There was a time when you could retire with a gold watch, a farewell party, and a guaranteed pension for life.
That time has passed.
Today, only a small percentage of Americans have access to defined benefit pensions — most are left to self-fund their retirement through Social Security, 401(k)s, IRAs, and personal savings. This shift puts the burden of planning squarely on you.
And that’s why making every dollar count — and every decision work harder — is more critical than ever.
In this blog, we’ll explore:
- How Social Security strategies can add or subtract tens of thousands from your lifetime income.
- Why guaranteed pensions are no longer the safety net they used to be.
- How to use Private Market Alpha (PMA) Funds to generate reliable income and delay Social Security for maximum benefits.
- Why not all annuities are created equal, and how to spot the traps.
Plus, you’ll get free access to our exclusive pre-release book and guide to help you plan your retirement with confidence.
Guaranteed Pensions: A Relic of the Past
According to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics:
- In the 1980s, over 60% of private-sector workers had access to a pension.
- Today, that number is less than 15%.
That means most retirees must now rely on Social Security and personal savings. But Social Security was never meant to be your entire retirement — it was designed to replace about 40% of your income, not 100%.
Which raises a key question: How will you fill the gap?
Claiming Social Security: When You Start Matters
Here’s a snapshot of how your monthly benefit can change based on your age:
| Claiming Age | Average Monthly Benefit (2023) | % of Full Retirement Benefit |
| 62 (earliest) | $1,298.26 | ~70%–75% |
| 67 (full) | $1,883.50 | 100% |
| 70 (latest) | $2,037.54 | Up to 132% |
Claiming at age 70 can give you 57% more income than starting at 62.
But here’s the challenge: How do you cover the income gap if you wait?
💼 Introducing PMA Funds: Income While You Wait
Our proprietary Private Market Alpha (PMA) funds are designed for the modern retiree:
✅ 10%+ annual yield from private credit and alternative income streams
✅ Quarterly liquidity — not locked in like traditional annuities
✅ No commissions or surrender penalties
✅ Fiduciary structured — built around your needs, not a salesperson’s incentives
🧠 Use PMA funds to delay Social Security and boost your future income — without sacrificing flexibility now.
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What About Annuities?
We’ve heard it all — “Annuities are safe,” “Annuities offer lifetime income,” “Annuities are guaranteed.”
But here’s the truth from the book:
Understanding Annuities: The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly
By Tony Gomes, fiduciary advisor and author.
What You Need to Know:
- The Good: Some annuities can provide reliable income — if they’re commission-free and structured correctly.
- The Bad: Indexed annuities are complex, often misunderstood, and come with hidden limits.
- The Ugly: Variable annuities can charge 3–4%+ per year and lock up your money for a decade.
Don’t get trapped in a financial “roach motel” — easy to enter, hard to escape.
📘 Get Your Free Retirement Tools
To help you take control of your retirement planning, we’re offering free access to two exclusive, high-value guide and book:
📥 Download: 2025 Social Security Optimization Guide Here
Learn how to maximize lifetime benefits, avoid early-filing penalties, and structure spousal and survivor strategies.
📘 Book Pre-Release: Understanding Annuities – The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly Here
Discover how to evaluate annuities, avoid costly mistakes, and learn about modern, liquid alternatives.
🎁 This is early, pre-release access — not yet available to the public or on Amazon.
🧭 Take the Next Step: Make Every Dollar Work for You
With pensions gone, and benefit cuts possible by 2033, retirement planning is no longer optional — it’s essential.
Here’s how successful retirees are building their income:
- Maximize Social Security by waiting to claim until age 67–70.
- Use PMA funds to create reliable income now — without locking up your money.
- Avoid high-fee, long-lockup annuities that don’t align with your goals.
- Access expert insights through our free planning guides and consultations.
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📅 Book Your Personalized Strategy Session Here
Want a custom PMA + Social Security game plan?
🔗 Schedule your free strategy session
📞 Or call us: 888-778-5044
“You may not have a pension, but with the right strategy, you can create your own.”
Let’s make your money work smarter — and make retirement everything you’ve earned.
At AWM, Our Fiduciary Duty Principles™ Define Our Commitment
Our Fiduciary Duty Principles™ reflect our dedication to transparency, ensuring that your goals remain our priority. Knowledge equips you with the tools to make strategic decisions and optimize financial outcomes.
How We Can Help You
At AWM, we provide personalized, comprehensive guidance for individuals and families. Our services offer peace of mind and confidence through every stage of your financial journey:
- Investment Management: Our globally diversified, tax-efficient portfolios are designed for resilience across market conditions.
- Proactive Tax Planning: We focus on tax-efficient strategies for both accumulation and distribution phases, helping you manage liabilities.
- Integrated Goals-Based Planning: Align all life goals into a unified financial plan to navigate transitions strategically.
Next Steps: Schedule Your Free Second Opinion Service Call
Contact AWM today to schedule a confidential consultation and connect with an advisor who can help you achieve your financial goals. For assistance, reach out to us at Service@awmfl.com.
Thank you for your continued trust and engagement.
Tony Gomes, Author, MBA
CEO and Founder
Advanced Wealth Management
Content Disclosure: The information here is general and educational. It is not a substitute for professional advice and does not constitute a recommendation. Forecasts and opinions are subject to change.
