Living a long, healthy life is something most people hope for, and more Americans are doing just that. Thanks to advances in healthcare and lifestyle choices, it’s increasingly common to live well into your late 80s, 90s, or beyond.
While longevity is a gift, it also raises serious financial questions: Will your retirement savings last? What happens if healthcare costs surge? How do you account for inflation over two or three decades?
The growing concern of outliving one’s money is a major concern for retirees today.
This article from PAX Financial Group discusses longevity risk and strategies to address it, along with how a San Antonio fiduciary can assist in creating a retirement plan for a longer life.
What Is Longevity Risk in Retirement?
Longevity risk is the possibility of living longer than expected and outlasting your savings. Traditional retirement planning methods may not stretch far enough, leading to financial strain.
Longevity risk can have serious consequences, such as:
- Extended withdrawals over more years can gradually deplete even a well-built portfolio.
- Healthcare expenses often rise sharply with age, especially beyond the age of 80.
- Inflation erodes purchasing power, making everyday costs more difficult to manage.
For retirees in San Antonio, these challenges are intensified by local factors like rising property taxes and increasing housing and utility costs. Having a plan that reflects these specific realities, not just national assumptions, is vital.
Key Strategies To Mitigate Retirement Savings Protection
Managing longevity risk isn’t about guessing how long you’ll live — it’s about preparing your finances to remain resilient, come what may. Experienced San Antonio fiduciary advisors focus on flexible, forward-thinking strategies to support income for the long run. Here are some of the most effective.
Sustainable Withdrawal Rates
The widely known 4% rule offers a starting point, but it may not reflect today’s market or your personal needs. A dynamic approach — adjusting withdrawals based on market performance and life changes — may offer greater flexibility. Advisors often use tools like the bucket strategy or Monte Carlo simulations to stress-test your plan across a range of outcomes.
Maximizing Income Streams
Relying solely on savings may not be enough. Advisors help maximize Social Security benefits through strategic timing, analyzing company pension options, and incorporating income-generating assets.
Healthcare Planning
Out-of-pocket medical expenses can quickly add up. Planning ahead with Health Savings Accounts, Medicare supplement policies, and long-term care insurance helps protect assets and ease future burdens on your family.
Portfolio Diversification
A well-diversified portfolio can offer both growth and stability. This involves diversifying assets across stocks, bonds, alternatives, and cash while also blending investment styles and geographic exposure. Regular rebalancing helps maintain the desired risk level while adapting to changing markets.
Each of these strategies contributes to a broader plan designed to protect your resources. However, it’s wise not to consider them as one-size-fits-all solutions, which is why a professional guide matters.
The Role of a San Antonio Fiduciary in Retirement Planning
A fiduciary financial advisor brings more than just investment knowledge to your retirement plan — they offer legally required loyalty to you and only you. This is a critical distinction. While non-fiduciary advisors may work under suitability standards or earn commissions, fiduciaries are bound to act solely in your best interest.
That difference matters even more when facing something as complex as longevity risk. A fiduciary takes the time to understand your health outlook, retirement lifestyle, and financial position. Seasoned fiduciaries don’t provide generic solutions — they develop a plan that fits your real life and adapts over time.
At PAX Financial Group, our advisors utilize tools such as stress testing, customized withdrawal schedules, and income mapping to help you make better decisions. Whether you’re exploring the right time to claim Social Security or weighing the pros and cons of different investments, our fiduciaries help you evaluate all your options without pressure.
We’ll assess your entire financial situation and balance income strategies with healthcare needs, inflation concerns, and legacy goals. That way, your retirement plan addresses more than just expenses. It supports the life you want to keep living.
When To Engage a Fiduciary for Longevity Planning
You don’t need to wait until you’re retired to benefit from a financial partner. Some of the most impactful planning happens 5 to 10 years before retirement. This window allows enough time to structure your accounts, adjust your investment strategy, and prepare for sustainable withdrawals.
Other key moments when it’s wise to work with a fiduciary include:
- If you’re unsure how to draw income from multiple accounts — IRAs, pensions, brokerage accounts — in a tax-conscious, efficient way.
- When you begin thinking seriously about healthcare costs in retirement, especially long-term care needs.
- When life expectancy is increasing in your family and you want to make sure your money lasts.
If you’re already retired and feeling uncertain about your financial future, it’s not too late either. A fiduciary can review your current setup and help you make the necessary adjustments, whether it’s recalibrating income streams or reassessing withdrawal rates.
Some retirees hesitate to hire a financial professional because of the cost. But the reality is that a well-structured plan can prevent much greater losses from poor timing, emotional decisions, or overlooked tax issues. The price of guidance is often far less than the loss of a major mistake.
PAX Financial Can Help You Tackle Longevity Risk
At PAX, we’re fully aware of the growing concern many face about outliving their savings. Our team of skilled San Antonio fiduciaries is here to help you plan confidently, no matter how long your retirement lasts.
Here’s how we support retirement longevity planning:
- Independent fiduciary advice — Our only priority is what’s best for you. No commissions, no product pushes.
- Local insight — We customize plans to San Antonio’s unique financial realities, including healthcare and housing costs.
- Holistic retirement planning — We integrate income, tax strategies, portfolio design, and healthcare considerations—so your plan works as life changes.
We’ll work with you to build a plan that’s realistic, flexible, and sustainable, helping you enjoy retirement without the constant fear of running out of money.
Contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation.
