3. Create a “Retirement Paycheck”
One of the hardest adjustments retirees face is going from earning money every two weeks to spending down savings. That shift can feel uncomfortable, even scary.
That’s why many financial planners now recommend creating what’s called a retirement paycheck. Instead of pulling random amounts from your accounts, you set up a steady, predictable income stream from your savings.
It could look like this:
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A portion of your retirement accounts goes into safe, income-generating investments.
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Each month, a set “paycheck” is deposited into your checking account.
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You budget just as you did while working, but now your employer is your own retirement plan.
Psychologically, this helps you feel secure. Practically, it keeps you from overspending or under-spending out of fear. Retirement should feel steady, not stressful.
