Age-Proof Your Retirement Plan

Written By Eric Mastrodonato

Welcome to the July 2025 edition of Financially Focused. This month we’re diving into strategies for age-proofing your retirement, fresh insights from leading financial publications, and a grilled salad recipe perfect for summer evenings.

Age-Proof Your Retirement Plan

One of the biggest risks facing retirees today is longevity risk — the possibility of outliving your savings. With life expectancies increasing, preparing for longer retirements has never been more important.

Key Takeaways:

  • Plan for longevity and rising costs: Longer lifespans mean higher healthcare costs and more years of inflation to account for. Without adjustments, these can erode savings quickly.

  • Build multiple income streams: Don’t rely solely on Social Security or a fixed withdrawal rule. Consider annuities and tax-efficient withdrawals to extend your nest egg.

  • Stay flexible and review regularly: Your retirement plan should adapt to changes in markets, expenses, and lifestyle. Regular check-ins with a financial professional can keep you on track.

For example, the median cost of a private nursing home room now exceeds $10,000 per month, highlighting the importance of planning for healthcare. Strategies like Health Savings Accounts (HSAs), long-term care insurance, and diversified income streams can help provide stability.

Read the full Kiplinger article ›

What We’ve Been Reading

Here are some articles we found especially insightful this month:

  • As Goes Tesla, So Goes the U.S. Stock Market (Sherwood) – An analysis of how Tesla’s performance correlates with broader market trends. Read on Sherwood ›

  • 8 Ways to Keep From Going Broke in Retirement (AARP) – Practical, easy-to-apply tips for retirees. Read on AARP ›

  • Want To Retire in Another Country? Here’s What To Know About Retirement Visas (Investopedia) – A guide for those considering international retirement. Read on Investopedia ›

  • How to Build Credit Fast: 9 Strategies to Try (NerdWallet) – A practical playbook for strengthening your credit profile. Read on NerdWallet ›

Recipe of the Month: Grilled Romaine Salad

Give your summer salad an upgrade by grilling crisp romaine lettuce and topping it with smoky bacon, blue cheese, and a drizzle of ranch.

Ingredients

  • 4 slices bacon, cooked & crumbled

  • ½ cup seasoned breadcrumbs

  • 1 Tbsp unsalted butter

  • 1 garlic clove, minced

  • 4 stalks romaine lettuce, halved

  • Olive oil, for brushing

  • Kosher salt & pepper

  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

  • ⅓ cup ranch dressing

  • ¼ cup crumbled blue cheese

  • 2 Tbsp chopped fresh chives

Directions

  1. Preheat grill to high. Fry bacon and set aside. Toast breadcrumbs with butter and garlic until golden.

  2. Brush romaine halves with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Grill cut side down for 1–2 minutes, then flip for another minute.

  3. Drizzle grilled romaine with ranch, then top with tomatoes, bacon, blue cheese, chives, and toasted breadcrumbs.

Get the full recipe on How Sweet Eats ›

Sources

Eric Mastrodonato
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