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The “Rule of Four Futures,” inspired by futurist James Dator, offers a powerful way to prepare not just for the retirement you hope for, but the one life might hand you.

Here are the four “futures” you might face in retirement:

📌 Continuation: The expected retirement; smooth sailing, reliable income, and the freedom to enjoy life as planned

📌 Collapse: The feared retirement; marked by unexpected loss, health struggles, or market downturns

📌 Discipline: The restrained retirement; cautious spending (perhaps too cautious) driven by fear of running out

📌 Transformation: The unexpected retirement; not worse, just different, often shaped by surprise opportunities or unforeseen challenges

Key Takeaways: You can’t control every curveball life throws at you, but you can build a plan that bends without breaking. Whether it’s an emergency fund, flexible income streams, or simply giving yourself permission to live your retirement instead of clinging to a rigid vision, this approach is all about readiness—not perfection.