Case Study – Retirees

50s & 60s, Recently Retired or Planning to Soon

You’ve spent decades working and saving. Now, it’s time to make those dollars work for you. We help you navigate retirement with clarity—so you can spend less time worrying about money and more time enjoying the life you’ve earned.

DENISE

Late 50s | Divorced | Nearing Retirement | $95K Income

The Situation

In her mid-50s and newly divorced, Denise—a nurse who loved her work—was facing retirement on her own. She dreamed of downsizing near her sister, traveling abroad, and maybe starting a small consulting business, but wasn’t sure if it was realistic.

Her questions were clear:

  • Can I retire in five years and live the life I want?
  • Will my money last into my 90s?
  • What steps should I take now?
  • Where do I even start?

 

Denise wanted more than security—she wanted a plan that built confidence, protected her, and left room for joy.

What We Did

  1. Vision First
    We clarified Denise’s retirement lifestyle goals to guide every decision.

  2. Income Plan
    With $450K saved, we built a 30+ year income strategy, optimized Social Security, and designed tax-efficient withdrawals.

  3. Housing Strategy
    We modeled downsizing options, weighing buy vs. rent, so she could afford a new home without sacrificing other goals.

  4. Protection
    We addressed healthcare, pre-Medicare coverage, and long-term care with hybrid insurance to fit her needs.

  5. Investments
    We rebalanced from aggressive growth to a mix of steady growth and stability to reduce retirement risk.

Where They Are Now

Three years into the plan, Denise has paid down her mortgage significantly, built up additional savings, and feels excited, not anxious, about her future. She plans to retire next year at 62, sell her current home, and relocate closer to family.

Denise says having a clear, flexible plan aligned with her goals has made all the difference. She’s not only moving into retirement confidently; she’s moving into it joyfully. We continue to meet to update her plan as her dreams evolve.

Our Support

  • Retirement Income: Turn savings into steady income for today and tomorrow.
  • Social Security: Choose the claiming strategy that maximizes benefits.
  • Pension & Rollovers: Navigate options with clarity and confidence.
  • Healthcare: Simplify Medicare and plan for long-term care.
  • Tax-Smart Withdrawals: Minimize taxes to keep more of what you saved.
  • Legacy Planning: Organize your estate and pass wealth on your terms.
  • Housing Choices: Weigh the costs of downsizing or relocating.
  • Lifestyle Cash Flow: Fund travel, hobbies, and life’s surprises with flexibility.

Disclaimer

The case study presented is for illustrative and educational purposes only. It is not based on any one individual’s personal situation, but is a composite designed to reflect the types of strategies and planning approaches we use with clients in similar circumstances. This example does not guarantee future results and should not be interpreted as a promise of specific outcomes. Every client’s situation is unique, and all financial decisions should be made based on a thorough review of your individual goals, needs, and circumstances.