Retirement withdrawal strategy for steady income in Texas

We design a sustainable withdrawal plan that coordinates dividends, interest, and strategic sales with taxes and RMDs, giving you steady income without losing sight of long-term growth.

aiming to create a Sustainable Income

Make savings last through every market

Retirement can span 30 years or more, so income must be durable. Wealth Solutions models spending needs, inflation, and market variability to set a withdrawal rate that fits your lifestyle in Austin, Houston, Dallas, San Antonio, and Corpus Christi. We blend dividends, interest, and strategic sells with the goal of steady cash flow while seeking portfolio growth. To see how the plan connects to portfolio construction, review our investment management approach and broader retirement income planning framework.

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Active management vs. passive

Why we choose active oversight

Index funds have a place, but retirees in Texas often benefit from active decisions that balance income needs with risk. We don’t chase every market move; we make informed adjustments to manage drawdowns and capture opportunity. This hands-on approach is led by Richard Blair and reflected in our proprietary funds as well as individual securities where appropriate.

From paperwork to portfolio in one plan

How the rollover works

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Review your accounts

We inventory plans and balances, including any 401(k), 403(b), SIMPLE, or governmental 457 assets, plus employer stock considerations.

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Compare options

Keep funds in the old plan, roll to a new employer plan, or move to an IRA. We outline costs, creditor protections, and flexibility.

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Choose IRA and investments

If an IRA is best, we set up the account and design an allocation that fits your broader plan.

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Handle the paperwork

We coordinate a trustee-to-trustee transfer to avoid withholding and the 60-day rule.

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Reinvest and align

Once assets arrive, we implement the strategy and connect it to your household plan in your client portal.

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Right-sizing your withdrawal rate

Guidelines are a start, not the finish

The 4 percent rule is a useful reference, but real life requires flexibility. We customize withdrawals based on your assets, taxes, and other income sources, adjusting after strong or weak markets so your plan stays on track without unnecessary stress.

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 Protect early years from bad markets

How we address sequence risk

Poor returns early in retirement can harm long-term outcomes. We maintain a near-term cash and bond reserve, pair it with a growth sleeve, and use tactical shifts when conditions change. The goal of the bucket approach is to allow spending to continue without selling stocks at unfavorable prices. For details on risk controls, visit risk management.

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Which accounts to tap first

Aim to lower taxes with timed sequencing

We often start with interest and dividends, then use taxable accounts, followed by tax-deferred assets, leaving Roth balances for later years. Coordination with Social Security timing is part of the plan. For the tax lens across accounts, see tax planning.

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Required Minimum Distributions

Meet rules and keep control

RMDs generally begin at age 73. We calendar deadlines, size distributions, and coordinate withholding. If you do not need the cash, we plan reinvestment or charitable strategies so distributions still serve your goals.

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Keeping withdrawals on target

Annual reviews and needed changes

We revisit your plan at least once a year. After strong markets, we may raise withdrawals; during recessions, we may trim spending or rely more on the reserve. The point is control and calm decision making.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Clear answers for real decisions

  • How much can I safely withdraw each year?

    It depends on your allocation and goals. We personalize the rate and test it against many scenarios.

  • Should I take Social Security earlier or later?

    We model the breakeven and coordinate benefits with portfolio withdrawals. Learn more in Social Security planning.

  • What if I need a large one-time expense?

    We plan for occasional big-ticket items by maintaining a cash reserve and prioritizing the most tax-efficient source for the withdrawal. That could mean using taxable accounts first, timing sales across calendar years, or coordinating with RMDs so the hit to your bracket is minimal.

  • How do we handle inflation and raises to my income?

    We review spending annually and adjust your withdrawal amount as prices change. In strong markets, we may grant a raise; after weak periods, we may pause increases or draw from reserves so your long-term plan stays intact.

  • Should I take a fixed monthly amount or use a flexible rule?

    We prefer a dynamic, guardrails-style approach. The goal is to ensure you receive a consistent monthly paycheck, but we set a spending range based on your plan. After strong markets we may give you a raise; after weak periods we may pause increases or trim slightly. This aims to keep income steady while reducing the risk of depleting the portfolio.