how your preferences align with different income strategies. That means your retirement plan won’t just look good on paper—it may also feel more aligned with your personal comfort level, which can make it easier to follow over time.

It can be a helpful first step in exploring a retirement strategy that is not only financially sound but also tailored to your individual needs.

👉 CLICK HERE to take the RISA today

Watch the Video: Taking the RISA

Want to see how the RISA works in action?

Important Disclosures

The RISA® framework is a third-party tool designed to help individuals understand their retirement income preferences. It should not be construed as investment advice or a guarantee of future results. All investing involves risk, including the potential loss of principal. Please consult with your financial professional before making investment decisions.  This material is provided for informational purposes only and should not be considered a solicitation to buy or sell any security.