A strategic lens for professionals and pre-retirees

As we move into 2026, the financial landscape continues to shift—economically, politically, and structurally. For professionals in their 40s, 50s, and early 60s, this is no longer a time for “set it and forget it” financial thinking. It’s a time for clarity, strategy, and intentional decisions.

Below are the key financial considerations you should be thinking through in 2026—especially if retirement is within the next 5–15 years.

1. Income Planning Matters More Than Account Balances

For decades, the focus has been on accumulation: How much do I have?

In 2026, the smarter question is: How will my money reliably pay me when I stop working?

Market volatility, inflation, and longer life expectancy have made income planning essential. Your retirement strategy should clearly answer:

Where your guaranteed income will come from
How much income is protected from market loss
How long your income is designed to last

Retirement success is no longer about chasing the highest return—it’s about ensuring you don’t run out of money.

2. Rethink Over-Reliance on 401(k)s

Many high-earning professionals are discovering that a large 401(k) balance doesn’t automatically equal a strong retirement plan.

In 2026, key questions include:

How exposed is your retirement to market downturns?
What happens to your income if you retire during a bad market year?
How much of your 401(k) will eventually be lost to taxes?

Diversifying how your retirement money works—across tax treatment, risk exposure, and income guarantees—has become increasingly important.

3. Taxes Are a Silent Retirement Risk

Tax strategy is often overlooked until it’s too late.

With national debt concerns and ongoing discussions around future tax changes, 2026 is a critical year to:

Understand how much of your retirement income may be taxable
Explore tax-advantaged growth strategies
Reduce the likelihood of large Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) later

A strong retirement plan doesn’t just grow money—it controls when and how it’s taxed.

4. Social Security Should Be Strategically Coordinated

Social Security is not “automatic.” The timing of when and how you claim benefits can mean tens or even hundreds of thousands of dollars over your lifetime.

In 2026, consider:

When claiming benefits best fits your income plan
How spousal benefits, survivor benefits, and longevity factor in
How Social Security integrates with your other income sources

Social Security works best when it’s coordinated, not claimed by default.

5. Protection Is Just as Important as Growth

Economic uncertainty has highlighted the importance of financial protection:

Protection from market loss
Protection from rising healthcare costs
Protection for your spouse and family

In 2026, many families are prioritizing safe-money strategies alongside growth—seeking predictability, guarantees, and peace of mind rather than constant exposure to risk.

6. Legacy and Family Planning Are Front and Center

More families are thinking beyond retirement and asking:

What happens to our assets if something happens to us?
How efficiently will wealth transfer to our children?
Are our financial decisions aligned with our values?

Legacy planning is not only about wealth—it’s about intentional stewardship.

The Bottom Line for 2026

2026 is a year for moving from uncertainty to strategy.

If retirement is approaching, this is the time to:

Shift from accumulation to income planning
Reduce unnecessary risk and tax exposure
Coordinate Social Security intentionally
Build a plan designed for longevity, stability, and confidence

The most important financial decision in 2026 may not be what you invest in—but how well your plan is designed.

Next Step
If you haven’t reviewed your retirement strategy recently, 2026 is the year to do so. A thoughtful, personalized conversation can help you see where you’re strong—and where adjustments could make a meaningful difference for your future.

What to Be Thinking About Financially in 2026