Preparing for retirement

Diversification isn't just important while you are saving for retirement, having multiple sources of income can help create a more secure retirement. We can help you explore ways to replace your paycheck by turning your savings into monthly income for life.

Replacing your salary in retirement

Creating a plan to replace your paycheck in retirement

View From the Top

Soon enough, it will be time to transition to retirement.

Now is a good time to start planning how you'll replace your paycheck when you stop working.

First, think about the expenses you'll need to cover every month like clockwork – things like housing, your car, and groceries.

Then, look ahead to the extras you'd like to enjoy. Maybe you want to travel, get a second home or give to family or charities.

Next, make a plan to pay yourself with retirement income to last throughout your life.

You'll have to account for certain risks we'll all encounter. A diversified income strategy may be able to help – one that provides income from a variety of sources. Let's look at how that can work:

Social Security and pensions both provide steady income.

And if you're concerned about running out of money, consider annuities that offer lifetime income.

A fixed annuity is not impacted by the stock market and guarantees steady income.

A variable annuity provides lifetime income payments that vary – going up or down with the markets. Variable income has the potential to grow to help offset inflation and keep up with rising costs.

You can take withdrawals from mutual funds and other investments you may have. They add liquidity to your portfolio and the potential for growth. Just be aware that if markets decline early in your retirement or you live a long time, this money could run out.

To figure out how to address your needs, it's a good idea to align your income sources with your expenses.

For instance, you can cover daily necessities with steady income from Social Security, a pension if you have one, and guaranteed income from a fixed annuity like TIAA Traditional.

Extras like entertainment and travel, plus rising costs like healthcare, could be covered with lifetime income from a variable annuity,such as the CREF Annuity Accounts, and withdrawals from investments that move with the markets and may help your income grow.

Your income plan helps set your direction for retirement just as much as your savings plan. Having annuities in the mix may give you income you can rely on throughout retirement.

And remember, you don't have to go it alone. Visit us online, or talk to a TIAA financial consultant to help you create an income plan.

Get ready to replace your salary with income for life.

How to prepare

Preparing for a conversation about your income plan

1

Put yourself in a retirement frame of mind

2

Understand the unique challenges in retirement

4

Learn about annuity options

Income planning

Building a diversified income plan

Wondering how you'll replace your income when you retire and if you'll have enough to last for as long as you live? The resources below can help you start planning.

Choosing your options

Explore the different income options available with your TIAA retirement plan.

Getting income

See how much lifetime income you can get from your retirement savings.

Income profiles

See how people like you did it

We created profiles based on the experiences of real people to showcase different types of retirement considerations.

The long-term planners

Al & Sarah

Stable financial situation, conservative, long-term planners who are nearing retirement.

Conservative & semi-retired

Pam & John

Financially stable, conservative, long-term planners who are semi-retired.

Financially limited

Charles

Retired, financially limited, and a moderate risk taker.

The moderate risk taker

Danielle

Retired, financially stable, moderate-aggressive risk taker.

Nervous Nellies

Clara & Eduardo

Nearing retirement, financially stable, nervous about market volatility.

The aggressive risk takers

Frank & Pete

Nearing retirement, financially limited, aggressive risk takers.

Next steps

Consider getting started

Calling us

We're here to help.

Weekdays, 8 a.m. − 10 p.m. (ET)

800-842-2252

Get in touch

Tell us when to call you.

Ready to Retire?

Your retirement plan has options that can provide income that's guaranteed for life.

* Any guarantees under annuities issued by TIAA are subject to its claims-paying ability.

This material is for informational or educational purposes only and does not constitute fiduciary investment advice under ERISA, a securities recommendation under all securities laws, or an insurance product recommendation under state insurance laws or regulations. This material does not take into account any specific objectives or circumstances of any particular investor, or suggest any specific course of action. Investment decisions should be made based on the investor’s own objectives and circumstances.

Certain products and services may not be available to all entities or persons.

Please note that TIAA is not responsible for the content or privacy policies of third-party sites that may be referenced in this article or to which you may link from this article. TIAA does not endorse or recommend the products, services, or information found on any third-party site.

1889575