Key takeaways

  • Retirees experience a more satisfying retirement when they have added levels of guaranteed monthly income beyond Social Security1
  • The positive impact of protected income extends across nearly all net-worth and age levels — with particularly strong effects for retirees age 70 and older
  • Annuities and in-plan lifetime income options can help clients spend more freely, reduce financial stress and optimize their retirement portfolios

A financially secure retirement should feel liberating, not restrictive. But for many retirees, the fear of outliving their savings keeps them from fully enjoying it. While many financial professionals focus on investment-driven strategies to generate income for clients in retirement, research continues to show that protected lifetime income plays a critical role in enhancing retirement satisfaction. But how much additional guaranteed income provides the greatest boost in retiree confidence and well-being?

How guaranteed income drives retirement satisfaction

The biggest jump in satisfaction occurs when retirees have about $3,000 (in today’s dollars) of protected income per month.

Our research uncovered a clear connection between the amount of guaranteed income a retiree receives and their overall retirement satisfaction. We analyzed data from the Health and Retirement Study (HRS) — a survey of approximately 20,000 older Americans conducted through the University of Michigan1 — and what we saw revealed that while any level of guaranteed income that supplements Social Security benefits improves confidence, the biggest jump in satisfaction occurs when retirees have about $3,000 (in today’s dollars) of protected income per month. This threshold creates an income floor that allows retirees to spend more freely without the fear of depleting their savings.

Interestingly, the positive effects of guaranteed income persist across nearly all wealth levels, excluding only the lowest net-worth tier. Even high-net-worth retirees report greater happiness and financial peace of mind when they receive approximately $3,000 in additional guaranteed monthly income. And as retirees age, their satisfaction with lifetime income sources only increases.

This impact is particularly strong among retirees age 70 and older. At this stage in life, the appeal of managing withdrawals and market fluctuations diminishes, while the simplicity and reliability of guaranteed income become increasingly valuable. This age-related trend suggests that clients who reach retirement without sufficient protected income may experience rising financial anxiety as they age.

Why guaranteed income matters

Market downturns and longer life expectancies make sustainable withdrawal strategies increasingly difficult to maintain. Many retirees are reluctant to spend down their assets, fearing they might live longer than expected or experience poor investment returns at the wrong time.

This leads to overly cautious spending, reducing quality of life even when ample savings are available. Guaranteed income sources, such as annuities and in-plan lifetime income options, solve this problem by providing a consistent, predictable paycheck for life.

For more insights on how protected income boosts retirement satisfaction, explore a previous article.
A financial professional discusses the benefits of guaranteed retirement income with a millennial couple in a bright, professional meeting room.

In a recent survey, more than 75% of millennial and Gen X respondents said they’re interested in learning more from a financial professional about how to set up their own protected retirement income.2

Build loyalty by helping identify the retirement income sweet spot

You can play a crucial role in helping retirees determine the right balance between investment-driven growth and guaranteed income. While every client’s situation is unique, a starting consideration in the range of $3,000 in additional monthly guaranteed income may be an effective approach.

Incorporating annuities or in-plan lifetime income options into a broader income strategy can help retirees:

  • Achieve a more predictable and stress-free retirement
  • Maintain the freedom to spend on lifestyle expenses that may improve their happiness
  • Optimize their retirement portfolios for both stability and growth

The bottom line? Guaranteed income isn’t just about reducing risk. It’s also about empowering retirees to make the most of their retirement years. By helping retirees find their protected income “sweet spot,” financial professionals can help clients enjoy retirement more — and worry less.
For more detailed insights, read our full white paper.

[1] “The Health and Retirement Study,” hrs.isr.umich.edu (2020).
[2] “The Nationwide Retirement Institute 2024 Social Security Survey,” conducted by The Harris Poll on behalf of the Nationwide Retirement Institute. This online survey was conducted April 19 - May 13, 2024, among 1,831 U.S. adults age 18 or older.