Over the long term the markets have historically made money for investors. There is however no guarantee that a severe bear market won’t exist just before or just after you retire. That is why the five years before and after your retirement date have been termed “the critical decade.” If your asset allocation doesn’t change during this period and a bear market were to occur, you may find yourself not being able to support the lifestyle you expected—or delaying your retirement beyond what you had desired. Our focus on income planning helps to prevent that occurrence.