Case Study - Carl and Denise

From Overwhelmed to Organized: Carl & Denise's Retirement Clarity Plan

You’ve carried the weight for everyone—kids, parents, responsibilities—and now it’s your turn.

Retirement is no longer a far-off idea. It’s a looming set of decisions. And it feels...complicated.

You’ve done the saving. You’ve made smart choices. But now the questions are bigger, the stakes are higher, and the “what-ifs” are louder.

Carl & Denise's Situation

Carl (59) is an engineer nearing retirement. Denise (56) is a federal agency administrator planning to work for a few more years and then go part-time. They’ve raised two kids—one just launched, the other still finishing college—and are currently helping care for Denise’s elderly mother.

They’ve done a respectable job saving, but they’ve never had a coordinated financial plan. They’re worried about rising healthcare costs, the impact of taxes in retirement, and making sure their money lasts—without becoming a burden to their children.

Carl & Denise – The Pillars of Their Family

  • 59 & 56 years old

  • Dual-income, preparing for phased retirement

  • Empty nesters (almost) with caregiving responsibilities

  • Concerned about taxes, health care, and long-term support

  • Own home with no mortgage

  • Solid retirement savings, no clear income strategy

Financial Goals

  • Understand if and when they can confidently retire

  • Create a coordinated plan that includes caregiving costs and support

  • Minimize taxes on their retirement income

  • Plan for future healthcare and potential long-term care needs

  • Establish a legacy plan that protects their children from financial burden

How We Helped

  • Ran a full retirement readiness analysis to show how their income, expenses, and benefits align over time—adjusted for inflation and health costs.

  • Created a tax-smart withdrawal strategy by blending IRA distributions, Roth conversions, and Denise’s future part-time income.

  • Integrated caregiving scenarios into their retirement plan, with funding strategies for assisted living or in-home support for Denise’s mom.

  • Consolidated their investment accounts, reducing fees and aligning risk with their retirement timeline and comfort level.

  • Coordinated support with an estate attorney to set up a family legacy plan with powers of attorney, updated wills, and a trust to avoid burdening their children later.

  • Built a phased retirement income strategy with a 10-year glide path, giving them freedom to step back without stress.

Financial Planning Services Provided

  • Retirement Income Strategy

  • Tax-Efficient Distribution Planning

  • Investment Consolidation & Risk Management

  • Family Caregiving & Long-Term Care Funding

  • Estate Planning & Legacy Structure

Sound Like You?

Retirement Is More Than a Number—It’s a Life in Motion

Carl and Denise aren’t alone. Many couples find themselves at this “in-between” phase: not quite retired, but already managing the emotional and financial demands of aging parents and grown children.

1. You’ve Done Well. Now Let’s Do It Right.

You’ve saved. You’ve been responsible. But a savings account is not a retirement plan. We help turn your assets into a strategy you can actually live with.

2. Structure Replaces Stress

We help organize the chaos—investments, taxes, health care, legacy—so you can focus on enjoying this chapter, not fearing it.

3. You Can Support Others Without Sacrificing Yourself

We’ll help you build a plan that includes your family and protects your own future. Because you shouldn’t have to choose.

4. A Real Plan Brings Peace of Mind

You want to feel safe, seen, and confident in what’s next. That’s not too much to ask—and that’s exactly what we deliver.

Let’s Build the Future That Maximizes You’re Hard Work

We specialize in helping responsible couples like Carl and Denise navigate retirement transitions with confidence. your needs are unique—and so is your family.

No fluff. No assumptions. Just personalized planning that helps you feel clear, empowered, and prepared for what’s next.