Retirement is no longer the end of the road—it’s the start of an entirely new stage of life. As Susan Wilner Golden emphasises in her book Stage (Not Age), we must rethink how we approach later life. Retirement isn’t a passive time defined by slowing down — it’s a stage rich with potential for growth, reinvention, and contribution.

To fully embrace this new chapter, financial security is essential. And that’s where USD fixed income investments come in — offering retirees the tools to support this extended stage of life with steady income, capital preservation, and inflation protection.

Funding a life of purpose with predictable income

Golden’s reimagining of later life invites retirees to explore new careers, start businesses, volunteer, or pursue long-postponed passions. But none of this is possible without a reliable financial foundation. USD fixed income investments — such as US Treasuries; municipal bonds; and high-credit, quality corporate bonds — offer the kind of stable income that empowers retirees to live intentionally. Rather than relying solely on volatile equity markets or depleting principal, fixed income provides interest payments that arrive regularly, like a self-funded pay cheque. For example, a laddered bond strategy ensures cash flow throughout the year, offering flexibility to pursue whatever this stage brings — be it travel, philanthropy, or personal projects.

Capital preservation – protecting your launch pad

Your accumulated savings are not just something to preserve — they’re a launch pad. Whether you’re starting a small business or returning to school in your 60s or 70s, the capital you’ve built should support your ambitions. USD fixed income investments are structured to preserve principal when held to maturity, giving retirees confidence that their core assets are safe while still working for them. Unlike equities, which can be highly unpredictable, bonds offer a buffer against market volatility, providing the stability necessary for long-term planning and reinvention.

Combating inflation, fuelling longevity

Golden’s thesis is rooted in longevity: We’re living longer and healthier lives, which means our money must go further. Inflation is a real threat to that goal. Fortunately, there are USD fixed income securities that can offer protection against rising inflation. With interest rates at their highest levels in decades, today’s retirees can lock in higher yields, thereby strengthening their purchasing power for the years ahead.

Retirement with a new identity, not a new limitation

One of Golden’s most powerful insights is that later life isn’t about aging out — it’s about opting in to a new identity. Whether you’re building a non-profit, mentoring young professionals, or exploring the arts, financial freedom gives you options. Fixed income investments, with their predictability and preservation, create a stable backdrop for you to write your next chapter — confidently and creatively. Fixed income securities are more than a conservative financial tool, they’re a bridge to purpose, freedom, and opportunity in this modern stage of life. By generating income, protecting capital, and guarding against inflation, they empower retirees to live forward, not just coast. After all, it’s not about how old you are, it’s about what you’re ready to do next.

Anna-Joy Tibby-Bell is assistant vice-president, personal financial planning at Sterling Asset Management. Sterling provides financial advice and instruments in US dollars and other hard currencies to the corporate, individual and institutional investor. Visit our website at www.sterling.com.jm

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