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Protected Income

Retirement planning insights and strategies from Mike Stevens and Capital Wealth Advisors.

15 MIN READ 2/8/2025
retirement planning financial planning

Originally aired on KAOX, KID, KNRS, and KSL

Protected Income: The Secret Weapon Utah Retirees Need to Sleep Soundly Through Market Storms

Published: February 8, 2025 Author: Mike Stevens, Capital Wealth Advisors Episode: Retire Right Radio, February 8, 2025

Originally aired on KAOX, KID, KNRS, and KSL. This comprehensive guide is based on the February 8, 2025 episode of Retire Right Radio with Mike Stevens, founder and president of Capital Wealth Advisors.


Introduction: The Retirement Regrets That Keep Utah Families Awake at Night

Imagine lying in bed at 2 AM, staring at the ceiling, wondering if you'll have enough money to last through retirement. Your 401(k) has been riding the market roller coaster for decades, and now that you're approaching – or already in – retirement, every market dip sends your stomach churning and your stress levels soaring.

You're not alone. Across Utah, from the foothills of Park City to the red rocks of St. George, retirees are losing sleep over one fundamental question: "How do I make sure I won't run out of money?" The traditional advice of "just stay invested in the market" feels hollow when you're 67 years old and watching your nest egg fluctuate by tens of thousands of dollars every month.

This is where protected income becomes not just a smart financial strategy, but a necessity for peace of mind. While 90% of consumers believe protecting their hard-earned retirement assets is important, most don't understand how to actually achieve this protection. The result? A generation of Utah retirees living with unnecessary anxiety about their financial future.

Today, we're going to explore the biggest regrets retirees face, why traditional retirement advice falls short in today's economic environment, and most importantly, how protected income strategies can give you the confidence to truly enjoy your golden years – whether you're planning to fish the Green River, ski Park City's slopes, or simply enjoy time with grandchildren in your Draper backyard.


🔑 Key Takeaways

Retirement Regret Reality: Nearly 50% of retirees say debt was a stumbling block that prevented them from saving adequately for retirement

Credit Card Crisis: About 70% of retirees carry outstanding credit card debt, up dramatically from 40% just four years ago

Social Security Complexity: There are over 567 different filing combinations for married couples – and Social Security Administration won't tell you which is best

Overconfidence Problem: About 30% of households wrongly assume they're prepared for retirement, with high-earning families being the most overconfident

Protected Income Gap: Only 25% of Americans have a written retirement income plan, leaving 75% vulnerable to market volatility at the worst possible time


The Five Biggest Retirement Regrets and How to Avoid Them

Regret #1: "I Didn't Save Enough for Retirement"

This is the most common regret we hear at Capital Wealth Advisors, but here's the surprising truth: it's often not about the actual dollar amount. The regret stems from not having a clear plan that shows exactly how much is "enough."

The Comparison Trap

As Mike points out on the show, most people compare themselves to their neighbors without seeing the complete financial picture. Your neighbor might have a new side-by-side ATV and a vacation home in St. George, but what you don't see is the mountain of debt financing that lifestyle, or the fact that they're spending every penny they earn with no retirement savings.

The Reality Check

At Capital Wealth, we see people "financially naked" – meaning we see the complete truth of their financial situation. Surprisingly, many Utah families are in much better shape than they think. We've had clients come in feeling financially stressed, convinced they're behind, only to discover they could have retired two years earlier with proper planning.

The Solution: Customized Planning

You're not your neighbor, your coworker, or your brother-in-law. You need a retirement plan customized specifically for your situation, lifestyle goals, and risk tolerance. This is where our Retirement Money Map becomes invaluable – it shows you exactly where you stand and what's truly possible.

Regret #2: "I Started Collecting Social Security Too Soon"

This regret can cost Utah retirees tens or even hundreds of thousands of dollars over their lifetime. The complexity of Social Security decisions has created a perfect storm of poor choices driven by fear and misinformation.

The Fear-Based Marketing Problem

Radio ads screaming "Get your Social Security now before it's too late!" or "Claim it before it's gone!" have created unnecessary panic. While the Social Security system does need improvements and faces funding challenges, it's not disappearing. The program is too important to too many Americans for politicians to let it fail completely.

The 567 Combinations Reality

Here's a staggering fact: there are over 567 different filing strategies for married couples filing jointly. Even more frustrating? By law, the Social Security Administration cannot and will not advise you on which strategy is best for your situation. They can only explain the rules, not optimize your benefits.

Real Utah Examples:

  • Early Filing at 62: Reduces benefits by approximately 25-30% for life
  • Full Retirement Age (67 for most): Provides 100% of calculated benefits
  • Delayed Filing Until 70: Increases benefits by 8% per year after full retirement age

Case Study: Salt Lake City Couple A recently married couple from Salt Lake City came to our office. The husband had filed early at 62, reducing his monthly benefit from a potential $2,800 to $1,960. Over a 20-year retirement, this early filing will cost them over $200,000 in lost benefits – money that can never be recovered.

Regret #3: "Debt Derailed My Retirement Dreams"

This regret has reached crisis levels among Utah retirees. Nearly 50% report that debt was a major obstacle to retirement savings, with credit card debt affecting 70% of retirees – up from just 40% four years ago.

The Inflation-Debt Spiral

Rising costs for everything from groceries in Murray to gas in Ogden have forced many pre-retirees and retirees to rely on credit cards to bridge the gap. When eggs cost $9 per carton instead of the expected $2.50, many families put the difference on credit cards, creating a dangerous cycle.

Lou Ann's Success Story

Our radio co-host Lou Ann Fulmer shared a powerful personal story on the show. At age 50, she and her husband Bobby were drowning in debt with a large house payment, college expenses for their son, and costly dance competition expenses for their daughter. Despite feeling embarrassed about "downsizing," they made the tough decision to sell their large home and move into a townhome.

The Liberation Result:

  • Eliminated house debt completely
  • Freed up hundreds monthly for retirement savings
  • Improved their marriage by removing financial stress
  • Gained access to amenities (like a pool) they couldn't afford before
  • Discovered their new home had the same square footage as their previous house

Utah-Specific Debt Solutions:

Housing Strategy: Utah's strong real estate market provides opportunities for strategic downsizing. Consider moving from expensive Wasatch Front locations to more affordable areas like Cedar City or Moab while maintaining quality of life.

Property Tax Advantages: Utah's relatively low property tax rates make downsizing even more attractive, as you'll save on both mortgage payments and ongoing property costs.

Regret #4: "I Retired Without Purpose and Now I'm Miserable"

This regret surprises many people, but it's incredibly common. After decades of career identity, many retirees struggle with the sudden loss of purpose and structure.

The "Sweatpants and Talk Shows" Trap

As Mike colorfully describes, some retirees fall into a pattern of getting up with no purpose, wearing sweatpants all day, and watching talk shows. What starts as a relaxing break from decades of work quickly becomes a source of depression and regret.

The Balance Problem

Retirement shouldn't be about extreme scenarios:

  • Too much golf: Even golf enthusiasts get tired of playing every day, and spouses get tired of being golf widows/widowers
  • Too much travel: Constant travel can drain retirement savings and become exhausting
  • Too much babysitting: While grandchildren are wonderful, becoming a full-time unpaid babysitter isn't the retirement dream most people envisioned

Creating Retirement Purpose

Successful Utah retirees typically combine several elements:

  • Volunteer work: Many find fulfillment helping local charities or community organizations
  • Part-time employment: Using professional skills in a reduced-stress environment
  • Hobbies and learning: Pursuing interests that were neglected during working years
  • Family time: Meaningful (not overwhelming) involvement with family
  • Travel and adventure: Taking advantage of Utah's incredible outdoor recreation opportunities

Regret #5: "I Made Assumptions Instead of Having a Real Plan"

The Center for Retirement Research at Boston College found that about 30% of households wrongly assume they're prepared for retirement. Surprisingly, high-earning households are the most overconfident.

The High-Earner Trap

Mike shared an example from his practice: a plastic surgeon making over a million dollars annually who was also spending over a million dollars annually. Despite the impressive income, this high earner was just three paychecks away from financial trouble – a skiing accident or any interruption to his practice could have been financially devastating.

The Social Media Comparison Problem

Instagram and TikTok have made the comparison trap worse than ever. People see curated highlight reels of others' lives – the beach vacations, luxury purchases, and perfect moments – without seeing the debt, stress, or financial reality behind the scenes.

The Old Rules Don't Work

The traditional 4% withdrawal rule (withdrawing 4% of your portfolio annually) was developed in a different economic environment. Today's retirees face challenges that make this rule obsolete:

  • Higher future tax rates due to massive national debt
  • Persistent inflation after 30 years of historically low inflation
  • Healthcare cost inflation exceeding general inflation rates
  • Market volatility with information moving at internet speed instead of newspaper pace

Understanding Protected Income: More Than Just Annuities

What Protected Income Really Means

Many people hear "protected income" and immediately think of annuities – often with negative connotations based on past bad experiences or horror stories. But protected income is actually a broader category that includes any income source guaranteed not to lose value due to market volatility.

Mike's Vehicle Analogy

As Mike explains on the show, saying "annuity" is like saying "vehicle." A vehicle could be:

  • A motorcycle
  • A mountain bike
  • A car
  • A truck
  • A snowmobile
  • A helicopter

Each serves different purposes and has different characteristics. Similarly, annuities come in many forms:

  • Fixed annuities
  • Variable annuities
  • Fixed index annuities
  • Immediate annuities
  • Deferred annuities

Fixed Index Annuities: Our Preferred Tool

At Capital Wealth Advisors, we primarily use fixed index annuities for our protected income bucket because they offer:

Zero Market Risk: If the S&P 500 drops 20%, your account doesn't lose a penny Growth Potential: Your gains are typically linked to market index performance (with caps) Low/No Fees: Many quality products have 0% annual fees Liquidity Options: Access to portions of your money when needed Income Guarantees: Options for guaranteed lifetime income streams

How the Growth Mechanism Works:

  • Your gains are linked to an index (like the S&P 500)
  • If the index goes up 15%, you might earn 10% (due to a cap)
  • If the index drops 25%, you earn 0% (protected by the floor)
  • Your previous gains are locked in and can never be lost

Protected vs. Unprotected Income Sources

Protected Income Sources:

Social Security (Mostly Protected): Provides cost-of-living adjustments, though the timing and amounts may not perfectly match inflation

Fixed Index Annuities: Principal protected with growth potential

Some Pension Plans: Though many corporate pensions have failed over the years

Immediate Annuities: Guaranteed income for life, though without inflation protection

Unprotected Income Sources:

Stock Market Investments: Subject to market volatility – can lose significant value when you need income most

Bond Investments: Contrary to popular belief, bonds are NOT protected income. Bond values fluctuate inversely with interest rates. In today's higher interest rate environment, many bond portfolios have lost 10-20% of their value.

Bank Savings: While FDIC insured, bank savings lose purchasing power to inflation over time

Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs): Subject to market fluctuations and economic cycles

The Two-Bucket Strategy in Action

Bucket #1: Protected Income (40-60% of Portfolio)

This bucket uses fixed index annuities and other protected income sources to provide:

  • Monthly income during market downturns
  • Principal protection against market losses
  • Some growth potential during good market years
  • Peace of mind knowing this money is safe

Bucket #2: Growth Investments (40-60% of Portfolio)

This bucket contains diversified stock portfolios with companies Utah residents know:

  • Apple (technology you use daily)
  • Tesla (increasingly common on Utah highways)
  • Microsoft (powering local businesses)
  • Home Depot (weekend project supplies)
  • Google (essential business tool)

How the Strategy Works:

During Bull Markets: We may take some profits from the growth bucket and potentially add to the protected bucket for rebalancing

During Bear Markets: We draw income from the protected bucket, allowing the growth bucket to recover without forcing sales at losses

Recovery Periods: The growth bucket participates in market rebounds while the protected bucket continues generating steady income


Real Questions from Our Utah Listeners

"I'm burnt out at work and considering early retirement, but I'm not sure if I can afford it. How do I figure out my timeline?"

Mike's Answer: This is one of the most common questions we hear, especially since COVID changed many people's perspective on work-life balance. The awakening many experienced during the pandemic made them question: "Am I working because I need to financially, or because I find fulfillment in what I do?"

Here's the surprising truth: many people are much closer to financial independence than they realize. We've had clients come in feeling burnt out and financially stressed, only to discover they could have retired two years earlier with proper planning.

Our goal at Capital Wealth Advisors is to help people retire two to three years sooner than they thought possible. This happens because:

  1. Portfolio vs. Plan Confusion: Most people have portfolios but lack comprehensive retirement income plans
  2. Conservative Assumptions: Many underestimate their financial position due to market fear
  3. Incomplete Analysis: They haven't optimized Social Security, tax strategies, or withdrawal sequences

For Utah residents specifically, consider these factors:

  • Lower cost of living in many Utah communities compared to coastal areas
  • No state tax on Social Security benefits
  • Strong local economy providing part-time work opportunities if desired
  • Excellent healthcare systems with competitive costs

"My husband retired last year and seems really unhappy. Should he get a part-time job?"

Mike's Answer: Absolutely, if it provides purpose and fulfillment. Many retirees struggle with losing their professional identity after 30-40 years of career focus. Going from being "Dr. Smith" or "Engineer Jones" to just "another retiree" can be devastating psychologically.

However, there are important considerations for Utah retirees:

Social Security Impact: If you're collecting Social Security benefits and are younger than full retirement age (typically 67), returning to work can trigger benefit reductions. The good news is these aren't permanently lost – they're recalculated and paid out over your lifetime once you reach full retirement age.

Tax Strategy Impact: If you're implementing Roth conversion strategies (converting traditional IRA money to tax-free Roth IRAs), part-time work income might push you into higher tax brackets, making the conversions less advantageous.

Recommendation: Before making any decisions, run the numbers with both a financial advisor and a CPA to understand all implications.

"I'm 61 and can start collecting Social Security next year. I'm not ready to quit working. Should I take Social Security now to save more for retirement?"

Mike's Answer: This is a classic example of the Social Security complexity problem. The answer depends entirely on your specific situation, but here are the key factors:

Early Filing Penalties: Taking Social Security at 62 instead of your full retirement age (likely 67) reduces your benefits by approximately 25-30% for life. That reduction is permanent.

Working While Collecting: If you continue working while collecting early Social Security, you may face earnings limits that further reduce your benefits.

Longevity Considerations: If you have good health and longevity in your family history, delaying Social Security often makes financial sense. If you have health concerns or shorter life expectancy in your family, earlier claiming might be appropriate.

The 567 Combinations Problem: For married couples, there are over 567 different Social Security filing strategies. Each family's optimal strategy depends on:

  • Both spouses' earning histories
  • Age differences between spouses
  • Health and longevity expectations
  • Other retirement income sources
  • Tax considerations

Utah-Specific Advantage: Utah doesn't tax Social Security benefits, making the state tax-friendly for retirees regardless of when you claim.

"We have a family business that's been going for three generations. My son plans to keep it running. How do I figure out my exit strategy?"

Mike's Answer: Family business succession planning is one of the most complex but rewarding aspects of retirement planning. You're fortunate to have a family member willing and able to continue the business.

Begin with the End in Mind: We need to work backward from your retirement lifestyle goals:

  1. Monthly expense calculation: What do you want your retirement lifestyle to look like?
  2. Inflation adjustments: How will costs increase over the next 10-30 years?
  3. Tax planning: What will future tax rates likely be?
  4. Healthcare cost projections: Medical expenses typically increase faster than general inflation

Business Valuation Strategy: The business needs professional valuation to determine:

  • Current fair market value
  • Growth projections over the next 10 years
  • Your required income replacement needs
  • Optimal sale/transfer structure (outright sale, seller financing, gradual transition)

Utah Advantage: Utah's business-friendly environment and strong economy make family business transitions potentially more valuable than in other states.

Tax Considerations: Different transition structures have vastly different tax implications:

  • Outright sale may trigger significant capital gains
  • Installment sales spread tax impact over time
  • Family limited partnerships can provide tax advantages
  • Gifting strategies can minimize estate taxes

Our Retirement Money Map Process: We stress-test various scenarios to ensure that regardless of business performance, tax changes, or economic conditions, you'll have sufficient retirement income.


The Annuity Analysis: Separating Good from Bad

The Dinner Seminar Problem

Many Utah retirees have negative associations with annuities due to high-pressure dinner seminar sales tactics. The typical scenario:

  1. Free dinner at a nice restaurant
  2. Scary presentation about market risks
  3. One-size-fits-all annuity solution
  4. High-pressure sales tactics
  5. Hidden fees and restrictions discovered later

The Fee Shock Reality

We regularly see clients who purchased annuities at dinner seminars paying 2-4% annually in fees – sometimes without even knowing it. Over a 20-year retirement, these fees can cost tens of thousands of dollars.

Example: A $200,000 annuity charging 3% annual fees costs $6,000 per year, or $120,000 over 20 years – often more than the total gains the product provides.

Our Comprehensive Annuity Analysis

When clients bring us existing annuities for review, we analyze:

Fee Structure:

  • Annual management fees
  • Surrender charge schedules
  • Rider costs and benefits
  • Hidden administrative fees

Performance Comparison:

  • Historical returns vs. alternatives
  • Cap rates and participation rates
  • Floor protection benefits
  • Liquidity restrictions

Suitability Assessment:

  • Does the product match current needs?
  • Are there better alternatives available?
  • How does it fit with overall retirement strategy?

Tax Implications:

  • Current tax treatment
  • Surrender tax consequences
  • Alternative tax strategies

What Makes a Good Fixed Index Annuity

Low or No Annual Fees: Quality products often charge 0% annually for basic benefits

Reasonable Cap Rates: Typically 8-12% annual caps on gains, depending on market conditions

Strong Insurance Company: A+ rated companies with long track records and strong financial positions

Flexible Access: Typically 10% annual penalty-free withdrawals after the first year

Realistic Expectations: Companies that clearly explain both benefits and limitations

Competitive Surrender Schedules: Decreasing surrender charges over 5-10 years, not excessive long-term restrictions


The Planning vs. Portfolio Distinction

Why Most Retirement Advice Fails

The financial services industry has trained people to focus on accumulation – growing their 401(k) and IRA balances as large as possible. But accumulation is only half the equation. The bigger challenge is decumulation – efficiently withdrawing money during retirement.

Traditional Advisor Focus:

  • Beat the market benchmarks
  • Maximize returns during working years
  • Generic age-based asset allocation models
  • Little consideration for withdrawal strategies

Capital Wealth Advisors Focus:

  • Optimize retirement income streams
  • Minimize taxes over lifetime
  • Create sustainable withdrawal strategies
  • Integrate Social Security optimization
  • Plan for healthcare cost increases
  • Legacy and estate planning

The Retirement Money Map Difference

Our proprietary Retirement Money Map differs from typical financial plans in several key ways:

Planning Horizon: We plan to age 100, not just life expectancy

Stress Testing: We model extreme scenarios:

  • Tax rates increasing by 50%
  • Inflation averaging 6-8% annually
  • Healthcare costs rising faster than general inflation
  • Market crashes early in retirement
  • Long-term care needs for one or both spouses

Income-Centric Approach: Instead of focusing on account balances, we focus on sustainable income throughout retirement

Tax Diversification: We create tax-diversified withdrawal strategies using:

  • Tax-deferred accounts (traditional 401k/IRA)
  • Tax-free accounts (Roth IRA)
  • Taxable accounts (regular investment accounts)

Flexibility Planning: We build in flexibility for changing circumstances, market conditions, and personal preferences


Utah-Specific Retirement Advantages

Tax Benefits for Utah Retirees

No Social Security Tax: Utah doesn't tax Social Security benefits, unlike many other states

Retirement Tax Credit: Utah offers tax credits for residents 65 and older, reducing tax burden on retirement income

Lower Property Taxes: Utah's property tax rates are generally lower than national averages

No Estate Tax: Utah doesn't impose state estate taxes, simplifying legacy planning

Cost of Living Advantages

Housing Diversity: From affordable small towns to luxury resort communities, Utah offers retirement housing options for every budget

Healthcare Value: Utah consistently ranks among the top states for healthcare quality and value

Recreation Access: World-class skiing, hiking, and outdoor activities available at reasonable costs

Strong Economy: Utah's diverse, stable economy provides opportunities for part-time work and small business ventures

Community and Lifestyle Benefits

Active Aging Culture: Utah's outdoor lifestyle and health-conscious culture support active aging

Strong Community Networks: Close-knit communities provide social support important for retirement wellbeing

Educational Opportunities: Multiple universities and community colleges offer lifelong learning programs

Cultural Amenities: From Salt Lake City's cultural district to outdoor amphitheaters, Utah offers rich cultural experiences


Avoiding the 25% Problem: Why You Need a Written Plan

The statistic is startling: only 25% of Americans have a written retirement income plan. This means 75% of retirees are flying blind through what should be the most enjoyable years of their lives.

What a Real Retirement Plan Includes

Comprehensive Income Strategy:

  • Social Security optimization analysis
  • 401(k)/IRA withdrawal sequencing
  • Tax-efficient Roth conversion planning
  • Protected income allocation
  • Growth investment strategy

Risk Management:

  • Long-term care planning
  • Healthcare cost projections
  • Inflation protection strategies
  • Market volatility buffers
  • Legacy planning considerations

Flexibility Components:

  • Plan adjustment triggers
  • Regular review schedules
  • Contingency strategies
  • Lifestyle change accommodations

The Consequences of Not Having a Plan

Emotional Stress: Constant worry about market fluctuations and running out of money

Poor Decision Making: Reactive decisions based on fear rather than strategy

Tax Inefficiency: Paying unnecessarily high taxes due to poor withdrawal sequencing

Sequence of Returns Risk: Running out of money due to poor market timing early in retirement

Missed Opportunities: Failing to optimize Social Security, healthcare benefits, or tax strategies


Taking Action: Your Next Steps

Signs You Need Protected Income Planning

You're within 5-10 years of retirement and don't have a comprehensive income plan

Market volatility keeps you awake at night worrying about your financial future

You're not sure if you can afford retirement despite years of saving

You've received conflicting advice from different financial professionals

You want to retire early but need confidence in your financial security

You're already retired but stressed about market volatility affecting your income

What to Expect in Your Complimentary Visit

Comprehensive Financial Review: We'll look at all your assets, income sources, and expenses

Social Security Analysis: We'll run scenarios to optimize your claiming strategy

Tax Strategy Discussion: We'll identify opportunities to minimize lifetime tax burden

Protected Income Assessment: We'll determine the optimal allocation between safety and growth

Retirement Timeline Projection: We'll show you realistic retirement dates based on your goals

No Sales Pressure: Our focus is education and finding the right strategy for your situation


Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Are annuities always a good idea for protected income?

A: Not always. Annuities are tools, and like any tool, they need to be appropriate for your specific situation. We typically recommend fixed index annuities for a portion of retirement portfolios – usually 40-60% – but never as a complete solution. The right percentage depends on your risk tolerance, other income sources, and overall financial situation.

Q: How much of my retirement portfolio should be in protected income?

A: This varies by individual, but we typically recommend 40-60% in protected income sources for retirees. Factors that influence this percentage include your comfort with market volatility, other guaranteed income sources (Social Security, pensions), your health and longevity expectations, and your legacy goals.

Q: Is Social Security really protected income?

A: Social Security is mostly protected but not perfectly so. It provides cost-of-living adjustments and is unlikely to disappear completely. However, the system faces funding challenges that may require modifications – potentially including benefit reductions, tax increases, or retirement age changes. This is why we recommend not relying solely on Social Security for retirement security.

Q: What's the difference between fixed, variable, and fixed index annuities?

A: Fixed annuities provide guaranteed interest rates but typically offer lower returns. Variable annuities allow investment in mutual fund-like options but provide no protection against market losses and often have high fees. Fixed index annuities offer the best of both worlds – protection against losses with growth potential linked to market indexes, typically with lower fees than variable annuities.

Q: How do I know if I'm paying too much in annuity fees?

A: Annual fees above 2% are generally too high for most annuities. Many quality fixed index annuities charge 0-1% annually. If you're unsure about your current annuity's fees, we offer complimentary annuity analyses to help you understand exactly what you're paying and whether better options are available.

Q: Can I still access my money if I put it in an annuity?

A: Most annuities allow penalty-free withdrawals of 10% of the account value annually after the first year. However, annuities are designed for long-term retirement planning, not short-term liquidity needs. We typically recommend keeping 6-12 months of expenses in more liquid accounts outside of annuities.

Q: What happens to my annuity if the insurance company fails?

A: Annuities are backed by state guarantee associations, which provide protection similar to FDIC insurance for banks, though the amounts vary by state. We only work with A+ rated insurance companies with long track records and strong financial positions to minimize this risk.

Q: How does protected income help with sequence of returns risk?

A: Sequence of returns risk is the danger of experiencing poor market performance early in retirement when you're taking withdrawals. Our two-bucket strategy addresses this by providing income from protected sources during market downturns, allowing growth investments time to recover without forcing sales at losses.


Your Next Step: Don't Let Regrets Define Your Retirement

Don't join the ranks of retirees lying awake at night worried about their financial future. The peace of mind that comes from having protected income as part of your retirement strategy is invaluable – and it's achievable with the right planning.

Whether you're dealing with debt that's derailing your retirement dreams, confused about Social Security timing, or simply want to ensure your nest egg lasts throughout retirement, Capital Wealth Advisors has helped thousands of Utah families navigate these challenges successfully.

Remember, 75% of Americans don't have a written retirement income plan. Don't be in that vulnerable majority when market storms hit or economic conditions change. The time to plan is now, while you still have options and opportunities.

Ready to build your protected income strategy?

📞 Call: 801-210-5500 📱 Text "VISIT" to 801-210-5500
🌐 Visit: capitalwealth.com

Capital Wealth Advisors — helping Utah families retire right since 2010.

Special Offer: The next five callers who mention this article will receive a complimentary Retirement Money Map – our comprehensive analysis that shows exactly how protected income fits into your specific retirement strategy and helps you avoid the regrets that keep other retirees awake at night.

Also, if you currently own an annuity and want to understand exactly what you have – including fees, benefits, and whether better options are available – we offer complimentary annuity analyses with no obligation.

Don't let retirement regrets steal your golden years. Take action today.


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