Friday, February 27, 2026

Why Your Retirement Number is Wrong: Better Planning Tools for 2025

Retirement planning tools have changed dramatically, yet many people still struggle with budgeting, tracking investments, and estimating future income. I thought a simple calculation would tell me exactly how much to save for retirement. I couldn’t have been more wrong. Our generation stands at a unique position regarding retirement planning in Fresno CA available with wealth building.

Your retirement finances need more than just saving money. You need to account for rising healthcare costs, fluctuating markets, and how long your savings will need to last. This complexity makes quality retirement planning software essential today. My search for better solutions turned into an eye-opening trip that helped me find the best systems.

Why the Traditional Retirement Number Fails

Traditional retirement planning gets it wrong by focusing on a single “retirement number.” Most Americans think they need about $75,000 to cover healthcare in retirement. But Fidelity’s research shows that couples who retire at 65 actually need around $330,000. This huge difference shows how basic calculations miss major costs.

Market swings can affect your retirement savings in ways you might not expect, especially when you consider the timing and order of investment returns. Taking money out during market downturns can drain your savings faster than static models predict.

The 4% rule suggests withdrawing the same amount whatever your life situation might be. But that’s not how people spend their money in retirement. Research points to a “retirement smile” pattern – people spend more in their early retirement years, less in the middle, and then might need more later for healthcare.

How to Choose the Right Retirement Planning Software

The perfect retirement planning software matches tools to your financial situation. Not all retirement tools offer the same value, and you just need different features based on your circumstances.

We think over software that offers scenario modeling capabilities first. The system should run multiple simulations or stress tests that show various possible outcomes rather than a single projection. These tools need to demonstrate your plan’s performance during market downturns or recessions.


Tax modeling can significantly change withdrawal strategies and projected savings longevity. Software that distinguishes between taxable and tax-advantaged accounts will give you more accurate projections than those using tax simplifications.

Here’s everything you need in the software:

  • Security standards and data privacy protections
  • Integration capabilities with your existing accounts
  • Adaptive planning that refreshes guidance as circumstances change
  • Depth of customization options for tailored planning

Conclusion

We have a strong team of professionals helping ensure you receive all the assistance you need not only in developing your retirement income strategy, but in maintaining it throughout your retirement. Contact us today at 559-230-1648 or visit us today at Soutas Financial to see how we can help you Retire ”Your Way!”

Other Related Articles on retirement planning

Investment advisory services offered through Foundations Investment Advisors, LLC, an SEC registered investment adviser. This commentary reflects the personal opinions, viewpoints and analyses of the author, Dale Soutas. It does not necessarily reflect the views of Foundations Investment Advisors, LLC (“Foundations”) and is provided for educational purposes only and the contents are solely maintained by and the responsibility of the applicable 3rd party . The 3rd party content is subject to change at any time without notice, and does not represent an express or implied opinion or endorsement of any specific investment opportunity, investment strategy or planning strategy. Foundations in no way deems reliable any statistical data or information obtained from or prepared by third party sources in this commentary, nor does Foundations guarantee its accuracy or completeness. No legal or tax advice is provided or intended.

Marketing by Fresno SEO Company

The post Why Your Retirement Number is Wrong: Better Planning Tools for 2025 appeared first on Soutas Financial.



source https://soutas.com/why-your-retirement-number-is-wrong-better-planning-tools-for-2025/

No comments:

Post a Comment

Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.

Why Your Retirement Number is Wrong: Better Planning Tools for 2025

Retirement planning tools have changed dramatically, yet many people still struggle with budgeting, tracking investments, and estimating fut...