Retirement Planning

I'll never forget a couple, the Flemings who came to my office back in 2009, right after the market crash had decimated their 401(k)'s. They were 67, retired, and terrified. Their number one question wasn't about growth or returns; it was, "How can we make sure we never run...

Whether to consolidate retirement accounts is fundamentally a question about tax efficiency, RMD management, and pro-rata rule exposure—not just convenience. With 401(k)s, 403(b)s, SEP-IRAs, and traditional IRAs scattered across your career, you're likely managing $500k to $2M+ in retirement assets across multiple custodians. The decision to merge them will...

Retiring from Publix is a major life transition that deserves real planning. After more than 25 years working with people on their retirement, I've seen the best and worst outcomes for Publix retirees. My goal here is to walk you through the key decisions that'll set you up for...

As a retired financial planner with almost 30 years of experience, I’ve seen variable annuities (VAs) described as everything from a retiree’s silver bullet to a fee-laden trap. Variable Annuities are the financial world’s Swiss Army knife. Complex, with many moving parts, promising market-like growth with a safety net. But...

Greetings, readers! My name is Michael Ryan, and after over 25 years as a financial planner, I've seen firsthand how confusing topics like annuities can be. But I'm here to tell you - having a solid grasp on annuities and related concepts can transform your retirement planning for the...

Are you dreaming of the day you can leave the workforce behind and enjoy the freedom of early retirement? Wondering if your financial nest egg will allow you to take that leap sooner rather than later? The early retirement calculator might just be the crystal ball you need. Imagine being...

Are you wondering, how long will my money last in retirement? Do you feel unsure about how to choose the right withdrawal rate and when to make those withdrawals? You're not alone! According to recent studies, nearly half of Americans are unsure if they will have enough money to...

After nearly 30 years of helping clients navigate retirement, I've seen Roth IRA conversions create tremendous tax-free wealth. But even if you don't convert, you can learn about ways to max out your Roth IRA contributions here. I've also seen simple mistakes cost families thousands in unexpected taxes. The...

"Michael, I think I messed up. I need to know about a Roth IRA Recharacterization ASAP" It's a call I get every year. In March 2026, a diligent saver, let's call her "Megan", contacted me in a panic. She had contributed the maximum $7,500 to her Roth IRA in January,...

After nearly 30 years as a financial planner, I’ve seen one mistake cost investors more than any market crash: choosing the wrong investment account. Picking the right Roth IRA provider isn't just about flashy ads or sign-up bonuses; it's about avoiding the silent wealth killers. High fees and limited options that...