Welcome to this edition of Money Matters with FSA, where we help you navigate key financial decisions with confidence. I’m Mike Zarrelli, CFP®, EA and today we’re using a simple sketch—the Retirement Triangle—to see whether your money will support you once the paychecks stop.
Step 1 – Know Your Spending
Draw three circles in a triangle. In the top circle, write your annual spending goal. Our sample couple expects to spend $120,000 a year when they retire at 65.
Step 2 – Add Guaranteed (Fixed) Income
In the left-hand circle list predictable income sources—Social Security, pensions, rental income. Our couple’s Social Security and small pension will cover $60,000 per year, so draw an arrow from that circle to the spending goal.
Step 3 – Add Your Nest Egg
The right-hand circle is your portfolio. With a $1 million nest egg, the classic 4 % rule suggests withdrawing $40,000 a year. Draw the second arrow.
The Gap
$60,000 (fixed income) + $40,000 (portfolio withdrawals) = $100,000. They’re $20,000 short of their $120,000 lifestyle target.
Options to Close the Gap
- Adjust spending now—trim non-essentials or pay off debt.
- Save more before retirement—increase 401(k) or brokerage contributions.
- Delay retirement or Social Security for larger benefits.
- Boost portfolio growth—review allocation and tax strategy.
Doing this five years out gives you time to course-correct instead of scrambling later.
The FSA Approach: Planning Prevents Panic
At FSA Wealth Partners, we design customized income strategies and pair them with our proprietary FSA Safety Net® to protect against major market drawdowns while keeping you invested for growth. Our team actively monitors portfolios, manages risk systematically, and integrates tax-efficient withdrawal tactics so you can retire on your terms.
Ready to see if your Retirement Triangle balances?
Contact us at (301) 949-7300 or questions@fsawealthpartners.com to learn more about the FSA Get Wealth Planning Process™. After trying the Retirement Triangle on your own, we’ll guide you through a deeper, personalized planning process to help you understand how your retirement can truly work—both today and in the long run.
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See you in the next edition of Money Matters with FSA.
