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This blog is provided by Wells Gibson for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, or tax advice. The content is general in nature and should not be considered a substitute for personalised financial planning.
Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future results. The figures and examples included are based on publicly available data and are intended for illustrative purposes only.
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“True financial independence means living life on your terms—with clarity, confidence, and a sense of purpose. Your wealth should continue working hard for you, even after you stop.”
– Jonathan Gibson, Managing Director, Wells Gibson
After years, perhaps decades, of diligently saving, planning, and investing, retirement finally arrives. It’s a profound milestone. For many of our clients, this moment brings a sense of relief, pride, and optimism for what lies ahead.
But alongside the excitement, a new question emerges:
Now that I’ve stopped earning, how do I make sure my money doesn’t?
At Wells Gibson, we work closely with clients as they step into this new phase of life—from building wealth to drawing on it with purpose. And this is where purposeful wealth planning becomes more important than ever.
Why Playing It Safe Could Jeopardise Your Financial Future
For generations past, “retirement investing” meant shifting everything into ultra-conservative assets or purchasing an annuity. You stopped working, secured a guaranteed income, and rarely revisited your investments again.
But the world has changed.
Modern retirement often spans 20–30 years or more. At the same time, low interest rates and rising inflation have made so-called “safe” investments more risky in real terms. A portfolio designed to avoid short-term volatility can, over time, erode purchasing power and limit lifestyle choices.
We encourage our clients to see retirement not as the end, but the beginning of a new chapter. You’re still an investor, just one with a new focus: sustainable income and long-term growth.
You’re Not Managing Declining Assets—You’re Still a Long-Term Investor
There’s a strong temptation to become more cautious in retirement, especially when you’re no longer contributing to your portfolio. But this mindset can be a threat to your financial wellbeing.
Rather than moving everything to cash or fixed income, consider this:
A 65-year-old couple has a one-in-three chance that one of them will live to 95. That’s potentially 30 more years of living costs, lifestyle goals, and inflation to plan for.
The reality? Your portfolio still needs to grow.
A low-risk portfolio might feel more comfortable today, but it could leave you financially constrained tomorrow. We often say: short-term comfort can come at the cost of long-term freedom.
Purposeful Wealth Planning Means Having a Plan for Volatility
We’re not suggesting you throw caution to the wind. We help clients shape strategies that balance emotional comfort with financial purpose.
One such approach is the cash bucket strategy:
Hold 1–3 years’ worth of essential expenses in cash or short-term investments.
This ensures you can draw an income without selling growth assets during market downturns.
The rest of your portfolio can remain invested to pursue the long-term returns needed to outpace inflation.
This creates peace of mind without sacrificing purpose. It allows you to stay on course, even when markets wobble.
Is Your Portfolio Built for a 30-Year Retirement?
We encourage all clients approaching or in retirement to reflect on their current investment strategy. Ask yourself:
Am I investing with a 30-year time horizon in mind?
Is my portfolio designed to sustain and grow my lifestyle—not just protect it?
Have I built in the right balance between stability and growth?
If your answer is uncertain, it may be time to revisit your plan.
We’re Here for the Journey Ahead
At Wells Gibson, we help clients align their financial decisions with what matters most to them. That means recognising retirement as a new phase of life—not a financial endpoint.
Through purposeful wealth planning, you can enjoy financial independence with confidence, knowing your wealth continues to support the life and legacy you envision.
And as your lifelong trusted partner, we guarantee:
Continuity of advice, transparent fees, and a dedicated team, giving you peace of mind, whatever life brings.
Long-term reassurance
Ideal as part of employee ownership and succession messaging
If you’d like to review your investment strategy or discuss how your wealth can remain purposeful in retirement, we’d be delighted to support you.
