Decision Guide
Choose the Strategy That Fits Your Goals
The best plan balances when you need income, how much risk you're comfortable taking, and the protection you want for family or business obligations. Work through these prompts, then connect with Makonnen to turn your answers into a tailored plan.
Step-by-step decision guide
Step 1
Clarify your timeline
Immediate needs point toward income solutions; longer timelines may benefit from growth-focused strategies.
Step 2
Define your risk comfort
Match your tolerance to the spectrum—from fixed guarantees to market-participating solutions.
Step 3
Coordinate protection and financing
Align life insurance needs and mortgage strategy with your retirement goals for a complete plan.
Questions to reflect on
- When do you want income to start—and does it need to last for life or a defined period?
- How important is principal protection versus growth potential for you?
- Do you need protection for family, mortgage, or business obligations?
- How much liquidity do you want available for emergencies or opportunities?
- Would long-term care planning provide extra peace of mind?
See the plan in motion
Visual snapshots help clarify how protection, lending, and retirement income work together over time. We'll map these scenarios during your consultation so you can compare choices side by side.
Try the 5-minute fit finder
Use these quick questions to point you toward the page that should be next on your list. Capture your answers and bring them to your conversation with Makonnen.
I want retirement income to begin:
- Right away
- In 2–5 years
- In 5+ years
Market swings make me feel:
- Anxious—protect my money
- Cautious but open to balance
- Comfortable if potential returns are higher
Protection for family or business is:
- A top priority
- Somewhat important
- Not a driver of my decision
Ready for tailored guidance?
Makonnen will help interpret your answers, review current statements, and compare solutions side by side. Every meeting is educational and pressure-free.