Diversification in Retirement Planning

Quick Answer: Diversification in retirement isn't just stocks vs. bonds — it means separating your growth money from your guaranteed money. Early 2025 reminded investors why: the S&P 500 fell more than 15% in a matter of weeks, erasing years of gains for those without a protected income floor. Retirees who held a portion of assets in fixed annuities and guaranteed instruments were insulated from that volatility. True retirement diversification includes safe money alternatives alongside market investments.

Chances are you know the concept of asset allocation. As Forbes contributor Mitch Tuchman puts it, asset allocation is the “collection of investments you own,” depending on your risk tolerance and your desire for potential investment returns.

In the investing world, it is a strategy of apportioning assets to achieve a strategic balance of potential risks and returns that is right for an individual investor.

What Does That Have to Do with Retirement Planning?

That’s all good and fun, you may say. But what does that have to do with retirement planning?

Well, from a planning standpoint, plenty. It is the same question of deciding how to allocate a retirement portfolio.

But in this case, decisions revolve around striking a balance between managing potential risks and achieving desired retirement outcomes, like income certainty, wealth protection, or other goals. In financial lexicon, this strategy is known as “diversification.”

When it comes to retirement planning, diversification is arguably an essential part of a successful retirement strategy. But why?

Diversification: a Potential Dealbreaker for Retirement Income Security

Why make this claim? Let’s examine it in how it could affect retirement income planning success.

Generally speaking, financial professionals talk about diversification in two ways: in terms of portfolio asset allocation, and how this is tailored to your goals, tolerance for market risk, and time horizon.

However, these conversations often frame diversification in terms of potential returns and potential effects on an overall portfolio – terms which relate to asset values and investment planning.

Retirement income planning is completely different from investment planning. So how would diversification play out from an income perspective?

In a word or two, income certainty. After all, income planning is the process of taking amassed assets and mapping out how they can be used for income streams in retirement.

It’s All About the Income

If a retirement portfolio takes a hit from a market downturn, falling bond values, or suffers losses due to another event – that means reduced wealth which can be used for income.

Depending on someone’s personal variables – their goals, risk tolerance, and time horizon – you can see how an asset allocation of “risky” and “safe” instruments can affect future income possibilities.

Market Volatility and Its Effects on Retirement Income

Consider the numbers below. “Investor A” has a retirement account with $400,000. Say it’s the year 2000 and she has a planning horizon of 13 years.

At that point she will make important decisions about how to use her account money for retirement goals.

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Looking at the effects of market volatility over this 13-year span, her account value goes up to only $512,292 – a 21.8% increase. You may ask why we include this illustration during the near-retirement accumulation phase.

It’s as a starting point. The effects of market volatility on what can be a future income source are more distinct in our next illustration, which includes account withdrawals.

Now consider the situation of “Investor B.” He retired in 2000, starting with a 4% withdrawal strategy per year and instituting a 2.5% cost-of-living adjustment rate to account for inflation effects.

Between down-market effects and withdrawals over time for income, this account can be quickly depleted.

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In sum, the net account value change, market volatility, and withdrawal effects factored in, is -69.5%. This is a small illustration of how market volatility could put income certainty at jeopardy.

So, with that said, what would diversification look like in terms of asset allocation – specifically for balancing risks and keeping assets safe and intact for retirement goals?

The Rule of 100

One way to look at this is with the Rule of 100.

To be clear, any financial decisions, and any retirement recommendations for that matter, should be tailored to your complete financial picture. They should align well with your objectives, goals, needs, risk tolerance, time horizon, liquidity needs, and other important retirement markers.

With that said, the Rule of 100 assumes someone will live to age 100. Simply put, you take your age and subtract it from 100. The resulting difference gives a suggestion as to the maximum proportion of your portfolio you may have exposed to market risk.

For example, say someone is age 60. 100 – 60 = 40, so 60% of a retirement portfolio would be in conservative vehicles, liquid assets for liquidity needs, and 40% would be in the market to optimize long-term financial security. So 60% would encompass the “safe portion percentage” of the asset allocation mix.

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Over time, this proportion of safe to risky holdings could be rebalanced based on someone’s age and the level of market risk suitable for them.

Keep in mind this is a general rule of thumb. Any decisions of diversification should be made after a careful, fact-finding analysis of someone’s financial picture.

Protect Your Retirement with Proactive Planning

Because of market volatility, lingering low interest rates at present, and other variables, many Americans want guarantees in their retirement plans. Protections like assuring monthly income, keeping wealth safe and intact, generating income for a loved one once they have passed, or preserving wealth for legacy goals.

At SafeMoney.com, you can connect with an independent financial professional and discover safe financial options for your retirement planning objectives. 

Use our “Find a Financial Professional” section to connect directly with someone. You can request a personal strategy session to discuss your needs and goals. Should you have any questions or need a personal referral, please call us at 877.476.9723.

Frequently Asked Questions About diversification and its role in retirement planning

What is diversification in retirement planning?

Diversification in retirement planning refers to the strategy of spreading investments across various asset classes to reduce risk. By including a mix of stocks and safe money alternatives, retirees can protect their portfolios from market volatility while still aiming for growth. This balanced approach helps ensure that no single investment significantly impacts overall retirement savings.

How can safe money alternatives fit into my retirement portfolio?

Safe money alternatives, such as fixed annuities, can play a vital role in providing stability and guaranteed income during retirement. By incorporating these options into your portfolio, you can mitigate risks associated with market fluctuations, ensuring that you have a reliable source of funds for your living expenses. This balance between growth-oriented investments and safe money alternatives can enhance your overall financial security.

What are the benefits of using fixed annuities for retirement?

Fixed annuities offer several benefits for retirement planning, including predictable income and protection against market downturns. They provide a guaranteed return on your investment, which can be particularly appealing for retirees seeking stability. Additionally, fixed annuities often come with tax-deferred growth, allowing your savings to accumulate without immediate tax implications.

How do I determine the right level of diversification for my retirement?

Determining the right level of diversification for your retirement involves assessing your risk tolerance, investment goals, and time horizon. A financial advisor can help you analyze your current assets and recommend an appropriate mix of stocks and safe money alternatives tailored to your needs. Regularly reviewing and adjusting your portfolio as you approach retirement is also essential to ensure it aligns with your evolving financial situation.

Take the next step, run the numbers with our free retirement calculators.