Our Resources
Stay informed with expert insights on retirement planning, tax strategies, and protecting your wealth.
Frequently Asked Questions
Your Top Retirement Planning Questions—Answered
When should I start planning for retirement?
The earlier, the better. Starting in your 30s or 40s gives your investments more time to grow and compound. But even if you’re in your 50s or 60s, strategic planning can still significantly improve your retirement outlook.
How much money do I need to retire comfortably?
This depends on your lifestyle, expected expenses, and income sources. A common target is 70–80% of your pre-retirement income, but we personalize this number based on your goals and financial picture.
What’s the difference between a Traditional IRA and a Roth IRA?
Traditional IRAs offer tax-deferred growth—you pay taxes when you withdraw. Roth IRAs are funded with after-tax dollars, and qualified withdrawals are tax-free. Roths are especially helpful for generating tax-free retirement income.
When should I claim Social Security benefits?
You can claim as early as age 62, but delaying until your full retirement age—or up to 70—can increase your monthly benefit. We’ll help you evaluate the best strategy based on health, income needs, and marital status.
What is a retirement paycheck, and how can I create one?
A retirement paycheck is a consistent income stream in retirement. We help structure this using Social Security, annuities, IRAs, and investment withdrawals—customized to match your lifestyle and keep your income steady and tax-smart.
Are my retirement withdrawals taxable?
Withdrawals from 401(k)s and Traditional IRAs are typically taxed as ordinary income. Roth IRA withdrawals are generally tax-free. The order and source of withdrawals can impact how much tax you pay—smart planning matters.
What’s the role of annuities in retirement planning?
Annuities can provide guaranteed income for life, protect against market risk, and help cover essential expenses. Fixed Index Annuities are especially useful for building your own personal pension and reducing longevity risk.
How can I reduce taxes in retirement?
We use Roth conversions, tax-efficient withdrawal strategies, and income layering to reduce your lifetime tax bill. Tools like Income Lab help forecast and optimize your tax situation year by year.
Do I need long-term care insurance?
Possibly. Long-term care can be expensive and isn't covered by Medicare. We explore insurance and hybrid solutions, including annuities and life insurance with long-term care riders, to protect your assets and your family.
How often should I update my retirement plan?
We recommend reviewing your plan annually or whenever there’s a life change—like retirement, market shifts, or a new financial goal. Our ongoing monitoring tools, including Income Lab, help keep your plan aligned in real time.
Social Security Calculator
To estimate your Social Security benefits, click on the Social Security icon and this will redirect you to the Social Security Quick Calculator.
Retirement Planning Workshops
We offer retirement workshops in person and online to educate you on various retirement strategies to help gain clarity and confidence about your financial future. They offer a relaxed, educational environment where you can learn how to make the most of your retirement savings, understand Social Security strategies, minimize taxes, and explore income planning options to have a stress free retirement.
Whether you’re just a few years out or already retired, these sessions help you identify gaps, ask questions, and take actionable steps toward a more secure retirement. Best of all, they’re designed to empower you—not sell to you—so you walk away informed and in control of your next steps
.
Join Our Newsletter
Get tips, insights, and market updates delivered to your inbox.