Planning for retirement has become trickier as years have gone by. With life expectancy steadily rising, now reaching over 78 years in the United States, according to the CDC, individuals must ensure their retirement savings can sustain potentially decades of post-career life. The financial decisions made during one’s working years often determine the quality of life during retirement. This content is based on Lucas Noble’s Guide to Retirement.
A report from the Employee Benefit Research Institute (EBRI) found that nearly half of U.S. households are at risk of running short of money in retirement. As healthcare costs rise and market volatility continues, planning for a stable and sustainable retirement has become more critical than ever.
Changes in the state of the economy and shifts in the desires of generations have also heightened the urgency of retirement planning. Another development is the shift in retirement timelines. Many Americans are choosing to delay retirement, often by choice but sometimes by necessity. While some are working to stay active and engaged, others continue to work because they lack adequate savings.
Many financial professionals are playing a growing role in helping clients navigate the intricacies of retirement planning. Lucas Noble, founder of Noble Financial Group, is among those encouraging individuals to take a more intentional and proactive approach to long-term wealth building. Noble points out that modern retirement planning requires more than accumulating a lump sum; it demands a long-term strategy that balances growth, stability, and flexibility. He advises clients to begin planning early and consider a mix of traditional and alternative methods to achieve long-term financial security.
One of the strategies Noble encourages is building wealth through real estate. Real estate has historically offered a hedge against inflation and a reliable avenue for long-term appreciation. In addition to potential capital gains, it can also generate passive income through rental properties. For those concerned about stock market volatility, real estate can offer a sense of stability while still contributing to overall portfolio growth.
Another key strategy centers on avoiding speculative assets. Over the past several years, there has been a rise in retail investing and interest in high-risk opportunities, particularly among younger investors. Cryptocurrencies and meme stocks gained widespread attention, but many of these assets come with considerable volatility. Noble advocates for a conservative approach with a diversified investment portfolio that includes a mix of equities, fixed-income securities, and income-producing assets. He cautions that while some speculative assets may offer short-term upside, they can jeopardize long-term financial health.
Tax efficiency is another central element of Noble’s retirement strategy. Many retirement savers overlook the role taxes play in shaping their long-term situation. Contributions to traditional 401(k) plans are made pre-tax, allowing for upfront savings and deferred taxation. Roth IRAs, by contrast, are funded with post-tax dollars but offer tax-free growth and withdrawals in retirement. Noble advises clients to take advantage of both, where possible, to create tax diversification.
As individuals near retirement age, adjusting investment risk becomes increasingly important. The allocation that may have been appropriate in one’s thirties or forties can become too aggressive in one’s sixties. Market downturns close to retirement can erode savings quickly, leaving less time to recover. Noble encourages a gradual transition toward lower-risk, income-generating investments such as bonds, dividend-paying stocks, or annuities. These assets can help provide a predictable income stream while preserving capital.
Beyond finances, Noble also encourages clients to prioritize their health. With healthcare expenses representing one of the most significant costs in retirement, investing in personal well-being can deliver both qualitative and quantitative benefits. Maintaining physical health through preventive care, exercise, and regular screenings can help reduce those costs over time.
Retirement planning is an ongoing process. Markets shift and personal goals change, so Noble recommends periodic reviews of financial plans to ensure they align with current circumstances and future objectives. Flexibility and discipline are both required, and having a clear set of guiding principles can make a substantial difference over time.
Noble’s approach reflects a measured, thoughtful view of retirement readiness that goes beyond basic saving advice. By building wealth through real estate, steering clear of high-risk speculation, leveraging tax-advantaged accounts, adjusting portfolio risk with age, and investing in health, individuals can position themselves to retire with confidence and dignity. These strategies offer a path to greater resilience in the face of economic uncertainty, allowing individuals to shape their retirement on their terms.
