Retirement strategy in 2026 requires flexibility, especially as market volatility, shifting economic conditions, and constant headlines raise new concerns for those nearing retirement. Sharp pullbacks and uncertainty often lead to the same question:
“Is my retirement plan built to hold up if the market turns against me?“
A resilient retirement strategy isn’t about predicting what will happen next. It’s about building flexibility, protecting progress already made, and addressing income and taxes long before they become problems. That’s the framework Aul Financial Group, LLC emphasizes when helping individuals plan for their retirement.
One of the biggest retirement planning mistakes is relying on a single strategy or assumption. Markets move in cycles and plans that lack flexibility tend to struggle during periods of uncertainty.
Retirement portfolios are commonly managed using one of two broad approaches:
The objective isn’t market timing—it’s adaptability. Aul Financial Group, LLC evaluates both approaches to ensure retirement strategies can adjust as conditions evolve.
Many people nearing retirement worry about repeating the losses seen during major downturns like the early 2000s or the 2008 financial crisis. That concern often leads to overly conservative decisions that limit growth.
A common strategy is combining market‑based investments with insurance‑based protections. For example, fixed indexed annuities are structured so that:
This type of approach can help balance growth potential with downside protection—an important consideration when income timing becomes critical. Aul Financial Group, LLC often frames this as a risk alignment decision: how much loss can you tolerate and still stay invested? The best strategy is the one you can follow consistently, especially during a downturn.
A common retirement question is how much income can be withdrawn each year without running out of money. While percentage‑based rules are often referenced, they shouldn’t be used without context.
According to recent retirement income research from Morningstar, 3.9% is the highest safe starting withdrawal rate for retirees with approximately a 30‑year time horizon, reflecting lower projected returns and increased uncertainty.
Morningstar also cautions that relying strictly on withdrawal percentages can lead to significant underspending, reducing quality of life unnecessarily. That’s why Aul Financial Group, LLC emphasizes income planning, which focuses on replacing a paycheck rather than simply withdrawing funds.
This may include:
A common belief is that taxes will be lower in retirement. In reality, many retirees find the opposite is true.
Factors that often increase retirement tax exposure can include:
Withdrawals from tax‑deferred accounts can also be more costly than expected. For example, combined federal and state taxes can require withdrawing significantly more than one dollar just to net one dollar of spending money.
Tax planning is not just about reducing taxes this year, it’s about understanding lifetime tax impact, including what beneficiaries may inherit. Aul Financial Group, LLC approaches tax planning from this long‑term perspective to help reduce unnecessary future tax burdens.
According to recent Vanguard research, retirement account decisions vary widely after leaving an employer:
(Source: How America Retires: A look at the withdrawal behavior of older workers)
When handled properly, rolling a 401(k) into an IRA is not a taxable event and often provides:
Aul Financial Group, LLC helps individuals evaluate which option best aligns with their income, tax, and retirement goals.
Retirement planning is no longer about accumulating assets. It’s about protecting gains, creating reliable income, and managing taxes over an entire lifetime.
By building a flexible, well‑diversified strategy, individuals can move into retirement with greater confidence—regardless of what the market does next. That comprehensive approach is central to how Aul Financial Group, LLC helps clients navigate today’s increasingly complex retirement landscape.
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Insurance products are offered through the insurance business Aul Financial Group, LLC. Aul Financial Group, LLC is also an Investment Advisory practice that offers products and services through Impact Partnership Wealth, LLC (IPW), a Registered Investment Adviser. IPW does not offer insurance products. The insurance products offered by Aul Financial Group, LLC are not subject to Investment Advisor requirements. Investing involves risk, including the potential loss of principal. Any references to protection benefits, safety, security, steady and reliable income, or lifetime income streams on this website refer only to fixed insurance products. They do not refer, in any way, to securities or investment advisory products. Annuity guarantees are backed by the financial strength and claims-paying ability of the issuing insurance company. Neither the firm nor its agents or representatives may give tax or legal advice. Individuals should consult with a qualified professional for guidance before making any purchasing decisions. 5449663 -05/26
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Steven Aul is an independent financial professional with decades of experience helping individuals navigate retirement and financial planning. A Ball State University graduate with a bachelor’s degree in accounting, he is the host of The Aul Financial Hour – Your Money Matters on KMOX 1120 AM/104.1 FM and has contributed to publications including CNN Money, Forbes, and Fortune, while also leading financial workshops throughout the St. Louis area.
Steve believes in full transparency in his practice and designations.
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The RICP® (Retirement Income Certified Professional®) designation is sought by financial services sales professionals whose focus includes clients planning for their retirement income. The designation’s required curriculum is administered by The American College in Bryn Mawr PA, which is accredited by The Middle States Commission on Higher Education, Philadelphia, PA 19104 The mark RICP® is the property of The American College and may be used only by individuals who have successfully completed the initial and ongoing certification requirements for this designation.