Who Is This For?
This service is designed for people who are approaching retirement and want clarity before making major financial decisions.
You’re likely a good fit if you:
• Are within 5 years of retirement (or recently retired)
• Have at least $500,000–$1M+ in investments
• Want to reduce taxes over your lifetime—not just this year
• Need a clear income strategy for retirement
• Prefer working with a fiduciary advisor who provides ongoing guidance
Why Retirement Planning Matters (Especially in Colorado)
Retirement isn’t just about having enough—it’s about how efficiently you use what you’ve saved.
In Colorado, planning decisions can have a meaningful impact on:
• How your retirement income is taxed
• When and how to take Social Security
• Whether Roth conversions make sense
• How to draw from different accounts over time
Without a coordinated plan, it’s easy to pay more in taxes than necessary or take on more risk than intended.
What Retirement Planning Actually Includes
Retirement planning is more than just investment management. It’s about coordinating multiple moving parts into a cohesive strategy.
Retirement Income Planning
Creating a reliable income stream from your investments, Social Security, and other sources.
Tax-Efficient Withdrawal Strategy
Determining which accounts to draw from—and when—to reduce lifetime taxes. This often includes strategies like Roth conversions.
Investment Coordination
Aligning your portfolio with your income needs, time horizon, and risk tolerance.
Risk Management
Helping ensure your plan can withstand market volatility, inflation, and unexpected expenses.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is retirement planning in Lafayette, Colorado?
Retirement planning involves coordinating your investments, income strategy, and taxes so your savings last throughout retirement.
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When should you start retirement planning?
Most people benefit from detailed planning within 5–10 years of retirement, when decisions around income, taxes, and Social Security become more important. You can also read my post What Month Should You Retire? Here’s What Actually Matters.
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How do taxes impact retirement income?
Taxes can significantly affect how long your money lasts. Strategies like account sequencing and Roth conversions can help reduce lifetime tax liability.
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Do I need a financial advisor for retirement planning?
Some people choose to manage retirement themselves, but many benefit from professional guidance to avoid costly mistakes and improve long-term outcomes. You can also read my post: 7 Hidden Costs of DIY Investing.
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Is a one-time financial plan enough before retirement?
Sometimes, but not always.
A one-time financial plan can be very helpful, especially as a starting point. For someone who is still working and knows retirement is still a few years away, it can be a great way to get organized, understand what is possible, and start making proactive decisions while there is still time to adjust.
In that sense, it can be a bit like getting a house ready before putting it on the market. You are not necessarily making every final decision right then, but you are identifying what needs attention and what steps could put you in a better position later. The same idea applies here. A one-time plan can help you evaluate savings, retirement timing, taxes, investment allocation, Social Security, pension choices, and other moving parts before those decisions become more immediate.
That said, retirement is usually not a one-decision event. It is more often a series of decisions made over several years. When to retire, how to draw from accounts, when to claim Social Security, whether to do Roth conversions, how to handle Medicare, and how much to spend are all decisions that can change as markets, tax laws, and life circumstances change.
So for some people, a one-time plan is enough to provide clarity and direction. For others, especially those getting closer to retirement or already making major transitions, ongoing advice can be valuable because the planning needs to be updated as real life unfolds.
A good one-time plan can absolutely be worthwhile. It just helps to understand whether you need a roadmap, or ongoing help navigating the trip.
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What makes a fee-only fiduciary advisor different?
A fee-only fiduciary advisor is legally required to act in your best interest and does not earn commissions from products or investments.
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How does investment management fit into retirement planning?
Investment management is part of a broader strategy that includes income planning and tax coordination. These elements work together and are most effective when managed as a whole.
Related Resources
If you want to learn more about tax-efficient strategies, you may find this helpful:
