Does Your Portfolio Fit Your Retirement Lifestyle?
Mike Nekoorad • August 28, 2025

Most portfolios are constructed based on an individual's investment objective, risk tolerance, and time horizon.

Using these inputs and sophisticated portfolio-optimization calculations, most investors can feel confident that they own a well-diversified portfolio, appropriately positioned to pursue their long-term goals.

However, as a retiree, how you choose to live in retirement may be an additional factor to consider when building your portfolio.

Starting a Business?

Using retirement funds to start a business entails significant risk. If you choose this path, you may want to consider reducing the risk level of your investment portfolio to help compensate for the risk you're assuming with a new business venture.

Since a new business is unlikely to generate income right away, you may want to construct your portfolio with an income orientation in order to provide you with current income until the business can begin turning a profit.

Traveling for Extended Periods of Time?

There are a number of good reasons to consider using a professional money manager for your retirement savings. Add a new one. If you are considering extended travel that may keep you disconnected from current events (even modern communication), investing in a portfolio of individual securities that requires constant attention may not be an ideal approach. For this lifestyle, professional management may suit your retirement best.

Rethink Retirement Income?

Market volatility can undermine your retirement-income strategy. While it may come at the expense of some opportunity cost, there are products and strategies that may protect you from drawing down on savings when your portfolio's value is falling—a major cause of failed income approaches.

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As an affluent client engaging a Certified Financial PlannerTM (CFP®) professional, you have the right to receive a comprehensive, documented, and actionable financial plan that fully aligns with the standards set forth by the CFP Board . The following outlines your rights and expectations throughout the financial planning process: 1. The Right to Clear Financial Objectives You have the right to a financial plan that clearly documents your financial objectives across all relevant planning domains, including: Financial Planning / Cash Flow Management Investment Planning Tax Planning Risk Management and Insurance Estate Planning Each objective should be: Clearly named Assigned a target date (goal date) Assigned a target amount (goal amount) 2. The Right to Holistic, Multidisciplinary Planning You have the right to receive advice that integrates all aspects of your financial life . Your planner should coordinate recommendations across tax, estate, investments, insurance, and retirement planning to ensure alignment and avoid conflicts. 3. The Right to Specific Strategies For every documented objective, you have the right to a corresponding strategy designed to achieve that objective. These strategies should be: Clearly explained Tailored to your personal and financial situation Supported by analysis and professional reasoning 4. The Right to Detailed Implementation Action Items You have the right to a list of specific, actionable steps required to implement each strategy. Each action item should include: The exact task or recommendation Who is responsible (you, your advisor, or another professional) Timing or due dates Necessary details for execution (accounts, amounts, providers, etc.) 5. The Right to a 12-Month Execution Roadmap You have the right to a plan that includes not only what needs to happen immediately, but also what needs to happen within the next 12 months to stay on track. Planning should be forward-looking and anticipate future tactical requirements. 6. The Right to Clarity and Transparency You have the right to understand your plan . Your advisor should be able to explain: What each recommendation is and why it was made How each action supports your broader objectives What success looks like in each planning domain 7. The Right to Ongoing Monitoring and Adjustments You have the right to expect regular reviews, updates, and course corrections as your life, goals, or circumstances change. A good plan is dynamic and should evolve with you. 8. The Right to Fiduciary Care You have the right to a relationship grounded in trust, competence, and ethical duty . Your advisor must: Act in your best interest at all times Avoid or disclose conflicts of interest Provide advice with care, skill, and diligence If any of these rights are not being upheld, you are entitled to ask questions, request clarification, or seek a second opinion. You are not only purchasing advice—you are purchasing strategic clarity, coordination, and peace of mind.