This article was originally published in October 2021 and has been updated in February 2026 to reflect current information.

We’ve always been told that the only certainties in life are death and taxes. Fair enough. But when it comes to retirement, most people would prefer a little more clarity, especially around income.

Financial planning tools can help estimate future income, but retirement is still built on assumptions. Longevity, health, inflation, and policy changes all play a role. No one knows exactly how long income will be needed or how markets will behave over a 20 to 30 year retirement.

Because of that uncertainty, most retirees rely on multiple income sources working together.

Here is a look at the most common options, along with additional ways some people choose to supplement their income.