How to Build Steady Retirement Income Without Buying an Annuity

Financial journalist and author Jean Chatzky has released a new book offering retirees and near-retirees a roadmap to building what she calls a "forever paycheck" — a dependable income stream in retirement that doesn't require purchasing a traditional annuity, which can carry steep fees and surrender charges.

Annuities have long been marketed as a guaranteed income solution for retirees, but critics argue their complexity and cost can erode long-term returns. Chatzky's approach challenges the assumption that guaranteed lifetime income must come with a price tag attached to an insurance product, instead pointing readers toward accessible alternatives that can mimic consistent paycheck-style cash flow.

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The book lays out multiple strategies for achieving this kind of financial stability, targeting Americans who want predictability in retirement without locking their money into rigid contracts. While the source does not detail every tactic, the core premise centers on building layered income sources — such as optimizing Social Security timing, dividend-generating investments, and structured withdrawal strategies — that together replicate the regularity of a monthly paycheck.

The timing of Chatzky's work is notable. With millions of baby boomers now in or entering retirement and market volatility making fixed-income planning more urgent, demand for practical, low-cost retirement income guidance has surged. Her reputation as a trusted personal finance voice — built through years of media work — gives the book broad mainstream appeal beyond dedicated investing audiences.

For retirees wary of complex financial products but anxious about outliving their savings, Chatzky's framework offers a potentially compelling alternative worth exploring in full. Continue reading at MarketWatch.com