5
$850K
100%
12
James K, a technology executive in California, was five years from his target retirement date. He had accumulated significant savings but lacked a clear picture of whether he was on track.
Stock options, a 401(k), and taxable investments each had different tax treatments. James was maxing out contributions but did not know if his savings rate was enough.
He was saving aggressively but planning passively.
Discovery
We ran a comprehensive pre-retirement analysis covering James's projected Social Security, pension eligibility, stock option exercise strategy, and healthcare costs before Medicare.
The analysis revealed he was closer to his goal than he thought, but his asset allocation was too aggressive for a five-year horizon. His stock options needed a timed exercise plan to manage tax impact.
James needed a roadmap, not just reassurance.
Intervention
We built a phased pre-retirement plan covering:
- gradual portfolio de-risking over five years
- stock option exercise and tax planning
- healthcare bridge strategy before Medicare
- projected retirement income and spending targets
Within 12 weeks, James had a year-by-year action plan and the confidence to stay on course until retirement day.
"I finally know exactly where I stand and what I need to do each year. That clarity changed everything about how I think about retirement."
Impact
James is now on track to retire on schedule with a portfolio aligned to his five-year timeline. His stock option strategy is mapped out, and he knows his projected monthly income in retirement.
He reviews his plan with us quarterly and adjusts as needed. Pre-retirement planning gave him something savings alone could not: a clear path forward.
