Investing for long-term income

I’ve four similar cases on the go at the moment, all at different stages, all investing for long-term income.

Drs H invested for income two years ago, when he retired.  Our second annual review will be on Friday.  I’ve begun preparing for that, with a performance review of all the funds and holdings within the funds.  Their brief was a sustainable income, with a long retirement in mind, so plenty of scope for the income to rise to keep pace with inflation. (Although, they haven’t started spending the income yet.  Maybe this time?)

Mr & Mrs S are new clients.  They’ve received a lump sum from an injury settlement, so it’s not a cheerful time.  They need a modest income, from a portfolio that can cope with changes in their objectives.  We’re at the beginning of the planning process.

A different Mr & Mrs S need more income, so we need to change their investment brief.  They want a high level of income now, but with limited scope for protection from inflation.

Finally, Mr & Mrs M retired five years ago, but have been managing without an income from their investments.  Their children would rather that Mum & Dad enjoy the money, instead of struggling without it.  So, we’ve agreed to chase a useful level of income now, with some scope for protection from inflation.

Four customers, similar ages, similar wealth levels, and broadly similar objectives.  But there are some crucial differences, aren’t there?  They’re the bits I enjoy coming to work for!