Special edition ·
When Higher Rates Create Better Income Opportunities
How rate moves affect bond, REIT and dividend-stock yields, and why it doesn’t change your Blueprint.
Related lesson: Interest Rates and Income Investments
Resources · Research & Insights
Independent research.
Practical insights.
The published studies behind the retirement risks we plan for, our Monthly Insights, and where every number comes from.
Featured Insight
Retirement Research
Published findings behind the risks we plan for. Each links to the original source, with its date and who was surveyed.92%
of pre-retirees say a retirement “paycheck” is very important or absolutely essential.
Pre-retirees asked how important a steady retirement paycheck is.
1 in 2
pre-retirees do not have a recently updated written retirement plan, even though nearly 6 in 10 consider themselves well prepared.
Gap between feeling prepared and having a written plan.
67% / 78%
of workers and retirees, respectively, are confident they will have enough money to live comfortably throughout retirement.
Confidence is high, which is different from having a funded monthly plan.
27%
of retirees who don’t plan to spend down their assets cite fear of running out of money as a reason.
One of several reasons given; other reasons ranked higher.
70%
of Americans worry about taxes on their income in retirement; 70% worry higher future taxes will reduce income from accounts like 401(k)s and IRAs.
Both figures are from the same survey question set.
62%
say they would stop using their financial professional if that person didn’t help them navigate the tax environment strategically.
Stated intention, not observed behavior.
40.7%
effective marginal rate in one example: an extra $1,000 IRA withdrawal makes $850 more Social Security taxable, adding $407 of federal tax.
Married couple, $76,000 Social Security, $70,000 IRA income, 22% bracket. Results vary.
$578/mo
in combined Medicare IRMAA surcharges per person at the highest 2026 tier ($487 Part B + $91 Part D).
Top tier applies above $500,000 MAGI (single) or $750,000 (joint). Most people subject to IRMAA pay less.
$14,931 vs $6,175
estimated annual benchmark premium for a 60-year-old earning $64,000 (409% FPL, no tax credit) versus $62,000 (396% FPL).
KFF estimate assuming enhanced ACA tax credits expired after 2025.
Blueprint Insights Archive
All Monthly Insights →- Special editionWhen Higher Rates Create Better Income Opportunities
How rate moves affect bond, REIT and dividend-stock yields, and why it doesn’t change your Blueprint.
- Monthly insightWhat Is Monte Carlo Analysis?
How Monte Carlo stress-testing works, and why it can’t predict the next market shock.
- Monthly insightWhen the Paycheck Stops, What Do You Do with the 401(k)?
Four common paths, and how Blueprint Tomorrow fits into the decision.
Sources & Methodology
We cite published research from its original publisher where possible, with the date it was published and who was surveyed. We quote findings as reported and don’t update or extrapolate them. Survey results describe the people surveyed and may not apply to you. Last reviewed October 13, 2026. Spot something out of date? Tell us.
For how we compare planning software, see Compare Us. For how Blueprint selects investments, see The 3-Engine Blueprint. For in-depth lessons, see Blueprint University.