Lifetime income is the goal of guaranteed retirement cash flow that lasts as long as you live, eliminating longevity risk. Sources: Social Security (universal), pensions (rare in private sector), single-premium immediate annuities, qualified longevity annuity contracts (QLACs) — annuities purchased in a Traditional IRA/401(k) deferring income to age 85. Lifetime income can cover essential expenses (housing, food, healthcare) while invested assets fund discretionary spending and legacy. The retirement income trinity: Social Security base + annuity layer + investment portfolio. Maximize Social Security first (delay to 70 if possible), then evaluate annuitization for remaining longevity insurance need.
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403(b)
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457(b)
A 457(b) plan is a retirement plan for state and local government employees and certain nonprofit employees. Unique…
Annuitization
Annuitization is the process of converting a lump sum (or accumulated annuity value) into a guaranteed income stream,…
Annuity
An annuity is an insurance contract paying a stream of income, often for life — designed to provide…
Backdoor Roth Conversion
The Backdoor Roth Conversion strategy enables high earners who exceed Roth IRA income limits to fund a Roth…
Beneficiary IRA
A Beneficiary IRA (Inherited IRA) is a retirement account inherited from a deceased owner. Post-SECURE Act 2019, most…
Lifetime Income
August 22, 2026 · Aditya Gupta
Personal Finance
Related terms
403(b)
A 403(b) plan is a retirement plan for employees of public schools, nonprofit hospitals, charities, and religious organizations…
457(b)
A 457(b) plan is a retirement plan for state and local government employees and certain nonprofit employees. Unique…
Annuitization
Annuitization is the process of converting a lump sum (or accumulated annuity value) into a guaranteed income stream,…
Annuity
An annuity is an insurance contract paying a stream of income, often for life — designed to provide…
Backdoor Roth Conversion
The Backdoor Roth Conversion strategy enables high earners who exceed Roth IRA income limits to fund a Roth…
Beneficiary IRA
A Beneficiary IRA (Inherited IRA) is a retirement account inherited from a deceased owner. Post-SECURE Act 2019, most…
