Case Study:
A Solid Plan for the Future
Meet Will and Julie
Will and Julie are in their mid-50s and have built a fulfilling life together, raising three kids while growing their careers.
Will is financially savvy and built a significant nest egg during his 30 years as a healthcare executive. After leaving the publishing industry to raise their children, Julie returned to work two years ago.
They’re planning to retire in the next 2–3 years and are ready to start the next chapter.
The Burning Questions
Their retirement goals include relocating to their dream home on a lake and caring for aging parents.
They want a plan that helps them manage taxes and investment risk while providing them with financial security in the years to come.
They came to us wondering how to use their savings wisely so it lasts through retirement, supports a mix of rest and volunteer work, and eventually helps their children without overwhelming them.
Will our savings support 35–40 years of retirement, including volunteer work and caregiving?
Can we afford to buy our dream home without risking our long-term financial plan?
How do we make smart decisions about taxes and risk with our stock and investments?
What’s the best way to prepare for long-term care without compromising our lifestyle?
How can we pass on wealth to our kids in a thoughtful, balanced way?
A Strategic, Personalized Approach
We created a financial roadmap for Will and Julie that addressed their concerns and set them up for a smooth retirement transition. Their plan included:
Equity Compensation Management
We reviewed the tax impact of Will’s non-qualified stock options (NSOs), incentive stock options (ISOs), and deferred compensation, then built a plan to help him avoid a large tax hit and reduce the risk of overexposure to one company’s stock.
We also adjusted the rest of their investments to maintain a more balanced and stable portfolio.
Tax Strategy
We created a tax-efficient plan that included Roth conversions during low-tax years before Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) and Social Security kicked in.
We used a mix of a Donor Advised Fund (DAF), asset-tax location, and tax loss harvesting to help minimize their annual tax burden.
Dream Relocation
The equity and deferred comp plan helped fund their move to a lakefront home, while providing steady cash flow and a strong emergency fund for the transition.
Long-Term Care Preparation
A mix of self-insurance and long-term care products protected against major care costs while preserving lifestyle flexibility.
Estate Plan Structuring
We used beneficiary designations, a living trust, and 529 plans to support their children’s education and early milestones, while reserving the right amount for later in life.
The plan also addressed state estate taxes and future federal changes, making use of the annual gifting exemption.
Enjoying a Brighter Future
Will and Julie made a small compromise on their dream home, and it paid off. With a plan designed to support what matters most, they’ve been able to:
Retire confidently with a clear, tax-efficient strategy
Balance family support, caregiving, and volunteer work
Prepare their estate to support their kids, now and in the future
Your story can be like
Will and Julie’s
Let us help you create the financial
future you’ve dreamed about.
Contact us today to get started!
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