Case Study: Turning Low-Yield Cash Into Sustainable Income and Legacy Growth
Jan 20, 2026
Patrick McNamara
From stagnant savings to confidence, higher income, and a stronger legacy
Client Profile
Bill, retired
Primary holdings: CDs and U.S. Treasury bills
Primary concern: Low returns, inflation erosion, and leaving a meaningful inheritance
The Challenge
Bill had carefully protected his savings in CDs and T-Bills. While safe, returns were minimal and barely keeping pace with inflation. He wanted to enjoy retirement without worry, while also leaving a meaningful legacy for his children.
Our Approach
We introduced Bill to market-linked income notes that could:
Triple the income compared to his CDs
Offer 100% principal protection up to 30–40% declines in the stock market index
Allow his portfolio to grow faster over time, supporting both retirement spending and inheritance goals
This strategy let Bill stay comfortably invested, earning more without taking unnecessary market risk.
For investors seeking income alternatives with downside protection, structured notes offer a compelling middle ground.
The Outcome
After reallocating a portion of his cash into income notes:
Earned 11% annualized income, far above traditional CDs
Protected principal, even if markets dropped significantly
Portfolio grows faster, providing flexibility and confidence
Better positioned to leave a meaningful inheritance for his children
Bill now enjoys retirement with confidence, knowing his money is working harder for him today and for his family tomorrow.
Illustrative example only. Not a guarantee of future results.
Patrick McNamara
CFP®, Financial Advisor at Claro Advisors
About the Author
Patrick McNamara, CFP® is a Financial Advisor at Claro Advisors
with nearly 30 years of experiencein the financial services industry.
He has held senior roles at Fidelity Investments, Goldman Sachs, and
Morgan Stanley. He founded StructuredNotes.com to educate investors
on institutional-style investment strategies and structured notes.
Disclosure: Claro Advisors Inc. (“Claro”) is a Registered Investment Advisor with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commision (“SEC”) based in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Registration of an Investment Advisor does not imply a specific level of skill or training. Information contained herein is for educational purposes only and is not considered to be investment advice. Claro provides individualized advice only after obtaining all necessary background information from a client.
The investment products discussed herein are considered complex investment products. Such products contain unique features, risks, terms, conditions, fees, charges, and expenses specific to each product. The overall performance of the product is dependent on the performance of an underlying or linked derivative financial instrument, formula, or strategy. Return of principal is not guaranteed and is subject to the credit risk of the issuer. Investments in complex products are subject to the risks of the underlying reference asset classes to which the product may be linked, which include, but are not limited to, market risk, liquidity risk, call risk, income risk, reinvestment risk, as well as other risks associated with foreign, developing, or emerging markets, such as currency, political, and economic risks. Depending upon the particular complex product, participation in any underlying asset (“underlier”) is subject to certain caps and restrictions. Any investment product with leverage associated may work for or against the investor. Market-Linked Products are subject to the credit risk of the issuer. Investors who sell complex products or Market-Linked Products prior to maturity are subject to the risk of loss of principal, as there may not be an active secondary market. You should not purchase a complex investment product until you have read the specific offering documentation and understand the specific investment terms, features, risks, fees, charges, and expenses of such investment.
The information contained herein does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy securities. Investment products described herein may not be offered for sale in any state or jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation, or sale would be unlawful or prohibited by the specific offering documentation.
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For all Market-Linked Products, excluding Market-Linked CDs, the following applies: Not FDIC insured // Not bank guaranteed // May lose value // Not a bank deposit // Not insured by any government agency