Retiring - not so fast and not so easy

Retiring isn’t as easy as 1-2-3. Although Social Security benefits, a pension plan and retirement accounts are helpful, these days it’s beneficial to have alternative investments to supplement your retirement income. If you are getting ready to retire, there are a several income sources you may want to invest in.

An annuity is one option for alternative income. Annuities have several benefits such as tax deferral on investment earnings, protecting from creditors, tax-free transfers on investment options, benefits to your heirs, lifetime income and many, many options. There a several different types of annuities to consider: fixed or variable, deferred or immediate, fixed period, fixed amount or lifetime, qualified or nonqualified, single premium or flexible premium.

Real estate is another consideration when working toward alternative income. Whether you by individual properties or choose an REIT (real estate investment trust), real estate can bring you in a steady source of revenue to supplement your retirement income.

Another way to create more money is to let your money earn for you; money market accounts, Treasury securities, bonds and CDs (certificates of deposit) can produce interest on your investments. There are many different interest rates and tax exemptions, so do your homework before investing and find the best deal for you.

And of course, dividend paying stocks are also an option.

The point is, Social Security benefits, retirement accounts and a pension plan are all wonderful to have, but if you would like to generate a well-padded security blanket for retirement, there are a wealth of choices available. Do your research and choose carefully!


For information on Social Security Disability, visit the

Social Security Disability SSI Resource Center
Medicare Information



Additional Resources

Applying for disability online
Social security disability and SGA
Social Security Disability Primary insurance amount
Social Security Disability unsuccessful work attempt