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8 Best Strategies for Retirement Income

By Kailey Hagen – Updated Dec 18, 2025 at 12:06 PM EST

Key Points

Use the bucket strategy to segment retirement savings for different short and long-term needs.
The 4% rule offers a withdrawal guideline, but adjust it based on investment performance and lifespan.
Consider annuities for guaranteed income, but be wary of high fees and lower yield potential.
The $23,760 Social Security bonus most retirees completely overlook ›

Retirement means freedom from the workplace, but it also means living on a fixed income for an uncertain period. You don't want to run out of money prematurely, so you need a plan to make your nest egg last as long as possible.

Everyone's situation is unique, so retirement income strategies will vary accordingly. Here are eight common strategies retirees use to get the most out of their nest eggs.

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About the Author

Kailey Hagen, CFP, is a contributing Motley Fool retirement analyst covering Social Security, Medicare, and retirement planning. Before The Motley Fool, Kailey was a research analyst for Reviews.com focusing on credit and banking products. She is a Certified Financial Planner® and holds a bachelor’s degree in English from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

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