Why I Specialize In Retirement

Specialization allows me to focus narrowly, but deeply, on planning, processes and strategies specific to pre-retirees and retirees.

Recently, I have narrowed the type of new client that I will work with.  The result: going forward all new private clients I engage will be  “transitioning into or in retirement”.    While “transitioning into or in retirement”  is not a formal financial planning term, I define it as an individual or couple in one of the following stages:

Serious Planning & Preparation Stage –  Generally less than 10 years from retirement.

Transition Stage – Career income winding down (or sale of a business) and long term plans/goals are clarified.

Evolution Stage –  This administration & optimization of a client’s assets as their plans, priorities and needs change over their retirement.

Why am I narrowing down to one specialty for new clients? 

There are a number of reasons I have chosen to specialize, all benefit the client, some benefit me personally.  More than anything, I have enjoyed, have had success and also recognize that I can make the greatest impact as I help people through this significant life transition.  A few, but not all, reasons behind my decision.

Reason #1:  If you needed heart surgery, you wouldn’t use a general surgeon when you can work with a cardiologist.  Transitioning into retirement? Work with a retirement specialist.

Reason #2: Specialization allows me to focus narrowly but deeply on strategies specific to retirees.  Tax minimization strategies? Retirement income strategies? Relocating to a new state? Social Security planning?  Estate and gifting strategies? I focus on strategies specific to those near or in retirement.   

Reason #3: Transitioning into retirement is a complicated, even scary, one-time event.  It’s an important time to make decisions with the utmost clarity and confidence.

I want all of my existing clients that don’t currently fit into this narrow client segment to know that I will continue to provide the same level of service, detail and focus you have come to expect and will continue to assist you in working toward your long term goals.  

Ok, so what’s the catch John, why do you feel the need to tell us this?  The answer is two-fold.

First, I wanted you to know that I have a specialty.  

Second, as I have told many of you, I will no longer add clients once I reach what I deem to be “capacity”.  Currently I believe, for the services I provide to my clients, my personal capacity is somewhere between 75-80 clients.  Some advisors work with many more clients, often 200 or more. I’ve never looked upon this favorably. . 

If you have friends or family members asking questions as they plan for retirement, I can help.  You know the questions, they’re not new to many of you:

• When should I take social security?
• Am I going to run out of money in retirement? 
• How much can I spend while in retirement?
• Should I pay off my house before retirement?
• How do I turn my assets into retirement income?
• What investments should I own when I retire? 
• How do I handle my 401(k) in retirement?
• How do I use the different accounts in retirement?
• How much will health care cost me in retirement?
• What’s the best way to leave money to my kids?
• What does a retirement spending plan look like?
• Should I buy long-term care insurance?

I’d ask that you consider doing them, and me, a favor by letting them know that I specialize in retirement and I can help.  

If you know of someone that can use my help, please do one of the following:

1. Tell them to sign up for a complementary “friends and family” call with me via this link
2. You can forward this email or introduce us via email using John.Bubello@Compass-Retirement.com
3. You can have them call me at 877-523-5503

Please let me know if I can help in any way.