October 21, 2025
Navigating the Critical Years Before and After Retirement
In the risk zone, time is not on your side.
The Retirement Risk Zone represents one of the greatest threats to an individual’s retirement security. During this crucial period—typically the 10 years leading up to retirement and the first few years after—market downturns can have a lasting impact. If you experience losses just before retiring, you may not have time to recover. If losses occur early in retirement, you might have to reduce your income or spending, potentially lowering your standard of living.
Think of it like finding your way through a corn maze: the path to a secure retirement can be full of twists and turns. That’s where your guidance makes all the difference. Your clients depend on your expertise to help them avoid the missteps that could jeopardize their financial future.
Understanding the Retirement Risk Zone—and How to Avoid an Income Gap
When market declines hit during the Retirement Risk Zone, even the most carefully constructed plans can falter. The result? Clients may be forced to delay retirement, scale back their lifestyle, or even return to work.
Adding to the challenge, many retirees rely heavily on Social Security and pensions, which often cover only a portion of their pre-retirement income. This shortfall—known as the income gap—can come as a surprise, leaving individuals struggling to maintain the lifestyle they envisioned.
Your Opportunity to Help
By helping clients recognize and prepare for the Retirement Risk Zone, you can play a vital role in protecting their retirement goals. With the right strategies, they can reduce risk, preserve income, and gain confidence as they approach this pivotal life stage.
Learn more about our retirement solutions and take advantage of 5 compliance approved, ready-to-go emails you can send to prospects or clients today!
Try using these tools to initiate conversations
Retirement Income Gap Workbook
Life Checkup Retirement Worksheet
Retire with Income that Cannot Be Outlived
We’re Here to Help
Click here to contact your Retirement Services Relationship Manager.
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