Answering Patrick: Transition to Risk Parity

In this episode we answer emails from Patrick, Kyle, and Dave.  We discuss the advantages of using risk parity style portfolios for higher withdrawal rates, how to manage a sleeve of individual REITs, the joys of giving in its various forms, a risk parity style portfolio in a Donor Advised Fund, and reverse glide paths.  We share how planned generosity, donor-advised funds, and employer matches can make retirement more meaningful.

Links:

Father McKenna Center Donation Page:  Donate - Father McKenna Center

Kitces & Carl podcast about "Frugal Bob":  Helping Retired Clients To Actually Start Spending And Enjoying Their Money - Kitces & Carl Ep 178

Bigger Pockets Money Test Risk Parity Style Portfolio:  We Built a 5% SWR Retirement Portfolio Using Fidelity in 48 Minutes (Golden Ratio Portfolio)

Choose FI Podcast #574:  Top Five Regrets of the Dying (Book Club with Frank Vasquez and Ginger) | Ep 574

Kitces Reverse Glidepath Article:  The Benefits Of A Rising Equity Glidepath In Retirement

Breathless AI-Bot Summary:

Most retirees don’t fail because they spend too much; they struggle because their portfolios weren’t built for withdrawals. We unpack how risk parity, smarter rebalancing, and a reverse glide path can protect early-retirement years while keeping growth on the table. Along the way, we share listener stories that show what happens when a 100% stock believer embraces diversification and discovers the joy of giving—through donor-advised funds, employer matches, and a simple plan to distribute one percent or more each year.

We start with a real allocation shift: blending large growth, small value, long Treasuries, gold, managed futures, and a small sleeve of REITs to reduce sequence risk. Then we get tactical. For individual REIT holdings, we treat the sleeve as one allocation and only rebalance when the sleeve moves versus the rest of the portfolio. Inside the sleeve, focus on outliers—trim oversized winners, reassess laggards with deteriorating stories—and keep transactions light to minimize taxes and churn.

The heart of the episode explores how generosity reshapes retirement planning. Using a donor-advised fund to “stress test” withdrawals at high rates teaches mechanics and builds confidence, while employer matching turns donations into leveraged impact. We talk practical tools—automating gifts, donating appreciated shares, setting “use-by” dates on giving accounts—and nontraditional forms of giving that create work, support local businesses, and deepen relationships.

We close by breaking down the reverse glide path championed by Michael Kitces and echoed by Bill Bengen: start retirement with lower equity exposure and increase it over time. Our working template moves from the low 40% equity range toward 60–70% as years pass—an evidence-informed band that historically supports higher safe withdrawal rates and tamps down sequence risk. Paired with risk parity diversification and a deliberate giving plan, it’s a path that funds a life you actually want to live.

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