October 15, 2021

5 Blind Spots You May Be Missing in Retirement

5 Blind Spots You May Be Missing in Retirement

Does your retirement plan have any of these blind spots?

You’re probably familiar with blind spots when driving. You might be trying to change lanes and then you hear a loud horn and realize there’s a car right there in your blind spot. It’s a terrible feeling, and it can be frightening. And, just like driving, when it comes to retirement planning, there are some equally concerning blind spots to be aware of. We wanted to cover the five biggest blind spots you may have when facing retirement, so you can avoid them, and live your dream retirement.

The first blind spot is not knowing your number. And that really could be many different numbers. For instance, have I saved up enough money needed to sustain the kind of life that I want in retirement? And then, how much do you owe  going into retirement? Or here’s another one: how much income do you need after taxes? Not knowing those numbers can be a big blind spot. Here at Fullerton Financial Planning, we help you find your numbers so you can have confidence in retirement.

When the Social Security Administration was created and the idea of retirement was institutionalized, retirement generally lasted maybe ten years, give or take. You didn’t need your retirement income to last very long. But so much has changed, and now we’re living much longer than previous generations. It’s important your retirement income can go the distance.

Not factoring in longevity risk is another common blind spot that tends to trip people up. We help make sure you have a retirement income plan designed to last as long as you do.

Another blind spot that catches people off guard is relying on old strategies for a modern retirement. The world is constantly changing. As you know, pensions are becoming a thing of the past, and old rules of thumb that used to work in retirement, are no longer effective. Ask yourself, are you talking to an advisor using modern solutions? Do they have their pulse on the latest strategies and innovations to help you get to the finish line with confidence?

And here’s another blind spot you might not be aware of – not seeking out the right financial advisor. You know, it seems like there’s a financial advisor on every corner. How do you find the right one? Are you working with the correct advisors for your stage of life? Do they care about helping you create a comprehensive plan, or are they simply selling a product? Are they focused on growing your money, or do they understand what it takes to generate income in retirement? Finding the right advisory firm is very, very important. Don’t let that be a blind spot to you.

And the final blind spot is waiting too long to plan. If you don’t have a plan, guess what? Today’s the day! At Fullerton Financial Planning, we believe strongly in planning for the future. It’s planning, not products or fancy gimmicks that will help you achieve all you want out of retirement. Remember, a written, well-thought-out plan is crucial. And, if you don’t have one, make today the day you reach out to get started. Don’t let these five blind spots trip you up on your road to retirement. 

Begin the Conversation with a Free Retirement Review

This isn’t a sales call. It’s a focused, one-on-one conversation about where you stand and what’s possible from here.

What We’ll Cover in Your Retirement Review


Lifestyle Goals

What do you want retirement to actually look like? Travel, freedom, family, security — we start with the life you want, then build around it.


Current Assets

We’ll review what you’ve built — and help uncover smarter ways to use your 401(k), IRA, or savings more effectively for retirement income.


Income Planning

We’ll identify where your income will come from — and how to make sure it covers what you care about without relying too heavily on the market.


Risk & Tax Exposure

We’ll evaluate how your plan holds up to taxes, longevity, healthcare costs, and market shifts — so your income stays steady, even when life doesn’t.


Long-Term Strategy

We’ll help you turn what you’ve saved into income that lasts — without sacrificing the lifestyle you worked so hard to build.


The Next Steps

By the end of the meeting, you’ll have clarity on what’s working, what’s missing, and what to do next.

What You Get With Fullerton

  • A retirement income plan built around your lifestyle goals — not a generic formula
  • A coordinated investment and withdrawal strategy that supports income for life
  • Social Security timing guidance to help you get the most from your benefits
  • A reliable income floor — often supported by high-quality annuities with GLWBs, when appropriate
  • Tax-smart withdrawal strategies designed to adapt to changing laws and future needs
  • Personalized guidance on Medicare and long-term care planning
  • A clear roadmap for RMDs, Roth conversions, and income sequencing
  • Legacy and beneficiary planning that protects your spouse and supports your values
  • Ongoing reviews and proactive adjustments to keep your plan aligned as life evolves
  • Direct access to your advisor — no call centers, no hand-offs
  • A secure client portal with full access to your plan and documents
    Invitations to Fullerton’s exclusive client events and appreciation gatherings
  • A local, retirement-minded community with shared goals and values
  • Financial confidence for your spouse and family — with clarity, not complexity
  • Experienced, time-tested guidance from a leading independent Arizona-based planning firm focused on your future

Income
Planning

A strategy to turn your savings into reliable, steady income — so your lifestyle stays on track in retirement.

Tax
Planning

Smart planning to reduce future taxes and keep more of your money working for you.

Health Care
Planning

Protection against rising healthcare costs, including long-term care, built into your plan.

Risk
Management

A clear approach to guarding your wealth from market swings, inflation, and the unexpected.

Real Estate
And Legacy
Planning

A plan for your assets and property that preserves your legacy and supports your loved ones.

Planning With Fullerton

Relationship Building

You’re not just another account. At Fullerton, every relationship begins with real conversation — taking time to understand your values, priorities, and goals. That connection becomes the foundation for a plan that’s built around you, not a formula.

Personalized Experience

No two retirements are the same. Your strategy will reflect your unique goals, lifestyle, and financial position. Everything is tailor-made: your income structured, your tax plan, and the preservation of legacy. The difference in the details — because it is built around you.

Holistic Approach

A good plan looks beyond the numbers. Your lifestyle, your family, your values — it’s all connected. That’s why our planning process considers every part of your life, not just your portfolio — leaving no stone unturned.

See What Fullerton Can Do For You

Going from "I hope this works" to "I know I'm covered".

Experience You Can Trust

Retirement is too important to trust to a generalist. That’s why for over 20 years, Fullerton Financial Planning has focused exclusively on helping people transition from work to retirement — and thrive throughout it. We’re not trying to be everything to everyone. We’re built to help you do one thing incredibly well: Turn your life savings into reliable income and lasting financial confidence.

Why Families Across Arizona Trust Fullerton

  • Over 20 years helping Arizona retirees create income that lasts
  • Trusted by more than 2,000 Arizona households — and growing
  • Independent, fiduciary-based advice — no quotas, no product push
  • Certified Financial Planner™ (CFP®) professionals on staff
  • Regularly featured on ABC15, MoneyRadio, and financial education outlets
  • Local, in-person service — no national call centers or rotating advisor teams
  • Planning approach integrates investments, income, tax, Medicare, and legacy goals
  • Collaborative relationships with CPAs, estate attorneys, and insurance professionals
  • Focused on education-first guidance, not sales pitches or one-size-fits-all plans
  • Supported by a dedicated client service team with a reputation for proactive care

“I was nervous about retiring — but they helped me see the whole picture and gave me confidence to move forward.”

— Mary J., Scottsdale


“They made a complicated plan feel simple. I wish we’d come here five years earlier.”

— Brian & Sandra T., Mesa


“They treated me like a person, not a portfolio. I never felt pressured — just supported.”

— Teresa D., Chandler


“Our old advisor never talked about income or taxes — this team gave us a plan we could actually live on.”

— Kevin M., Sun City

The Fullerton Family

Standing Strong For Clients.
Stepping Up For the Community.

Begin the Conversation

We’re here to listen, understand, and help you take control of your financial future.