You’ve been socking-away money into your retirement plan for years and accumulated a sizable nest-egg. Now the decisions become more connected – and mistakes become more expensive. No wonder “can I retire” is a common question.
The decumulation stage is different from the accumulation stage. Now you need clear coordination of retirement income, taxes, Social Security, Medicare, and what happens to your surviving spouse.
AI can answer questions by mining internet sources (with varying degrees of accuracy); but it only answers the questions that are asked. Where are the answers to the questions that aren’t asked?
AI won’t think of the questions that need asking. That comes from experience.
Retirement isn’t one decision. It is a series of tax, investment, income, and family decisions that must work together. That’s where professional help brings value:
- Thirty-plus years of experience
- CFP® certification
- Accredited Investment Fiduciary®
- Independent, objective advice
- Direct relationship with the advisor doing the work
- Retirement specialization
- Tax-advantaged planning strategies
- Local knowledge
- No large-team handoff after becoming a client
A common misconception among many investors is that a solo, independent practitioner doesn’t have the available resources of a large institution with a well-known brand. The fact is it’s often just the opposite.
For example, an airline or hotel employee won’t have access to all the airlines and hotels in the world – but an independent travel agent does! And, one with thirty-plus years’ experience also knows what questions to ask.
As a solo, independent professional, your advantage is continuity: the person you meet is the one who will know your family and answer your call.
How can you know if you and IFG might be a good fit?
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You are likely a good fit if you are:
- Age 55+ (nearing or in retirement)
- NOT interested in chasing investment tips and stories or trying to “beat the market” (a long-term thinker who plans for the long-term – able to maintain investment discipline according to your long-term plan when all of your friends are chasing investment short-term headlines, tips or fads.
- Minimum $500,000+ portfolio – significant IRA, 401(k), 403(b) or taxable account balances (where asset arrangement and tax-advantaged strategies can have significant impact on long-term outcomes).
- Someone with a sense of humor. You may see your doctor or accountant once a year; but, an advisory relationship is just that – an ongoing relationship. It’s important we actually enjoy working together. That’s how long-term relationships get to be long-term. Integrity, trust, and fun are all two-way streets.
If you’re someone with ‘scattered assets’ (multiple IRAs or multiple investments purchased without a plan over many years) it might be a good time to get your financial house in order. Many years ago, a corporate CEO came into my office (it was before Zoom meetings) with a milk crate filled with folders. He said, “Jim, I don’t have a portfolio. I have a collection of stuff I’ve accumulated. It’s time I had a portfolio.” I couldn’t have said it better.
Ready for professional help? Get the answer to the ‘can I retire’ question.
- Decide on your priorities – you can do this in one of two ways:
- User this online form – simple, easy, no personal information required.
- Use this fillable PDF and forward it to me at your convenience.
- Schedule your introductory call
Getting Started
Want help from Jim Lorenzen, CFP? Here’s how you can get started with IFG!
