In an unpredictable economy marked by inflation pressures, volatile markets, and the potential for shifts in tax laws, the fundamentals of smart retirement planning remain the same—even as the rules and regulations evolve. According to Jeffrey Fratarcangeli, founder and CEO of Fratarcangeli Wealth Management and a top-tier wealth manager, “The smartest retirement strategy remains one that’s grounded in clarity, discipline, and flexibility.”
Fratarcangeli and his team work with individuals and families to align financial decisions with the life they want to lead today—and the one they envision for the future. Below are four core principles he says can help build retirement plans designed to stand the test of time.
Start with what you know: Your budget.
“Too often, people begin retirement planning by thinking about market moves or tax strategies,” Jeffrey Fratarcangeli says. “But the starting point should be your expenses.”
Before anything else, it’s essential to understand and account for the cost of living in retirement—including fixed expenses like housing and insurance, rising health care costs, and variable lifestyle spending that will shape those golden years.
“A clear budget sets the foundation,” he adds. “Once you know your needs, you can begin building a financial plan that aligns with them—not the other way around.”
Plan for inflation and liquidity, not just market gains
A major component of long-term planning, Fratarcangeli emphasizes, is preparing for the inevitable: inflation and market corrections.
“Your retirement strategy should create room for both,” he says, “and segment your assets based on your time horizon.” During the first few years of retirement, liquidity is critical—it prevents clients from being forced to sell investments during downturns and helps avoid emotionally driven decisions.
For funds you won’t need for at least three to four years, consider positioning them in investments that have historically outpaced inflation. That’s how you give yourself the equivalent of a “raise” in retirement and let your money keep working, even when you’re no longer actively earning.
Jeffrey Fratarcangeli cautions against overconcentration on either end of the risk spectrum. “The key is to avoid too much risk or too much caution. A balanced, long-term approach can help your money work harder than inflation over time.”
At Fratarcangeli Wealth Management, they lean on historical data when helping clients craft retirement strategies. Historically, market corrections like the dot-com crash, the Great Recession, or COVID-era volatility tend to rebound over a three- to four-year window. If you give your long-term investments that time to recover, you’re less likely to lock in losses or react out of fear.
Eliminate the potential for emotional decisions with a clear structure
Emotional decision-making is one of the most common pitfalls during retirement planning, Fratarcangeli warns. “Whether it’s fear during a downturn or excitement during a rally, both can lead to missteps. That’s why having a plan is so important—it removes guesswork and gives you an objective framework for decision-making.”
His team designs plans around what clients will need in the short, mid, and long term. “That might include liquidity for known events like weddings or education costs,” he says, “followed by long-term investments to grow and support income over time. Having that structure helps our clients stay calm, informed, and on track.”
Think beyond your lifetime when it comes to wealth preservation
Retirement planning, Fratarcangeli points out, isn’t just about one’s lifetime—it’s also about what comes after. “Whether you want to support a philanthropic cause, provide for future generations, or both, your retirement strategy should take legacy and estate planning into account,” he says.
That could include philanthropic goals, trusts, or life insurance strategies designed to preserve wealth and reduce exposure to estate taxes.
“Regulations change. Estate exemptions don’t stay static,” he notes. “For instance, we’re closely monitoring the potential reduction of the federal estate tax exemption, which is set to decrease significantly after 2025 unless current laws are extended. That’s why we recommend reviewing your strategy at least annually and doing a deeper dive with your financial advisor every two years to ensure your plans still align with current laws and your long-term goals.”
Build a plan that works for now, and later
Retirement planning will continue to evolve alongside the economy. However, Jeffrey Fratarcangeli says that if a plan is based on real needs, designed to withstand short-term shocks, and built objectively to reflect long-term vision, it’s possible to move forward confidently in uncertain times.
“At Fratarcangeli Wealth Management, we take pride in helping people make smart decisions in every market cycle and support the life—and legacy—they’re working to build,” he adds.
For more information from Jeffrey Fratarcangeli, visit https://fratarcangeliwealth.com.
Securities offered through Thurston Springer Financial, a registered Broker-Dealer (Member FINRA & SIPC). Investment advisory services offered through Thurston Springer Advisors, a SEC-Registered Investment Advisor. Insurance products offered through Thurston Springer Financial, an Indiana Insurance Agency.
The information contained herein constitutes general information and is not directed to, designed for, or individually tailored to, any particular investor or potential investor. This is not intended to be a client-specific suitability or best interest analysis or recommendation, an offer to participate in any investment, or a recommendation to buy, hold or sell securities.
