Insights topic

Retirement Planning

Turning savings, Social Security, and pensions into a paycheck that lasts

"Am I going to be okay" is the real question behind most retirement planning, and it deserves a better answer than a single number. The answer is a plan for turning what you have saved into a paycheck that lasts, coordinated with Social Security, any pension, and the taxes that come with each source.

The retirement income guide is the place to start. Around it sit Anton's UPdates on retiring during volatile markets and on whether you can really retire, and the Roth conversion guide for the low bracket years between work and required distributions. Everything here is general education, written for people within about ten years of the decision on either side.

Featured guide

Retirement Planning

A Retirement Income Planning Guide to Withdrawal Order

Compare taxable, traditional retirement, and Roth withdrawal treatments, then see how Social Security, pensions, and required distributions can change the order.

  • A taxable, traditional retirement, then Roth withdrawal order is a starting point, not a rule. Social Security, pensions, Roth conversions, required minimum distributions (RMDs), and concentrated positions can change the sequence.
  • The 4% withdrawal rule (Bengen, 1994) is a starting reference point, not a guarantee. Modern research suggests 3.5% to 4% may be a more conservative range for a 30-year retirement.

Nyle Bayer · Published · 10 min read

Read the guide →

More in Retirement Planning

Retirement Planning

Can You Really Retire?

Almost every day we have conversations with clients and friends about their concerns about having enough money to enjoy retirement. I mean truly enjoying all the years after retiring without watching budgets and constant

Anton Bayer · June 25, 2025 · 7 min read

Retirement Planning

Retirement During Volatile Markets

Many of our retired clients had successful careers and are now enjoying their retirement years. Stock market volatility is difficult to navigate for investors and even more challenging for those already retired. The diff

Anton Bayer · May 28, 2025 · 6 min read

Retirement Planning

The Changing American Population

This year, there are more people turning 65 years old in America than at any other time in history. Baby Boomers, those born between 1946 and 1964, are now between the ages of 60 and 78

Anton Bayer · February 16, 2024 · 9 min read

Retirement Planning

The Disappearing 401K Plan

On September 2, 1974, President Ford signed into law the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA). This was the beginning of establishing additional rights for employees as participants in company retireme

Anton Bayer · July 19, 2023 · 6 min read

← All Insights

Have a decision like this in front of you? Schedule a Conversation with Up.

For general education only, not individualized tax or investment advice. Up Capital Management is a Registered Investment Adviser.