Retirement Planning Case Studies
Real-world scenarios showing how strategic planning transforms retirement outcomes.
The following case studies are hypothetical examples based on common client situations. They are for illustrative purposes only and do not represent actual client results. Individual outcomes will vary based on each person's unique financial situation.
Thinking About Retirement
Age 58 couple, combined $750K in retirement savings
The Situation
A married couple, both age 58, wanted to retire at 62. They had $750K across multiple 401(k) accounts, two Social Security benefits, and a small pension. Their concern: would their money last?
The Challenge
- 4-year gap before Social Security eligibility
- Healthcare coverage before Medicare at 65
- Multiple scattered retirement accounts
- No clear withdrawal strategy
Our Strategy
- Consolidated 401(k) accounts into managed IRA
- Created bridge income strategy for ages 62-65
- Designed Roth conversion ladder during lower-income years
- Optimized Social Security claiming for both spouses
- Established healthcare gap coverage plan
Projected Outcomes
Retirement Ready
Age 65, $1.2M in assets, ready to retire
The Situation
A single retiree, age 65, with $1.2M in a traditional IRA and a Social Security benefit of $2,800/month. They needed $6,000/month in retirement income and were concerned about taxes and Medicare costs.
The Challenge
- Large traditional IRA creating future RMD issues
- Income level triggering IRMAA surcharges
- No Roth savings for tax-free income
- Single life expectancy for planning
Our Strategy
- Designed strategic Roth conversion schedule
- Managed income to avoid first IRMAA threshold
- Delayed Social Security to age 70 for maximum benefit
- Created bridge income from IRA during delay period
- Established QCD strategy for charitable giving
Projected Outcomes
Already Retired — Legacy Focus
Age 70 couple, $2.1M portfolio, focused on legacy
The Situation
A couple, both age 70, with $2.1M across multiple account types. Their income needs were met, but they were concerned about estate taxes and leaving a meaningful legacy to their children and grandchildren.
The Challenge
- Large RMDs increasing tax burden annually
- Outdated estate documents
- Beneficiary designations not aligned with wishes
- No charitable giving strategy despite philanthropic goals
Our Strategy
- Implemented QCD strategy to reduce taxable RMDs
- Coordinated estate document updates with attorney
- Restructured beneficiary designations
- Created donor-advised fund for charitable goals
- Optimized asset allocation for legacy and income
Projected Outcomes
Federal Employee Retirement
Age 60 federal employee, 30 years of service
The Situation
A federal employee, age 60, with 30 years of FERS service, $600K in TSP, and FEGLI coverage. They wanted to retire at their Minimum Retirement Age and needed to understand how all their benefits fit together.
The Challenge
- Complex FERS annuity calculations
- TSP withdrawal strategy decisions
- FEGLI costs rising significantly with age
- FEHB and Medicare coordination at 65
Our Strategy
- Calculated optimal FERS retirement date
- Designed TSP withdrawal and rollover strategy
- Analyzed FEGLI vs. private insurance options
- Created FEHB to Medicare transition plan
- Built comprehensive income bridge strategy
Projected Outcomes
Your Situation Is Unique — Let's Talk About It
Every family's retirement looks different. We create personalized strategies for your specific circumstances.
Initial consultations are complimentary for qualified families.