“I like to think that four out of five people is definitely gonna be have the death thing happen to them. One out of five, Jah bless, keep going, keeping it strong. I hope”
- Ali G. (Philosopher)

As much as I’d like to believe Ali G.’s hypothesis (also shared by Bryan Johnson), there’s at least a 95% chance that I’m going to die.

Why is this important/relevant? When it comes to retirement planning, you need to make sure that your money will outlive you! Sounds morbid, but the alternative (running out of money in your golden years) is way scarier.

With some early and simple planning, you can make sure that your money lives way longer than you.

How $$$ much do you actually need?

The golden rule tossed around by money pros is to aim for about 70–80% of your pre-retirement income. So if you’re used to living on $50,000 a year, you’ll likely need around $35,000–$40,000 when you retire.

Some people prefer traveling the world and might need a bit more; others downsize and spend less. Everyone’s different, so treat that 70–80% figure like a guideline, not gospel.

BUT don’t forget about inflation. $40,000 today would have the same value as about $84,000 at retirement assuming 3% annual inflation.

Too much math? Check out the referral link at the bottom of this email. Refer one person and we’ll send you a free retirement calculator to do all the hard work for you.

Step One: Start early and invest for growth

In your 20s, 30s, and 40s, time is on your side. This is when you can crank up the risk in your portfolio—think stock-focused mutual funds or ETFs.

Yes, stocks can be wild, but they usually deliver better long-term growth than more conservative investments. And if your boss is kind enough to offer a 401(k) match, don’t leave that free money on the table!

Step Two: Easing off the gas

Once you hit your 50s and early 60s, your tolerance for risk might drop a bit—hey, you’ve worked hard for that nest egg! This is when you gradually shift to a more balanced mix of stocks and bonds.

The old rule of thumb is to hold a percentage of bonds roughly equal to your age—so if you’re 60, maybe 60% bonds. But remember, there’s no one-size-fits-all. If you’re naturally more conservative, you could keep a bigger bond chunk. If you still love roller coasters—financially speaking—maybe you hold more stocks.

Does it sound like a lot of work to change your investments over time? There’s a fund for that! Check out the BlackRock LifePath Index Funds.

Step Three: Investing in retirement

Alright, you’ve arrived. You’re retired—or about to be—and need steady income minus the drama of huge market swings.

Consider dividend-paying stocks, which are like giving yourself a little “paycheck” every quarter. Bonds—especially high-quality ones—are also a go-to for consistent interest payments. Some people consider annuities for guaranteed income, but watch the fees.

For a few ideas, check out:

iShares Core High Dividend ETF
SPDR Blackstone High Income ETF
Vanguard Total Corporate Bond ETF

A balanced approach might include a bit of all these options so you can sleep at night without missing out on some growth.

Make your money immortal

It may seem intimidating to plan for retirement, especially if you’re going to live forever, like Ali G. But starting early, doing some simple planning, and staying consistent in your investing will make sure that your financial needs will be well-covered in retirement.

If you want to live like a King (or Queen) in retirement, the best time to start planning is now.