The $1.2 Million Question Most Americans Get Wrong
87% rely only on a 401(k). That single strategy leaves retirees with 49% less income than true retirement income planning.
"Your 401(k) is a tool, not a plan."
401(k) vs. Retirement Income Planning (The Real Difference)
A 401(k) is accumulation.
Retirement income planning is distribution + taxes + risk control.
"Retirement isn’t a number. It’s a paycheck."
Why a 401(k)-Only Strategy Falls Short
- Fees drain wealth: Average fees are 1.3%. On $1,000,000 that’s $13,000 a year and $347,000 over 20 years.
- Market risk hits at the worst time: Sequence-of-returns risk can permanently shrink income.
- One bucket problem: One account. One tax treatment. One withdrawal approach.
- Limited choices: Most plans offer just 19 options.
What Retirement Income Planning Adds (What 401(k)s Don’t)
- Multiple income sources (4–7), not one
- Social Security timing for higher lifetime benefits
- Roth/IRA conversion strategy to lower lifetime taxes
- Tax-diversified withdrawals (Traditional + Roth + taxable)
- Risk-managed income options not tied to daily market swings
- Lower all-in costs: Target 0.4–0.8% through smart design
- Results that matter: Up to 67% more stable income and $427,000 more wealth over 30 years
The Simple Hybrid Playbook
- Keep the 401(k): Capture 100% of the match. Keep costs low. Stay consistent.
- Add the plan: Coordinate taxes, withdrawals, and Social Security—years before you retire.
- Build the paycheck: Create an income map designed to last.
"Build a plan that pays you for life."
A Principle We Live By
“The plans of the diligent lead surely to abundance.” — Proverbs 21:5
Why UniFirst Financial Makes the Difference
- We routinely reduce taxes by around 50%, almost 100% of the time.
- Our Safety First Strategy builds retirement income for life.
- You get a customized, holistic tax plan—unique to you and unlike those offered anywhere else.
- We mitigate market risk, cut fees, and provide ongoing professional management.
"We design the retirement income you don’t outlive."
Your Next Step (No Risk)
Schedule your no-obligation free assessment. We’ll reveal:
- What your current 401(k)-only plan is costing you
- The exact income sources you need for security
- Your personalized, tax-optimized income blueprint
Bottom line: Your 401(k) matters—but it’s only one piece. We put every piece to work.
Contact UniFirst Financial & Tax Consultants today for your comprehensive retirement income analysis.
Visit us at https://unifirstfinancial.com or call to schedule your no-obligation consultation. Your future self will thank you for taking action today.
