Retirement Planning
We Serve people in Scottsdale, AZ, Brookfield & Johnson Creek Wisconsin
Retirement Planning Services
Retirement should mean freedom, not financial stress.
Whether you’re in Scottsdale enjoying desert sunsets or watching Wisconsin seasons change from Brookfield, your retirement income needs to support the life you’ve always imagined.
At Family Wealth Advisors, we don’t just crunch numbers.
We listen to your retirement dreams, then build practical strategies to make them happen.
Our retirement income plans combine your investment portfolio, Social Security benefits, and tax-smart withdrawal strategies to create reliable monthly income that can last 30+ years.
Every client’s situation is different.
That’s why Jeffrey Biro, Ryan Zenk, and Michael Wendt work directly with you to understand what retirement really means to you—whether that’s traveling, spoiling grandkids, or finally pursuing that hobby you’ve been putting off.
What Makes Our Retirement Income Planning Different
Most financial advisors hand you a generic retirement calculator and call it planning.
We dig deeper.
Our retirement income planning creates multiple income streams that work together, so you’re never dependent on just one source of money.
We Plan for Real Life, Not Spreadsheets
Your retirement won’t be a straight line.
Healthcare costs might spike.
Markets will fluctuate.
Family situations change.
We build flexibility into every plan so you can handle whatever comes up without panicking about money.
Our clients in Scottsdale often want to maintain their active lifestyle—golf memberships, dining out, travel to see family.
Wisconsin clients frequently prioritize lake homes, family gatherings, and seasonal travel.
We factor these real expenses into your income plan.
We also stress-test your plan against different scenarios.
What if you need long-term care?
What if the market crashes right after you retire?
Your plan includes backup strategies for these situations.
Your Retirement Timeline, Your Way
Some people want to retire at 62.
Others plan to work part-time into their 70s.
We don’t push you toward any particular timeline—we help you understand what’s possible based on your current savings and goals.
If early retirement is your goal, we’ll show you exactly how much you need to save and where to invest it.
If you want to keep working, we’ll optimize your savings strategy and plan for a higher retirement income.
Every strategy is personalized.
We consider your Social Security timing, pension options (if you have them), and the best ways to tap your 401(k) and IRA accounts.
Tax-Smart Income That Lasts
Here’s what most people don’t realize: How you withdraw money in retirement matters just as much as how much you’ve saved.
The wrong withdrawal strategy can cost you thousands in unnecessary taxes every year.
We create withdrawal sequences that minimize your tax bill.
Sometimes that means taking money from your 401(k) first. Other times, we’ll recommend Roth conversions or tax-loss harvesting.
It depends on your specific situation.
Arizona and Wisconsin have different tax rules for retirees.
We factor in your state’s tax treatment of Social Security, pensions, and retirement account withdrawals to maximize your after-tax income.
Our Process at Family Wealth Advisors
At Family Wealth Advisors, we follow a structured, personalized approach to help you achieve your financial goals.
Our proven three-step process ensures every aspect of your retirement planning receives careful attention and expert guidance.
Discovery and Needs Assessment
We begin with a comprehensive review of your current financial situation.
During your initial consultation, we gather detailed information about your income, assets, liabilities, and existing investments.
Our advisors work with you to define clear retirement objectives, including your desired lifestyle, timeline, and specific financial milestones.
We evaluate your risk tolerance through detailed questionnaires and discussions to understand your comfort level with different investment strategies.
Tailored Financial Plan Development
Your dedicated advisor creates a customized retirement strategy aligned with your specific goals and circumstances.
We analyze multiple investment options and asset allocation strategies to optimize your portfolio.
We incorporate tax-efficient strategies and estate planning considerations into your retirement plan.
The plan includes specific recommendations for:
- Investment portfolio allocation
- Social Security optimization
- Healthcare cost planning
- Estate preservation tactics
- Risk management solutions
Ongoing Plan Monitoring and Adjustments
Your financial plan receives regular reviews to ensure it stays aligned with your goals.
We schedule quarterly check-ins to discuss portfolio performance and any necessary adjustments.
We actively monitor market conditions and economic changes that might impact your retirement strategy.
Your advisor provides proactive recommendations for plan modifications based on:
- Life changes
- Market performance
- New financial opportunities
- Tax law updates
- Retirement goal adjustments
Protecting Your Retirement Wealth
Building retirement wealth is hard. Protecting it requires different skills.
We help you safeguard your nest egg against the biggest threats to retirement security.
Market Risk Management
The sequence of returns matters enormously in retirement.
A market crash in your first few years of retirement can permanently damage your financial security, even if markets recover later.
We use several strategies to manage this risk.
Asset allocation adjustments as you near retirement.
Cash reserves to fund expenses during market downturns.
Sometimes bond ladders or immediate annuities for guaranteed income.
The goal isn’t to eliminate all risk—it’s to take the right amount of risk for your situation and timeline.
Why We’re Fiduciaries (And Why That Matters)
As a Registered Investment Advisor, we’re legally required to act in your best interest.
That means we can’t recommend investments that pay us higher commissions if they’re not right for you.
We’re fee-only, which means we don’t sell insurance products or earn commissions on investments.
Our only compensation comes from the advisory fees you pay, which aligns our interests with yours.
This fiduciary standard matters especially in retirement planning, where conflicted advice can cost you tens of thousands of dollars over time.
Estate Planning Integration
Your retirement plan and estate plan need to work together.
We coordinate with your estate planning attorney to make sure your retirement account beneficiaries are current, your withdrawal strategy considers estate tax implications, and your wealth transfer goals are integrated with your retirement income needs.
Many clients want to leave money to children or grandchildren, but not at the expense of their own retirement security. We help you find the right balance.
Long-Term Care Planning
Long-term care is one of the biggest financial risks in retirement.
The average cost of a nursing home in Scottsdale exceeds $6,000 per month. In Wisconsin, it’s over $5,000.
We help you evaluate long-term care insurance options and build care costs into your retirement income projections.
Sometimes insurance makes sense.
Other times, self-insuring is more appropriate. It depends on your health, family situation, and financial resources.
Frequently Asked Questions
Retirement planning requires careful consideration of investment strategies, tax implications, estate planning, and account management to help secure your financial future.
What services are included in Retirement Planning with Family Wealth Advisors in Scottsdale, AZ?
Family Wealth Advisors provides comprehensive retirement planning services including investment portfolio management, risk assessment, and retirement income projections.
We create personalized retirement roadmaps that align with your specific goals and timeline.
Our services incorporate Social Security optimization, Medicare planning, and long-term care considerations.
How can Family Wealth Advisors help manage my retirement portfolio?
We actively monitor and rebalance your investment portfolio to maintain appropriate risk levels and asset allocation.
Our team implements diversification strategies across various asset classes to help protect and grow your retirement savings.
Regular portfolio reviews ensure your investments stay aligned with your retirement goals and risk tolerance.
What strategies do Family Wealth Advisors employ for tax optimization in retirement?
We utilize tax-efficient withdrawal strategies to help minimize your tax burden during retirement.
Strategic Roth conversion planning and tax-loss harvesting are implemented when appropriate.
We coordinate with your tax professionals to optimize the timing of distributions from different retirement accounts.
How does Family Wealth Advisors approach estate planning for retirees?
We develop estate plans that protect your assets and establish efficient wealth transfer strategies to your beneficiaries.
Our team helps structure trusts and other estate planning vehicles to minimize potential tax implications.
We coordinate with estate attorneys to ensure your retirement and estate plans work together seamlessly.
Can Family Wealth Advisors advise on both IRA and 401(k) retirement accounts?
We provide guidance on all types of retirement accounts, including traditional IRAs, Roth IRAs, 401(k)s, and pension plans.
Our team helps evaluate rollover options and consolidation opportunities to simplify your retirement account management.
What experience does Family Wealth Advisors have with retirement income planning?
Our advisors average 20+ years of experience creating sustainable retirement income strategies.
We design withdrawal plans that balance your income needs with long-term portfolio sustainability.
Our retirement income planning incorporates multiple income sources including investments, Social Security, and pension benefits.
Why Choose FWA
The FWA Team
Meet the Advisors Who Put Your Interests First
Jeffrey J. Biro, CEP, RFC
President
W. Ryan Zenk, JD, CFP®
Chief Executive Officer
John Oxenhandler
VP of Investment Operations
Mike Wendt
Registered Representative
Debbie Basom FPQP®
Client Operations Director
