High interest rates, volatile markets and recession talk mean the old retirement rulebook needs updating. In this episode Chris Drew walks through the retirement rules retirees still trust — the 4% distribution rule, the 60/40 stock/bond playbook, the “rule of 100/110” for asset allocation — and explains how each behaves today when rates, inflation and longevity all work against you. He shows which rules still make sense, which need recalibration, and how guaranteed building blocks (indexed annuities, lifetime-income riders, direct bond ownership) can replace fragile bond-fund allocations to stabilize income without surrendering long-term growth.

Chris also decodes Social Security timing (full retirement ages by birth year, penalties for working while claiming, survivor rules, and the 2035 funding risk) and the operational steps that turn headlines into a plan: run Monte Carlo stress-tests, perform an overlap/cost-and-risk review, revisit withdrawal sequencing and Roth conversion timing, and consider partial rollovers or indexed annuities as bond replacements. Packed with practical examples and a clear checklist, this episode is for anyone who wants an income-first retirement that survives bad markets and long lives.

Want help translating this into a distribution plan? Book a free consultation at https://askthecaptain.com or call 833-DREW-CAP (833-373-9227).