Who Are You Investing Your Retirement Funds For—You or Your Kids?
You’ve spent a lifetime building wealth, saving diligently, and making smart investment decisions. Now you’re in retirement—or close to it—and there’s a new question worth asking:
Are you still investing for your retirement… or are you really investing for your kids?
For many affluent retirees, the answer is somewhere in the middle. Your own financial needs are covered, you’re not spending down your portfolio at a rapid pace, and—if we’re being honest—you’re probably on track to leave behind more than you’ll ever need.
So… should that change the way you’re investing?
Let’s explore.
Reassessing the Purpose of Your Portfolio
When you’re in your 30s or 40s, investing is about growth. In your 50s and early 60s, it’s about managing risk and staying the course. But once you’ve entered retirement—and especially if you’re comfortably funded—it may be time to ask: What is this portfolio really for now?
If you’re not planning to spend most of your assets, the focus naturally shifts. It’s no longer just about you. It becomes about legacy, impact, and intentionality.
That doesn’t mean throwing risk tolerance out the window. But it may mean reevaluating how your portfolio is allocated and who it’s ultimately serving.
Balancing Personal Security With a Legacy Plan
Let’s say your essential needs are covered:
- Housing? Paid off.
- Healthcare? Planned for.
- Travel and hobbies? Built into your budget.
- Emergency fund? Fully stocked.
In other words, you’re not living on the edge of your retirement withdrawals. So the natural next question is: What happens to the rest?
You have options:
- Preserve it. Keep the portfolio conservative, aiming for stability and principal protection.
- Grow it. Allocate a portion more aggressively with your heirs’ longer investment horizon in mind.
- Use it intentionally. Consider gifting strategies, charitable giving, or setting up trust-based vehicles that align with your values.
The key here is alignment. Is your portfolio still aligned with your goals—or is it coasting on a plan that was built a decade ago, for a very different season of life?
Late-in-Life Strategy Shifts: Smart or Risky?
It’s common to hear advice like “don’t change course late in the game.” And to be fair, that’s true—if the change is driven by emotion, fear, or market headlines.
But if the shift is based on your current reality—and guided by a well-structured plan—it might actually make a lot of sense.
This doesn’t mean throwing everything into high-risk investments. It might mean adjusting a portion of your portfolio with a longer time horizon in mind—your children’s or grandchildren’s future, not just your own.
And this is where tax planning becomes essential. How you structure gifts, inheritances, and distributions can have a significant impact. A smart strategy might not just grow your legacy—it might preserve more of it for the people or causes that matter most to you.
What’s the Next Step?
If you’ve built more wealth than you’ll likely spend, congratulations—that’s no small feat. But the work isn’t done.
Now is the time to make sure your investment strategy reflects your reality—not just your age.
At Paragon Wealth Management, we help clients reassess their portfolios with fresh eyes, ensuring their investments serve their needs today—and their vision for tomorrow.
Whether you want to leave a legacy, support family now, or simply be more intentional with what you’ve built, we can help.
📞 Give us a call or email us to schedule a planning conversation. Let’s make sure your retirement strategy isn’t just about surviving the market—but shaping your legacy.
Paragon Wealth Management
Helping you retire with clarity—and invest with purpose.
About Phil Rosenau
As a graduate of Germantown Academy, Phil Rosenau earned his bachelor’s degree in economics at Drew University, while also earning a minor in business management. His passion for creating and maintaining business relationships drove him to join the Prudential Advisors team, where he met Charlie and Ricardo before starting Paragon Wealth together.
Phil is a lifelong resident of Bucks County and the son of a local entrepreneur. He understands the unique needs of small business owners, takes pride in providing his clients with the knowledge to understand their unique financial situation, and helping them navigate their financial future with confidence. He enjoys spending time with his wife, Caroline, and two children, he is the current president of the MDM networking group, and he is active with the local CrossFit community. Phil is also proud to be part of the Drew University Lacrosse Legacy where he played all four years. You can find here on LinkedIn, or here on Facebook.
Securities offered through LPL Financial, Member FINRA/SIPC. Investment advice offered through Great Valley Advisor Group, a Registered Investment Advisor. Paragon Wealth Management and Great Valley Advisor Group are separate entities from LPL Financial.
Content in this material is for general information only and not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual. All investing involves risk including loss of principal. No strategy assures success or protects against loss.