Your Pre-Retirement Playbook

5 takeaways from our latest intellicast

If you joined us for Embracing Change: Transitioning Seamlessly Into Retirement, you already know—this conversation covered a lot. Pre-retirement isn’t just a technical phase. It’s an emotional, financial, and mindset shift all wrapped into one.

And based on questions, it’s clear people are looking for clear, practical guidance on how to step into this next chapter with more clarity and confidence.

Whether you joined live or are catching up now, here are the biggest takeaways from the session with Nick Madl and I.

1. Pre-Retirement Is When Your Strategy Really Comes Together

Retirement doesn’t begin the day you stop working—it begins in the years leading up to it. This phase is when you move from simply saving to intentionally planning.

Nick put it well: “This is where the pieces start to click.”

Getting clear on what you want, what you’ll need, and how you’ll structure your income can give you a stronger start on day one of retirement.

2. Your Withdrawal Strategy Can Make or Break Your Plan

Many people focus on how much they’ve saved—but fewer focus on how to use those savings in a sustainable way.

We walked through general withdrawal guidelines—often cited in the 3%–5% range—and how a thoughtful distribution approach can help manage longevity risk.

Of course, the right rate depends on your income needs, market conditions, and portfolio structure.

The key idea?

How you withdraw is just as important as how you invested.

3. Your Investment Mix Should Shift With Your Timeline

Asset allocation remains central to your long-term plan—but it needs to reflect where you are today.

As you approach retirement, your portfolio should aim to do two things:

Support your near-term income needs

Maintain growth potential for future years

That balance is achievable—with a strategy that adapts to your timeline.

4. The Bucket Strategy Can Help Manage Market Volatility

Short-term expenses in one bucket. Long-term growth in another.

This framework continues to resonate with many pre-retirees because it helps separate today’s needs from tomorrow’s growth goals. It can also reduce emotional decision-making when markets fluctuate.

While no strategy eliminates risk, structured planning may offer more confidence during uncertain times.

5. Taxes, Social Security, Medicare, and Estate Planning Are Interconnected

One of the biggest “aha” moments from the webinar was seeing how these elements influence each other.

When you take Social Security affects your taxable income

What you withdraw and from where can influence Medicare premiums

How you sequence distributions can affect your tax bracket

Estate planning helps align all of this with the people and causes that matter most

There’s no single right answer—but there’s a right answer for you. And starting early helps preserve more options.

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What Happens Now?

Planning for retirement is a process—not a one-time event. And we’re here to help you take the next step.

If you’d like help running your numbers, reviewing your withdrawal strategy, evaluating your Social Security options, or building a more complete pre-retirement plan, our team is here to support you.

Schedule a conversation with intellicents anytime at 800-880-4015.

Your retirement should feel intentional, informed, and aligned with your life goals. We’d love to help you build it.

⚠️ Disclosures

This communication is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute investment, tax, legal, or retirement advice. The examples and strategies discussed are for illustrative purposes and may not be appropriate for all individuals. Investment advisory services may be offered through intellicents, an SEC-registered investment adviser. Please consult a qualified financial or tax professional regarding your personal situation.