Retirement Planning Case Studies
Retiring Early with Executive Compensation
Nick & Noelle are both executives with complicated compensation. They aren't sure how to use their stock options or deferred comp. They know they have enough saved, but are worried about missing out using their benefits for their retirement plan ... Read more
Retiring to Care for Aging Parents
Curtis & Carli are planning to retire later this year, but realize they need to make some changes. Carli's aging parents need more care from them. Can they afford to buy a larger house? They don't want to take on debt before retirement but aren't sure what else to do. ... Read more
Finally Retired but Making Adjustments
Marcus & May retired a couple of years ago with a one-time plan from an old advisor. Instead of being able to enjoy retirement, they've been stressed over how much they've been paying in taxes and how volatile the market has become in recent years. They aren't sure what needs to change. ... Read more
We Help Executives, VPs, and Directors Choose When They Retire
Maybe you relate to the questions asked in our case studies above. You're tired of wondering, "Am I doing enough to be prepared for retirement?"
You've worked hard to grow your wealth. Now it's time to feel confident that your money will be there when you need it. Even the most accomplished executives might face uncertainty when it comes to planning for retirement, and no one should have to navigate that journey alone.
We work best with professionals who...
- Are 10 years within retirement or are currently retired
- Have executive compensation (RSUs, deferred comp, stock options)
- Want to delegate investments to a financial advisor
How Our Process Works
Complete a 15-question assessment. We'll ask a few questions about your career, income, and what you're looking for to see if we're a good fit for you.
Get a free retirement consultation. If our expertise is a fit for your needs, we'll invite you to a complimentary 45-minute Zoom meeting. Our team will evaluate your readiness for retirement, and share examples of how our advice can impact you.
Ongoing financial advice. Once you sign the agreement to work with us, we'll set up your first couple of meetings. We'll begin to walk you through our three retirement planning stages:
- Organization, where we gather and place all your documents into a blueprint;
- Strategy, where we begin to consider the timing of decisions to make your goals happen in a tax efficient way.
- Implementation, where we make careful adjustments to your portfolio and strategies, so you stay on track all year, every year.
Financial Advisors In the Northwest Chicago Suburbs
We are Financial Design Studio: a team with experienced, fiduciary, fee-only advisors, based in the Northwest Chicago Suburbs, serving clients nationwide.
We believe financial planning is about more than money - it's about designing the life you want to live.
Each of our four partners has an expertise that allows our team to address your full financial picture. As one team, we come together to build complete and creative plans around your unique goals.
The result? You have confidence to live more and give more!
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"TWO QUESTIONS WE ASK EVERY CLIENT BEFORE THEY RETIRE - THAT THE INTERNET CAN'T ANSWER"
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Frequently Asked Questions
We work with busy executives and retired professionals - typically within 10 years before or after their retirement date - who want to ensure they're making the most of their executive compensation, investments, and tax return. They are asking questions like, "Am I doing everything I can for a successful retirement?" or "Will I be able to retire when I hope to?" and "How will I start to use the money I've saved when I retire?"
Ready to take the next step?
Schedule a quick call with our financial advisors.