Assumptions can be tricky and retirement assumptions can be a disaster. Here are a few things you do not want to assume in retirement:
A 4% withdrawal rate will ensure I don’t run out of money.
This is a rule that was introduced in 1994. In 1994, the average investment was earning 8%; a 4% withdrawal rate + inflation never put a dent in your principal. Over the last 10 years, we have seen that a consistent 8% annual growth rate cannot be counted on.

Spending always goes down in retirement.
This is the biggest eye-opener for many of my clients. We are all living longer, but not necessarily healthier. Health care is expensive. If you end up with Alzheimer’s or dementia, the costs can go through the roof.

I will remain married.
On average, 50% of first marriages end in divorce, the statistics are higher for second & third marriages. There is a wave of “gray” divorces, couples age 50 and up divorcing at a faster pace than in the past. Running two households, especially when you live on a fixed income, can be hard.

Don’t assume – plan for the unexpected.

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