One of the riskiest assumptions I see in retirement planning: "I'll just work a few more years if needed."

Reality check from decades of managing client portfolios — most people retire earlier than planned. Health issues, layoffs, caregiving duties. And if you're over 50 trying to re-enter? The job market is brutal.

This is why I've always stressed proper portfolio construction and risk management early. You can't count on extra earning years to bail out an underfunded retirement. The math has to work without that safety net.

Build your nest egg assuming you'll stop working sooner than you think. Anything beyond that is a bonus, not the base case.