At FSA, we believe retirement is not just a destination; it’s the start of an exciting new adventure. Imagine waking up each morning with the freedom to explore your passions, travel to dream destinations, or simply spend more time with loved ones. Whether you’re just a few years away from hanging up your work boots or already enjoying the fruits of your labor, having a solid retirement plan is essential for turning that vision into reality.
As you’re thinking about retirement planning, you might have more questions than answers. Our team of CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® professionals takes the time to sit down with you, hear your questions and concerns, and learn about your dreams. From there, we help shape a plan that aligns your savings and investments with the life you want to lead.
Our retirement planning services aim to provide you with the reassurance and confidence you need at every step of this journey. Together, we’ll craft a sustainable income strategy that safeguards your assets and minimizes taxes, supporting your financial well-being for years to come.
Life is full of surprises, and we’ll be right there with you to adapt your plan as needed, whether it’s addressing unexpected costs, responding to market changes, or adjusting your goals.
Sooner than most people think. Starting in the 20s or 30s gives compounding the most time to work, but planning matters at every stage. Those in their 40s and 50s are often in peak earning years and have a real window to catch up, while people within a few years of retirement face the trickiest decisions around Social Security, withdrawals, and taxes.
The best time to start is whenever someone begins asking the question, which is the kind of long-view planning the team at FSA does with clients at every stage.
A big loss in the early years of retirement is harder to recover from than the same loss later, because withdrawals and falling values are happening at the same time. Good plans prepare for this ahead of time with a cash reserve, a lower-risk allocation near retirement, and flexibility to adjust withdrawals in down years. None of that removes risk entirely, but it keeps a rough market from permanently derailing a plan.
Building in that flexibility is a key part of FSA’s retirement planning approach.
Medicare starts at 65, so anyone retiring earlier needs a plan to bridge the gap. Common options include COBRA from a former employer, a Marketplace plan, coverage through a spouse, or a health-sharing program, and each comes with its own tradeoffs.
Healthcare is often one of the largest costs in early retirement, so estimating it years ahead pays off. Mapping this into the broader plan is part of the conversation the advisors at FSA have with clients who are considering an earlier exit.
Taxes do not disappear in retirement. They just show up in different places, including withdrawals from traditional IRAs and 401(k)s, a portion of Social Security, capital gains on investments, and even Medicare premiums.
The order of withdrawals, timing of Social Security, and use of Roth conversions can add up to real savings over time. The goal is not just to pay less tax this year but less tax over an entire retirement, which is something the FSA team walks clients through regularly.
It depends on health, other income, marital status, and life expectancy. Benefits can start at 62 but are permanently reduced before full retirement age, which is 66 or 67 for most people today.
Waiting past that age adds about 8% per year up to age 70, which can be a significant boost over a long retirement. Filing early often fits those with health concerns or limited savings, while waiting tends to favor healthy retirees and couples looking for a larger survivor benefit.
Running the numbers before filing is almost always worth it and is an important part of a comprehensive retirement plan.
Wondering if FSA might be the right fit as your financial advisor? Schedule a no-obligation meeting to learn more about us and decide if you want to work together.
