Episode #4
The 3 Seasons of Retirement & How to Plan For Them
Episode Description Are you assuming your retirement spending will be a flat line every year? For most retirees, spending actually looks like a "Retirement Smile" that moves through three distinct phases: the Go-Go, Slow-Go, and No-Go years. In this episode, host Darrin McComas breaks down how your spending habits change throughout retirement and how to align your assets using the Bucket Plan Framework and Tax-Efficient Funnels. Learn how to protect your money from market volatility, self-fund potential healthcare costs, and strategically time Roth conversions to avoid tax traps like IRMAA. Key Takeaways 1. The 3 Seasons of RetirementThe Go-Go Years (Ages ~60–70): Maximum discretionary spending for travel, hobbies, cruises, and active lifestyle goals. The Slow-Go Years (Mid to Late 70s): A slower pace focused on routines, family, and localized travel, resulting in lower overall discretionary spending. The No-Go Years (Ages 80+): Spending shifts from lifestyle to healthcare, prescriptions, and support services. 2. The "Retirement Smile" CurveTraditional planning often assumes a flat annual spending line, which doesn't reflect reality. Spending is typically higher in early retirement, drops during the slow-go years, and rises again late in life due to medical/caregiving costs. 3. The Bucket Plan FrameworkNow Bucket (0–12 Months): Safe, liquid assets designed to cover immediate lifestyle expenses and planned events without worrying about market downturns. Soon Bucket (5–10 Years): Conservative investments meant to replenish the "Now" bucket and buffer against sequence-of-returns risk. Later Bucket (10+ Years): Growth-focused assets designed for long-term inflation protection, legacy, and self-funding healthcare or long-term care. 4. Tax Funnels & Roth Conversion TimingBalancing assets across pre-tax, post-tax, and tax-advantaged (Roth) funnels prevents unintended tax bracket jumps, Social Security taxation, or IRMAA surcharges. Roth Conversion Tip: Executing Roth conversions during the Slow-Go years (when spending and income drop) can allow you to convert IRA funds at lower tax rates. ⏱️ Chapter Timestamps 00:00 – Introduction & Vacation Recap 00:50 – The 3 Seasons of Retirement: Go-Go, Slow-Go, & No-Go Years 03:40 – Why Flat-Line Assumptions Fail: The "Retirement Smile" 05:10 – Applying the Bucket Plan System (Now, Soon, & Later Buckets) 10:15 – Balancing Risk: Short-Term Safety vs. Long-Term Inflation Risk 13:20 – The 3 Tax Funnels & Avoiding IRMAA Tax Traps 16:15 – When is the Best Time for a Roth Conversion? 18:30 – How to Connect with Evergreen Wealth Advisors & Wrap Up Resources & Links Schedule a Free Consultation: ewadvisors.com Subscribe: Don't forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell for more retirement strategies! Disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes only and should not be taken as individual financial, tax, or legal advice. Consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any financial decisions.
