It’s time to reconsider these 3 retirement topics. Here’s why

As much as there are immutable truths in investing and money matters — costs matter and getting started earlier is best, for example — many of the precepts we hold true as investors depend on the data. When the data change, so should our thinking. Here are three retirement-related topics I’ve altered my thinking on, because I was off-base in the first place or gained new information. The DIY model for retirement When I was newer in my career, I was pretty much on “Team DIY.” I wasn’t anti-adviser, but surely investors who are willing to roll up their sleeves could do it themselves and cut out the fee.What I underrated, however, is that financial advisers do much more than portfolio management. They help their clients articulate and quantify their goals, stay the course in rough markets, and minimize their tax bills.And as I’ve studied retirement decumulation in greater depth, I’ve become aware of just how devilishly complicated it all is. A quality financial planner can help retirees go beyond the 4% spending guideline and figure out the best way to source withdrawals with an eye toward limiting the long-term tax drag.A planner can also help with Social Security claiming strategie…