Jill on Money with Jill Schlesinger Wife Questioning Asset Allocation
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Nov 26, 2025 Peter and Donna, a retired couple from the Bay Area, delve into their retirement planning concerns. They discuss a hefty asset allocation of 65% equities, with Donna feeling uneasy about the risk. The couple reviews their income needs, Social Security plans, and housing situation while Jill highlights the emotional toll of market downturns. With solid advice on keeping a cash buffer and tax planning strategies in place, they create a practical retirement plan that both partners can feel confident about.
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Couple's Full Financial Snapshot
- Peter and Donna are late-60s retirees with about $1.12M in traditional IRAs and $938k in brokerage.
- They also hold roughly $700k in cash/CDs, a $3.4M primary home and a $1M second home with small mortgages.
Establish A Cash Line In The Sand
- Do keep a clear cash "line in the sand" for retirement safety and avoid letting it drop too low.
- Pull modest amounts from traditional accounts while staying in the 24% tax bracket to fund that cash buffer.
Sequence Income From Guaranteed Sources
- Do plan income needs around expected Social Security at age 70 and the $250k payment to avoid unnecessary portfolio stress.
- Use guaranteed or liquid sources first to cover living costs while equities remain invested for growth.