Retirement Income Strategy Explained — How to Pay Yourself for Life

Retirement income can feel complex, but a steady retirement paycheck starts with a simple framework. James reframes withdrawal decisions, shows when a 5% starting rate can fit versus a conservative 4%, and explains sequence risk and flexible spending guardrails through a clear million dollar case study.

Taxes do the heavy lifting. Retirement income is taxed differently than wages, with no FICA on non wage income, only up to 85 percent of Social Security taxable, and long term capital gains often at 0 or 15 percent. Blending IRA withdrawals, brokerage draws, and Social Security can deliver the same 100,000 dollars of gross cash flow with a lighter tax bill than a 100,000 dollar salary. The discussion covers thresholds, brackets, senior standard deductions, and tactics to keep more of the portfolio compounding.

The episode then assembles the paycheck. IRA, brokerage, Roth, Social Security, and pension income are coordinated so deposits match real spending rhythms, with room for the retirement spending smile, one time expenses, healthcare, and annual tune ups as markets and laws evolve. The result is a practical blueprint for a steady, tax smart, personal retirement paycheck.

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⏱Timestamps:⏱

0:00 - The Retirement Paycheck Problem
0:16 - The Three-Step Framework
0:59 - Case Study: Individual With $1M in Investments
1:25 - #1: 'Understanding Your Portfolio's Sustainable Withdrawal Rate'
1:58 - The 4% Rule
3:30 - Setting A 5% Withdrawal For Mary
4:11 - #2: 'Factor In Taxes'
6:04 - Working-Year Taxes: Baseline
7:47 - Retirement Taxes: New Mix Of Income
10:15 - Capital Gains At 0% And 15%
13:51 - #3: 'Coordinate With Other Income Sources'
15:15 - Creating Your Own Paycheck
18:06 - Home Equity And One-Time Costs
18:24 - Final Thoughts & Working With Root

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Advisory services are offered through Root Financial Partners, LLC, an SEC-registered investment adviser. This content is intended for informational and educational purposes only and should not be considered personalized investment, tax, or legal advice. Viewing this content does not create an advisory relationship. We do not provide tax preparation or legal services. Always consult an investment, tax or legal professional regarding your specific situation.

The strategies, case studies, and examples discussed may not be suitable for everyone. They are hypothetical and for illustrative and educational purposes only. They do not reflect actual client results and are not guarantees of future performance. All investments involve risk, including the potential loss of principal.

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Participation in the Retirement Planning Academy or Early Retirement Academy does not create an advisory relationship with Root Financial. These programs are educational in nature and are not a substitute for personalized financial advice. Advisory services are offered only under a written agreement with Root Financial.