Why "set it and forget it" is a risky strategy for couples near retirement

January 2026

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For the average American couple, the journey to retirement is rarely a straight line. You’ve spent years balancing the chaos of raising children, the transition to becoming empty nesters, and the demanding pace of your careers. Along the way, “impersonal” index funds might have felt like an easy shortcut- a low-cost way to “set it and forget it” while you focused on everything else.

But as the finish line of your career comes into view, the rules of the game change.

The Problem with the Passive “Roller Coaster”

Index funds are often described as a cost-effective way to ride the market. And in a way, it’s like riding a roller coaster: when the market climbs, you feel the thrill of the ascent. But when the market dips, you are strapped into that same seat, heading down with no one at the controls.

For couples nearing retirement, this “buy and hold” strategy carries a hidden risk: Timing.

When you are 25, a market crash is a blip. When you are 60, a market crash can change your retirement date or your lifestyle. If you aren’t watching the economy, interest rates, and global affairs every single day, it is incredibly difficult to protect what you’ve spent decades building.

Moving Beyond the “Average” Strategy

Our team at Ramsey Financial sees the pitfalls of passive planning every day. We provide a proactive, hands-on partnership because your future is too unique for a one-size-fits-all strategy.

While index funds work for a “broad” situation, they lack a dynamic defense. Active management is about having a professional at the helm who is constantly analyzing interest rates, government policy, and market shifts. We do the heavy lifting- running the complicated reports and monitoring the “noise”- so you don’t have to.

Your Future Deserves a Pilot, Not Just a Passenger

The world of investing is shifting. In a volatile economy, being a “passenger” in an index fund is no longer the safest bet. You need a partner who is as invested in your retirement goals as you are.

If you’re ready for a more hands-on, proactive approach to your future, let’s start a conversation. You’ve handled the busy years of building your life; let us handle the complexities of protecting it.

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