Broker Check

Retirees

How we help <br/>Retirees<br/>

How we help
Retirees

Our mission is to replace your financial anxiety with relaxed confidence by developing a financial plan we can grow and protect your wealth for years to come.

Frequently asked questions

  • The amount needed depends on annual spending, inflation, life expectancy, taxes, and desired lifestyle. Many retirees aim to replace 70%–85% of pre-retirement income, but high-earning retirees or those with travel, gifting, or supporting family may require more. A customized retirement income projection helps forecast spending needs, required assets, risk exposure, and tax implications.

  • Assess retirement readiness by evaluating savings, guaranteed income sources (Social Security, pensions, annuities), expected withdrawals, health costs, debt, and long-term care needs. A retirement readiness plan includes cash-flow projections, tax planning, and risk analysis to verify sustainability under optimistic and unfavorable scenarios.

  • The traditional rule is 4%, but today’s market volatility, interest rates, inflation, and tax law changes make fixed rules insufficient. Many retirees now utilize dynamic withdrawal strategies, adjusting income based on portfolio performance, tax brackets, and spending needs.

  • Taxes may decrease without earned income, but retirees often face taxable Social Security, Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs), pension income, capital gains, and Medicare surcharges. Strategic withdrawals can reduce lifetime taxes and extend portfolio life.

  • Taxation depends on combined income: half of Social Security plus other taxable income. Strategies include tax-efficient withdrawals, Roth conversions, reducing RMDs, timing capital gains, and managing annuity or passive income.

Glossary of Important
Financial, Business, Tax, Legal, and Exit Planning Terms

01401(k)

An employer-sponsored retirement savings plan allowing tax-deferred contributions.

02403(b)

A retirement plan for employees of public schools and nonprofit organizations.

03457 Plan

Deferred compensation retirement plan for government or certain non-profit workers.

04Annuity

A contract that provides guaranteed income payments for a set period or for life.

See more

Our Case Studies

Middle-Class Married Couple Seeking Sustainable Income and Market Protection

Profile:

Ages: 66 & 64
Net Worth: $1.2M
Assets: 401(k), small pension, savings, paid-off home
Objectives: Create reliable lifetime income, avoid running out of money, reduce market risk


Challenges Before Planning:

This couple retired shortly after market volatility reduced the value of their accounts by nearly 18%. They withdrew funds reactively, increasing the risk of depleting assets—especially with rising inflation and medical costs.

Financial Planning Strategy:

  • 3-Bucket Retirement Income System
    • Bucket 1: 2 years of expenses in high-yield cash & short-term treasuries
    • Bucket 2: 7 years in diversified bonds, preferred stock, and low-volatility market ETFs
    • Bucket 3: Long-term growth bucket using equity index ETFs and dividend-paying stocks
  • Fixed Indexed Annuity used to secure guaranteed lifetime income for core monthly expenses
  • Tax Strategy:
    • Systematic withdrawals prior to RMD age
    • Small annual Roth conversions to fill lower tax brackets
    • Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs) planned after age 70½
  • Estate Planning
    • Updated beneficiaries
    • Transfer-on-death (TOD) designations
    • Power of attorney and advanced health directives

Outcome After Planning:

Income became predictable, withdrawals were tax-efficient, and portfolio longevity improved. Bucket 3 provided appreciation to outpace inflation, while the annuity ensured they would never outlive core income.

Widowed Retiree With Real Estate and Family Legacy Priorities

Profile:

Ages: 72
Net Worth: $3.5M
Assets: Rental real estate, IRA, savings, life insurance
Objectives: Reduce taxes, simplify estate to children, create confidence in lifetime income


Challenges Before Planning:

Multiple rental properties generated strong cash flow but came with management challenges and potential estate complications. Large IRAs meant significant future tax obligations for her children.

Financial Planning Strategy:

  • Real Estate Strategy
    • Sold two rentals through a 1031 exchange to acquire a Delaware Statutory Trust (DST)
    • Eliminated landlord responsibilities while still receiving passive income
  • Roth Conversion Schedule between ages 72–80 to reduce future inherited IRA tax burden
  • Life Insurance Planning:
    • Used partial IRA withdrawal annually to fund a guaranteed universal life policy
    • Created tax-free inheritance to children
  • Estate Planning
    • Beneficiary review
    • Revocable living trust to prevent probate
    • Memorandum of intent for her charitable wishes

Outcome After Planning:

The DST allowed her to reduce headaches and retain income. The Roth conversion and insurance strategy reduced future taxes and ensured her estate transferred more efficiently.

Expert Guide for Retirees

The Small Expert Guide: Financial and Exit Planning for Retirees

Sustainable Retirement Income Plan

Retirement income distribution planning is the process of turning personal savings, investments, pensions, and benefits into reliable income that supports a retiree for life.

The Three-Bucket Strategy for Market Protection

Retirees face sequence-of-return risk, meaning a market downturn early in retirement can permanently damage the longevity of their assets.

Invest as a Retiree

Completely avoiding the stock market leaves retirees exposed to inflation and reduced purchasing power.

Tax Planning in Retirement

Retirees often believe taxes decrease after they stop working—yet many retirees find themselves pushed into higher brackets once Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) begin.

Get Started today

Take the first step toward financial clarity and strategic growth with a personalized approach.

Schedule a Talk