Case Study:
A Transition to a Brighter Future
Meet Gordy
In his early 50s, Gordy is a seasoned professional who spent 30 successful years as a high-earning engineer. He has one adult child and, following a recent divorce, is now enjoying a new and fulfilling relationship.
When Gordy approached us, he was ready to redefine his life: he wanted to leave his high-stress, travel-heavy career for a lower-stress role for the next 7–10 years. He also wondered if he could afford a 1–2 year sabbatical to “recharge” after his divorce and rediscover his best self.
The Burning Questions
Gordy had mastered his finances during his accumulation years. But as he entered the decumulation phase, he recognized the stakes were higher—there were fewer years to recover from mistakes, and every decision carried greater weight.
The next 30 years were about achieving a different kind of success, one measured by craft beer passport stamps instead of sales quotas.
Gordy wanted to delegate the financial complexities so he could enjoy the nest egg he had worked tirelessly to build.
How can I maintain my lifestyle with a reduced salary for the next 7–10 years?
How can I avoid the risk of running out of money during retirement?
How will I cover healthcare costs before I’m eligible for Medicare?
How do I manage taxes and navigate investment risk through key life transitions?
How can I make sure my family’s financial security is protected?
A Collaborative, Strategic Approach
We took the time to fully understand Gordy’s situation, values, and goals, designing a tailored financial plan that addressed his unique needs
Cash Flow Analysis
We looked at different income scenarios based on Gordy’s career transition and other assets, keeping his full retirement goals and healthcare costs in mind.
This helped Gordy see exactly how different salary levels in his new job could affect his overall plan.
Tax & Investment Strategy
We built a plan to fund Gordy’s lifestyle, making shifts to his 401(k) so he could access funds early.
Then we adjusted his investments to help manage risk, plan for long-term growth, and lower his tax bill in retirement.
Surprises Along the Way
Some parts of the plan backed up what Gordy already knew, while others, like how Roth conversions could affect his retirement taxes, introduced new ideas that strengthened his overall strategy.
Enjoying a Brighter Future
Gordy’s journey has transformed from uncertainty to confidence. Armed with a financial plan, he:
Knows how much he can spend without running out of money
Has a clear plan for taxes, healthcare, and early withdrawals
Feels confident making career decisions that support his long-term goals
Ready to Start Your Own Journey?
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