Understood. This unpredictability in income can lead to significant challenges when planning for retirement. Individuals may find themselves ill-equipped to maintain their desired standard of living, as fluctuations in earnings complicate savings strategies. Consequently, it becomes imperative to establish a robust financial plan that accommodates these uncertainties, ensuring a stable and secure retirement. Emphasizing the importance of diversified income sources and prudent investment strategies will be essential in mitigating these risks. The Problem: Unpredictable Income Creates Unpredictable Retirement

Most people plan their retirement around the hope that markets will behave. But when stocks drop or interest rates change, so does your income. For retirees and pre-retirees, that uncertainty leads to stress, hesitation, and sleepless nights. Finding a strategy for predictable income in retirement can alleviate this worry.

Wouldn’t it feel better to know exactly what’s coming in every month, regardless of what Wall Street does? With the right planning, you can achieve predictable income in retirement.

That’s what predictable income gives you: peace of mind. Embracing strategies for predictable income in retirement allows you to enjoy your golden years without financial anxiety.

What “Predictable Income” Really Means

Predictable income isn’t just about making money; it’s about knowing when and how much you’ll receive.

You can’t control the stock market, inflation, or government policy. But you can design your portfolio to produce reliable monthly checks instead of hoping your nest egg doesn’t shrink.

Predictable income = control + consistency + confidence.

The Most Common Income Options (and Their Flaws)

Let’s look at a few common ways people try to create steady cash flow:

1. Dividend Stocks

Dividend-paying stocks sound stable, but they still depend on company profits. When the economy slows, dividends can shrink — or stop.

2. Rental Properties

Real estate is tangible, but it’s rarely “passive.” Repairs, vacancies, and tenants can turn your retirement into a second job.

3. Annuities

Annuities offer guaranteed income, but at the cost of flexibility and control. You give up liquidity and often accept low returns.

So what’s left?

The Overlooked Option: Becoming the Bank

Instead of owning property, own the debt secured by it.

This is called mortgage note investing, and it’s how banks make their money. You purchase a note (an IOU secured by real estate) and collect monthly payments from the borrower.

If they pay, you earn interest.
If they don’t, you’re secured by the property.

✅ No tenants.
✅ No property management.
✅ No market timing.

Example: You buy a $50,000 note for $35,000. The borrower pays $400/month.
That’s about a 10–12% annual yield, predictable, secured, and paid every month.

Why Predictable Income Creates Peace of Mind

When you know money’s coming in, no matter what’s happening in the markets, everything changes.

You stop checking the news every morning.
You stop worrying about “running out.”
You start living life on your terms again.

Predictable income isn’t flashy. It’s steady.
And steady is what keeps you retired.

How to Start Building Predictable Income

1. Understand the basics – Learn how mortgage notes work.
2. Start small – You can begin with $25K–$50K.
3. Use retirement funds – Self-Directed IRAs or Solo 401(k)s can buy notes tax-free.
4. Focus on performing notes first, they deliver immediate monthly income.

Ready to Build Income You Can Count On?

Want a clear, beginner-friendly roadmap to create consistent cash flow — without tenants, toilets, or Wall Street stress?

👉 Grab my book Mailbox Money Retirement: Turn IOUs into Income You Can Count On