Bridge Strategy How It Works When It Shines Trade-Offs Short-Term Bond or CD Ladder Buy Treasuries or brokered CDs that mature each year until benefits start; spend both interest and principal You value certainty and are comfortable earmarking assets for the gap Yields are lower than the “implied return” on delaying Social Security, and tying up cash can reduce portfolio flexibility Deferred or Period-Certain Income Annuity Exchange a lump sum for guaranteed monthly payments that stop when Social Security begins (period-certain) or start later (deferred income annuity) You want paycheck-like stability and are willing to trade liquidity for mortality credits Irrevocable; payments from IRAs are fully taxable and may raise Medicare premiums Part-Time Work or Consulting Earn enough to cover part of the gap, reducing portfolio withdrawals You enjoy staying engaged and your health allows light work

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