How Much Cash Should You Keep in Retirement? Finding the Right Balance

One of the biggest questions retirees ask is surprisingly simple: "How much cash should I keep in retirement?" Some retirees keep almost nothing in cash because they want every dollar working in the market. Others keep so much cash that inflation quietly erodes their purchasing power over time. So...what's the right answer? In this episode, George Mayfield and Autumn Bennett explain why cash isn't just about earning interest—it's about creating confidence. You'll discover why cash plays a unique role in retirement, how it can help you avoid emotional investing decisions during market downturns, and why the "right" amount of cash depends on your personal retirement plan. In this episode, you'll learn: • Why cash has a completely different job than your investment portfolio • The difference between an emergency fund and a retirement cash reserve • How the Bucket Strategy helps retirees navigate market volatility • Why sequence-of-returns risk matters after you retire • Where to keep your retirement cash, including high-yield savings accounts, money market funds, CDs, and Treasury bills • Why George believes "Cash buys time." Bonus Tip: George shares why cash shouldn't be measured by the interest it earns—but by the financial mistakes it helps you avoid. Question of the Week: How much cash helps you feel financially confident? Are you holding too little, too much, or are you still trying to figure out the right balance? If today's conversation helps you, please share this episode with someone who's preparing for retirement or already enjoying it. It could give them a whole new perspective on one of the most overlooked parts of retirement planning. And if you found value in today's episode, be sure to follow The Infinite Income Podcast so you never miss a future conversation. Next Week: The Biggest Retirement Mistakes That Can Cost You Thousands (Episode 103).