OP. IMHO this works for me. Keep it simple.
"low-risk investment/savings" = CD's, Treasuries, individual bonds (no bond funds !). The income they
produce, plus Social Security, covers all my daily expenses.
Do not plan on redeeming these securities early.
"retirement savings in index funds," = Total Stock Market mutual fund. Investment money left over goes
here. Vanguard has very low fees.
Do not plan on touching. Let it ride. If in good times, the dollar
amount gets high. Sell a portion and put into
"low-risk investment/savings".
Your life style, where you live, determines, if you can follow my plan. You may have to work longer, or down size, etc. Good Luck.

"low-risk investment/savings" = CD's, Treasuries, individual bonds (no bond funds !). The income they
produce, plus Social Security, covers all my daily expenses.
Do not plan on redeeming these securities early.

"retirement savings in index funds," = Total Stock Market mutual fund. Investment money left over goes
here. Vanguard has very low fees.
Do not plan on touching. Let it ride. If in good times, the dollar
amount gets high. Sell a portion and put into
"low-risk investment/savings".
Your life style, where you live, determines, if you can follow my plan. You may have to work longer, or down size, etc. Good Luck.