NAVIGATOR 2 | What If I Run Out of Money?

A comprehensive guide to building confidence, clarity, and freedom in retirement.

MEET GEORGE George had planned well. He saved consistently. Avoided unnecessary debt. Did what responsible people do.

But retirement brought an unexpected companion: uncertainty. At night, when the world was quiet, his thoughts wandered to questions no spreadsheet answered easily.

What if inflation rises faster than expected? What if healthcare costs spike? What if one of us lives much longer than planned?

It wasn’t fear of being poor. It was the fear of becoming dependent or living smaller than necessary out of caution. George didn’t want more money. He wanted confidence.

“How do I know my money will last - and that I can live without constant second-guessing?”

WHAT THIS NAVIGATOR IS:

A practical guide to understanding how long your money lasts, how spending and risk interact, and how to build confidence around sustainable lifestyle choices.

A Checklist: To Help You Ask Some Important Questions.

Spending Awareness

☐ Do I know what I actually spend each year?

☐ Have I separated needs from discretionary spending?

☐ Do I understand how spending may change over time?

Income Sources

☐ Guaranteed income sources identified

☐ Market-dependent income understood

☐ Withdrawal rates realistic

Longevity & Health

☐ Have I planned for a long life?

☐ Have I accounted for healthcare inflation?

☐ Have I considered long-term care scenarios?

Market Risk

☐ Sequence-of-returns risk understood

☐ Portfolio stress-tested

☐ Liquidity available

Behavior & Confidence

☐ Do I feel guilt spending money I earned?

☐ Am I living too cautiously?

☐ Do I trust my plan?

ACTION PLAN

1. Identify safe spending range

2. Separate essential and flexible expenses

3. Stress-test the plan

4. Plan for longevity, not averages

5. Review healthcare and care costs

6. Build liquidity buffers

7. Align investments with income needs

8. Create a one-year spending plan

9. Review annually

10.  Adjust calmly, not reactively

WHAT TO DO NOW

Today

• Write down your best estimate of annual spending.
  

This Month

• Build a three-tier spending map.

• Stress-test scenarios.

This Year

• Review annually as markets and life evolve.

Schedule a Conversation: We are right here if you need us. For whatever questions you have. We can help confirm sustainable spending limits! 

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gentian@raymondjames.com | PH 262.518.7575 | 12740 N River Road, Mequon, WI

Opinions expressed in the attached article are those of the author/speaker and are not necessarily those of Raymond James. All opinions are as of this date and are subject to change without notice. Securities offered through Raymond James Financial Services, Inc., member FINRA/SIPC. Investment advisory services are offered through Raymond James Financial Services Advisors, Inc. Gentian Financial Inc is not a registered broker/dealer and is independent of Raymond James Financial Services.