Marcus and Julie's Journey to Successful Retirement: A Case Study

Thinking About Retirement? Meet Marcus and Julie

Marcus and Julie, both in their mid-50s, are leading successful careers. Marcus is an upper management executive, and Julie is a creative professional working for a private firm.

Marcus has been with his company for 26 years and has an employer-matched 401(k) as well as some company stock. Julie has been with her company for 22 years and has a 401(k).

Retirement Goals

• Take a family vacation at least once a year.
• Contribute 50% towards the expenses of their daughter’s wedding.
• Gain a clear understanding of how and when to take their Social Security.
• Explore the possibility of early retirement without compromising their lifestyle.
• Identify the best strategies to create income from their retirement savings.

How I Could Help Marcus & Julie

I would first get to know their current situation and develop a comprehensive financial plan tailored to Marcus and Julie’s unique goals. For example:

• Retirement Planning: I would help Marcus and Julie understand their income needs and wants in retirement. Discuss potential income sources, essential expenses, and desires.
• Investment Management: I would set up portfolios with a high probability of reaching necessary thresholds for retirement income. These portfolios would be adjustable for lower volatility and more income production as retirement approaches
• Employer Benefit Analysis: I would help maximize the benefits provided by their employer benefit plans and supplement personal savings.
• Tax Planning: I would analyze their current tax situation and explore strategies such as Roth IRA conversion and “Net Unrealized Appreciation” of their company stock in 401(k)s.
• Social Security Maximization: I would run multiple scenarios to examine the best timing for taking social security benefits and consider using spousal benefits before turning on their own benefits.
• Income Planning: I would examine the best way for Marcus and Julie to receive company stock benefits.

My approach is to always become my clients’ decision-making partner in meeting their objectives. I aim to provide my clients with a clear path toward achieving their retirement dreams.

If you, too, are seeking personalized guidance on your journey to retirement, book some time in my calendar; I’d love to hear from you.

This is a case study and is for illustrative purposes only. Actual performance and results will vary. This case study does not constitute a recommendation as to the suitability of any investment for any person or persons having circumstances similar to those portrayed, and a financial advisor should be consulted. This case study does not represent actual clients but a hypothetical composite of various client experiences and issues. Any resemblance to actual people or situations is purely coincidental.