The 5 Retirement Safeguards Almost No One Has (But Should)

Executive Summary

 “Do I have enough money to retire?” is the number one question in retirement planning. But here’s another that should be at the top of your list:  “What happens if life doesn’t go according to plan?”

Markets won’t always cooperate. Health and family needs can change in an instant. Building in these five often-overlooked safeguards can help give your plan room to bend without breaking.

Want to watch an in-depth exploration of this topic?
Check out this video on my YouTube channel, @SavvySteward: The 5 Retirement Safeguards Almost No One Has (But Should)

Take the free “How Much Do I Need To Retire” Quiz here:
https://secure.kingsview.com/keith-savvy-steward-quiz-youtube#q1

The 5 Retirement Safeguards Almost No One Has (But Should)

If you think retirement will go exactly as planned, I have some bad news. It won’t.

In my years working with retirees, I’ve seen the unexpected show up in every stage of retirement. 

Markets dip right when withdrawals begin. Health changes overnight and reshapes priorities. Family members call, needing support at the worst possible time.

None of these things show up in the neat projections, but they happen all the same. That’s why I recommend building your financial plan with five “shock absorbers” in mind:

• Life-First Spending Floor
• Decision Firewall 
• Step-Down Work 
• Multi-Generational Contingencies 
• Pre-Planned Retreat List 

Each of these safeguards adds flexibility so your plan can bend without breaking.

How can I make sure my essential expenses are covered in retirement?

This is where a Life-First Spending Floor comes in. Instead of building your budget around your income, start with your non-negotiables—the things that make life worth living, like housing, faith commitments, travel, or time with family—and secure those with your most stable income sources.

Social Security, pensions, and annuities should cover this “floor.” Investment withdrawals and more variable sources fund the rest. That way, if markets stumble, the parts of your lifestyle that matter most remain protected.

How do I stop myself from making impulsive money decisions in retirement?

It’s easy to overspend or react emotionally when you have more free time and flexibility. A Decision Firewall creates built-in pause points:

• Wait 24 hours before purchases under $1,000
• Wait 48 hours for purchases between $1,000–$10,000
• Wait 7 days for anything higher

This waiting period gives you space to think clearly and check whether a purchase truly fits your long-term plan, rather than being driven by emotion or pressure.

Should I work part-time after retiring?

Step-Down Work is a way to ease out of the responsibilities and obligations of full-time work while still keeping a foot in the door. Instead of walking away completely, you scale back—through part-time roles, consulting, project work, or seasonal opportunities that fit your interests.

The value isn’t just in the lighter schedule. Step-Down Work helps you keep your professional connections active and your skills relevant. And by doing that, you preserve the option to increase work—and income—if circumstances ever call for it.

This safeguard isn’t about survival. It’s about flexibility. You get the breathing room of retirement, but you don’t lose the ability to re-engage if life shifts. That balance can make a big difference in how steady your retirement feels.

How can I prepare for my kids or parents needing financial help during my retirement?

Family needs often pull at retirement plans in unexpected ways. An adult child going through divorce, aging parents needing care, or relatives asking for loans can all disrupt your finances.

The safeguard here is Multi-Generational Contingencies—agreements and boundaries set in advance. Have family meetings while everyone is healthy and stable. Decide how much support you could give, under what conditions, and for how long. Documenting these expectations reduces conflict and keeps your retirement secure when family pressures arise.

Should I plan ahead for downsizing or relocating in retirement?

Housing is one of the biggest retirement expenses, and planning for flexibility here is critical. A Pre-Planned Retreat List identifies three places you could move that would reduce costs by 20–40% without feeling like a downgrade.

This doesn’t mean you HAVE to move; it simply gives you peace of mind knowing you COULD. Explore options like downsizing locally, relocating to a lower-cost state, or considering retirement communities. When you’ve predesigned a retreat list, downsizing becomes a choice rather than a crisis response.

Adding these five safeguards doesn’t require you to rebuild your retirement plan. They just help ensure you’re prepared for the surprises life tends to deliver.

Real wealth starts with real life. Don’t just plan the numbers—plan the life.

Contact Information

Keith Demetriades, CFP®, CKA®, believes real wealth starts with real life. He created the 4D Client Experience to help guide decision-making and ensure your money works as a tool to support your life. If you’re ready for a financial plan that reflects how you live and what you’re building toward, 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.