Build a Better Retirement with These 7 Accounts

Executive Summary

Managing income in retirement takes more than just one or two accounts. It takes structure—the kind that gives you options when markets shift, control over your tax bill, and access to funds when you need them. These seven account types work together to simplify retirement and support smarter decisions in your 60s, 70s, and 80s.

Want to watch an in-depth exploration of this topic?
Check out this video on my YouTube channel, @SavvySteward: Build a Better Retirement with These 7 Accounts

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Build a Better Retirement with These 7 Accounts

There’s a big difference between having money and having a plan. Retirement puts that difference under a spotlight. Without structure, even simple questions—like when to take income or what to sell—can cause hesitation or trigger bigger tax bills. But when your accounts are organized with the end in mind, those decisions get easier.

1. Why does account structure matter more as your portfolio grows?

As your portfolio grows, managing it requires more coordination. You’re balancing taxes, income timing, investment risk, and long-term goals. Without structure, your accounts can end up working against each other and making retirement more complicated than it needs to be.

If your accounts aren’t working together, even small decisions can lead to bigger problems. You might take too much from one source and trigger higher taxes. Or you might miss the chance to create income in a more efficient way.

When you have a structured plan, each account plays a role. You can manage income, taxes, and timing in a way that supports the bigger picture. That structure doesn’t make the plan more rigid; it gives you more room to make smart, deliberate decisions as your needs change.

2. How does your account structure make retirement easier to manage?

When your accounts are structured intentionally, you gain control over how and when to take income, without being boxed into a single option. That structure makes it easier to navigate taxes, respond to market shifts, and manage spending throughout retirement.

Think of it like building with different tools: each account serves a purpose. Some give you flexibility, others provide stability or tax efficiency. And when they work together, you’re able to make better decisions without second-guessing every move.

3. What are the 7 key accounts, and what role does each play?

A good retirement plan uses a mix of tools to solve for taxes, timing, income needs, and long-term risks. 

Here’s a breakdown of seven accounts that make managing retirement easier:

• Traditional IRA or 401(k): This is where most people’s retirement savings live. It’s tax-deferred, which helps you grow more now—but every dollar you take out in retirement gets taxed as ordinary income. Once RMDs kick in, those withdrawals can spike your tax bill unless you plan ahead.
• Roth IRA or Roth 401(k): Roth accounts give you tax-free income in retirement, which makes them incredibly useful for flexibility. They’re great for managing your tax bracket in a high-expense year or for funding larger one-time purchases without triggering more taxes.
• Taxable Brokerage Account: Often overlooked, but extremely valuable. It gives you access to long-term capital gains treatment, loss harvesting opportunities, and flexibility around how and when you take income. This one’s a workhorse when you want to smooth out taxes and keep options open.
• High-Yield Savings or Money Market Account: This is your buffer. It won’t earn much, but that’s not the point—it keeps you from selling investments during a downturn and helps you stay on track when markets are volatile.
• Health Savings Account (HSA): If you’re still eligible, an HSA is one of the most efficient ways to save for medical costs. You can invest the funds, let them grow, and use them tax-free for qualified expenses, which can be especially helpful later in retirement when healthcare costs rise.
• Donor-Advised Fund (DAF): If charitable giving is part of your plan, a DAF helps you bunch donations for tax purposes, give appreciated assets, and control the timing of your gifts—all while simplifying paperwork.
• Deferred Income or Annuity-Backed Accounts: These are designed to provide a predictable income later in life, typically starting in your 70s or 80s. They reduce the pressure on your investment portfolio and can make budgeting much simpler in your later years.

Each account has a job to do. Some help lower taxes. Some provide access to cash. Some create guaranteed income. You’re not just collecting accounts. You’re building a structure that supports how you want to live.

4. What’s the long-term advantage of having all seven accounts in place?

It gives you room to move.

When you’ve built a plan with different types of accounts, you’re not stuck pulling income from just one place. You can shift based on what’s happening in the market, what your tax picture looks like, or when a large expense pops up. That flexibility makes it easier to avoid big tax hits, adjust your withdrawals when things get choppy, and pace your income more intentionally over time.

You have options, and that helps you stay in control.

5. How do you build toward this structure if you’re not there yet?

You don’t need all seven accounts on day one. Start with what you already have, and begin organizing them with purpose.

For example, if you’re 55 with a 401(k), a Roth IRA, and a savings account, that’s already a strong foundation. You can keep contributing to your Roth, gradually build your cash reserve, and consider adding a brokerage account to improve flexibility.

Over time, you might explore donor-advised funds, deferred income tools, or an HSA if you’re still eligible. The key is to build margin and control, one step at a time.

Contact Information

Keith Demetriades, CFP®, CKA®
For more information or to start a conversation about your financial future, contact Keith at (806) 223-1105 or visit Kingsview Partners.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for educational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Please consult a qualified financial advisor to discuss your specific situation and needs. Past performance does not indicate future results, and all investments carry risks, including potential loss of principal. Any financial product or strategy references are purely illustrative and should not be construed as endorsements or recommendations.