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Retirement Income Planning

Your Retirement Income Plan Starts Here

You spent decades earning a paycheck. Now your savings need to become one. We help you build a retirement income plan designed so you never run out of money before you run out of time.

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The Challenge

Saving for Retirement Is Only Half the Job

Most people spend 30 or 40 years saving for retirement. But almost nobody plans how to actually spend it. Social Security covers some of your monthly expenses. Maybe a pension covers more. But the gap between what comes in and what you actually need to live? That gap is where retirement plans fall apart.

That is where an income planner comes in. Unlike a general financial planner who focuses on helping you save during your working years, a retirement income planner focuses on the question that matters most once you stop working: how much can I spend each month without running out?

At American Retirement Advisors, income planning is what we do. We have been building retirement income plans for Arizona and Nevada families since 2001, and our projections have been within 1% accuracy over 20 years.

Our Framework

The Three Types of Money

Every retirement income plan is built from three types of money. The right balance between them is different for everyone. We show you the math and let you choose.

Yellow Money

Your Bank

Safe, liquid, always accessible

  • Checking, savings, credit union accounts
  • Fully insured by FDIC or NCUA
  • Complete access anytime, no restrictions
  • Low or no growth, but total safety
  • Purpose: emergency fund, daily expenses, immediate needs
Green Money

Guaranteed Income

Your paycheck that never stops

  • Guaranteed income for life through annuities
  • No fees on the base product
  • Grows tax-deferred until you need it
  • Cannot lose principal, fully insured
  • Avoids probate, passes 100% to beneficiaries
  • Includes long-term care protection options
  • Perfect for IRA and 401(k) rollovers
Red Money

Growth Investments

Managed risk for long-term growth

  • Market-based investments with growth potential
  • Extremely low-cost, fee-averse approach
  • Newer buffered products offer downside protection
  • Aligned to your risk tolerance and timeline
  • Complements guaranteed income, not replaces it
"Three different programs working together to make sure that you're not going to run out of money before you run out of time."

Some clients need more guaranteed income. Others want more growth. The right answer depends on your monthly expenses, your other income sources, your comfort with risk, and how much you want to leave behind. We show you the math for every scenario and help you choose the balance that fits your life.

The Difference That Matters

Financial Planner vs. Income Planner

A lot of people have a financial advisor. Not many have an income planner. Once you are within five years of retirement, the difference changes everything.

Traditional Approach

Financial Planner

Focuses on saving and investing
Grows your portfolio
Answers "how much should I save?"
Manages risk in the market
Builds wealth during working years
vs
What You Need Now

Income Planner

Focuses on spending and distributing
Turns your portfolio into a paycheck
Answers "how much can I spend?"
Manages risk of running out of income
Builds income during retirement years
Your Income Team

What We Coordinate for You

Social Security Timing

Optimized claiming strategy for you and your spouse for maximum lifetime income

Guaranteed Income

Annuity placement from top-rated carriers for income you cannot outlive

Tax-Efficient Withdrawals

Pull from the right accounts in the right order to minimize taxes every year

IRMAA Management

Keep your Medicare premiums from spiking with bracket-aware withdrawal planning

Roth Conversions

Reduce future required minimum distributions and create tax-free retirement income

401(k) & IRA Rollovers

Coordinate rollovers into income-producing vehicles with zero tax surprises

Pension Analysis

Lump sum vs. monthly payout comparison so you pick the option that pays you more

Income Projections

See exactly how long your money lasts under multiple scenarios before you decide

From Our Newsletter

Income Planner vs. Financial Planner: Why the Difference MattersRead article →What Is Retirement Income Planning (And Why Most Retirees Skip It)Read article →Retirement Income Planning in Scottsdale, ArizonaRead article →Retirement Income Planning in Las Vegas, NevadaRead article →

Want to see how the Three Types of Money would work with your specific numbers?

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How It Works

Your Retirement Income Plan in 5 Steps

Every income planning relationship starts the same way. No pressure, no pitch.

1

Discovery

We listen first. What do you want your retirement to look like? What income sources do you have? What are you worried about? Today is discovery day, not decision day. This meeting is at no cost to you and comes with no obligation.

2

Income Analysis

Our planning team maps every income source and models multiple scenarios. We show you exactly how much monthly income your savings can generate, how long it lasts, and what happens if the market drops. No guessing.

3

Three Types Allocation

Together, we determine the right balance of Yellow, Green, and Red Money for your situation. You see the math behind every recommendation and choose the balance that fits your life.

4

Implementation

We handle the paperwork, the rollovers, and the account setup. Our dedicated planning team coordinates everything so nothing falls through the cracks.

5

Annual Review

At least once a year, we sit down together and review your income plan. Life changes, markets shift, tax law evolves. Your retirement income plan should too.

Is This for You?

Retirement Income Planning Is Right for You If...

  • You are within 5 years of retiring and wondering how your savings become a paycheck
  • You are already retired and not sure if your current withdrawal strategy is costing you
  • You have a 401(k) or IRA and want to understand your rollover options
  • You want guaranteed income you cannot outlive
  • You and your spouse need a coordinated Social Security claiming strategy
  • You want to minimize taxes on your retirement withdrawals
Common Questions

Retirement Income Planning FAQ

Retirement income planning is the process of turning your savings, Social Security, pensions, and investments into reliable monthly income that lasts throughout retirement. It goes beyond accumulation (saving money) to focus on distribution (spending money without running out). A good income plan coordinates multiple income sources so you know exactly how much you can spend each month.
An income planner specializes in the distribution phase of retirement, focusing on turning your savings into guaranteed, reliable income. A general financial planner typically focuses on accumulation, helping you save and invest during your working years. Once you are approaching or in retirement, an income planner helps you answer the question that matters most: how much can I spend each month without running out?
Start by listing every income source: Social Security, pensions, annuities, rental income, and investment accounts. Then calculate your monthly expenses. The gap between income and expenses is what your savings need to fill. At American Retirement Advisors, we model different scenarios, optimize your Social Security timing, and allocate your savings between safe, guaranteed, and growth categories to close that gap reliably.
Most retirees need 70-85% of their pre-retirement income, but the real answer depends on your specific expenses, where you live, your health, and your goals. In Arizona, where Social Security is not taxed and the cost of living is lower than the coasts, many retirees find they need less than the national calculators suggest. A personalized income analysis shows you your specific number.
The Three Types of Money is American Retirement Advisors' framework for organizing retirement savings. Yellow Money is your bank (safe, liquid, always accessible). Green Money is guaranteed income through annuities (your paycheck that never stops). Red Money is growth investments (managed risk for long-term growth). The right balance between these three types depends on your individual needs and goals.
No. Your initial retirement discovery session with American Retirement Advisors is at no cost to you and comes with no obligation. We listen to your goals, review your current situation, and show you the income plan options in plain English. Offices in Scottsdale, Mesa, and Las Vegas, plus nationwide consultations via Zoom.

Your Savings Worked Hard for You.
Now Make Them Work in Retirement.

No pressure. No pitch. Just a conversation about how to turn what you have into income you can count on. We will show you the math.

Book Your Free Income Analysis(602) 281-3898