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Colorado Day: What You Need to Know About Retiring in Colorado
News, Retirement PlanningEvery year on August 1, we celebrate Colorado Day, honoring the state’s stunning natural beauty, rich heritage, and vibrant communities. On this day in 1876, just 28 days after the nation’s centennial, Colorado officially became the 38th state in the Union.
From the towering Rocky Mountains to sun-soaked high plains, the Centennial State offers an iconic backdrop for adventure, wellness, and yes, even retirement. Whether you’re a long-time resident or planning to put down roots here, Colorado offers an ideal setting to enjoy your golden years.
But what should you know before retiring in the Mile High mountains? New data from Black Enterprise reveals Colorado ranks as the 9th most expensive state to live comfortably, with the average individual needing $105,955 and a family of four $273,728. While it offers natural beauty and an exceptional quality of life, the cost of living makes smart financial planning essential – especially for retirees. With offices in Connecticut AND Colorado, Agemy Financial Strategies understands the local challenges better than anyone. Our fiduciaries are here to help you create a personalized retirement income plan so you can enjoy the lifestyle you love, without financial stress.
Why Retire in Colorado?
Colorado isn’t just for skiers and hikers. It’s become one of the top retirement destinations in the country, offering a rare blend of outdoor lifestyle, high-quality healthcare, tax perks, and community connection. Let’s dive into why so many people choose to spend their retirement years here.
1. Nature, Sunshine, and Clean Living
Colorado boasts sunny days, breathtaking views, and low humidity, an unbeatable combination for active retirees. Whether it’s hiking, biking, fly fishing, golfing, or skiing, there’s always a way to stay moving and energized. Popular retirement towns like Fort Collins, Colorado Springs, Boulder, and Grand Junction offer direct access to natural beauty.
The state’s emphasis on wellness and environmental stewardship creates a healthy atmosphere for those looking to age gracefully and stay active.
2. Top-Tier Healthcare Access
Colorado is consistently ranked among the top states for healthcare. According to the U.S. News & World Report, the state has one of the lowest rates of preventable hospitalizations and high access to quality care.
Major medical systems like UCHealth, Centura Health, and SCL Health offer world-class care, while cities like Denver and Aurora are home to nationally ranked hospitals, including UCHealth University of Colorado Hospital.
3. A Focus on Wellness and Community
Colorado ranks among the healthiest states in the U.S. thanks to its high physical activity rates, low obesity, and public support for mental health. Most towns offer recreational programs, yoga studios, bike trails, farmer’s markets, and senior centers to help retirees stay socially and physically engaged.
Retirees in Colorado often find themselves embracing a younger, more vibrant lifestyle, one that includes social events, outdoor gatherings, and intergenerational connections.
4. Tax Perks for Retirees
Colorado’s tax environment is generally favorable for retirees:
While property taxes vary by county, they are generally among the lowest in the nation, a major plus for retirees on a fixed income.
5. Diverse Retirement Living Options
Whether you want mountain seclusion, small-town charm, or urban energy, Colorado has it all. Consider:
Many of these cities offer age-friendly infrastructure, making it easier to navigate public spaces, healthcare, and transit as you age.
Colorado’s Cost of Living: What You Should Know
While Colorado offers many advantages, some areas, especially Boulder and Denver, come with a higher price tag. Housing, food, and insurance can be costlier than the national average. However, lower property taxes and retirement income exemptions help balance these costs.
Smart planning, including managing your income streams, controlling tax liability, and adjusting investment strategies, can make a retirement in Colorado very financially viable.
How Agemy Financial Strategies Can Help You Retire Confidently in Colorado
At Agemy Financial Strategies, we believe that retirement should be a time of freedom, not financial frustration. Whether you’re already retired in Colorado or planning a move, our fiduciary advisors are here to help you enjoy everything the state has to offer without compromising your financial security.
Here’s how we help:
1. Tax-Smart Income Planning
Colorado’s partial tax exemptions are valuable, but only if your income is structured correctly. We help you:
2. Customized Retirement Income Strategies
We create tailored plans that help ensure you have consistent income streams, even through market downturns or rising healthcare costs. Whether you want to travel Colorado’s 26 scenic byways or simply enjoy your deck view of the Rockies, your money should work for you.
3. Healthcare Planning
From Medicare decisions to long-term care needs, we guide you through:
4. Estate and Legacy Planning
Colorado has no estate tax, but leaving a legacy still requires careful planning. We help you preserve your wealth and values through:
5. Fiduciary Investment Management
Markets may fluctuate, but your plan should stay solid. As fiduciaries, our advice is always in your best interest. We design investment portfolios tailored to your risk tolerance, income goals, and timeline, so you can retire with confidence.
📞 Ready to start your retirement journey in Colorado? Let’s talk:www.agemy.com
Best Places to Retire in Colorado
Here are some of the top spots for retirees:
Each offers different blends of cost, amenities, and lifestyle. Agemy Financial Strategies can help you choose what best suits your goals.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is Colorado a tax-friendly state for retirees?
Yes. Colorado offers a flat income tax rate (4.25%) and generous retirement income exemptions. Social Security is partially exempt, and you can deduct up to $24,000 per person(65+) in qualifying retirement income. There’s also no estate or inheritance tax.
2. What is the cost of living like in Colorado?
Colorado’s cost of living is slightly above average, especially in urban and resort areas. However, low property taxes and tax deductions for seniors help offset some of the costs. Towns like Grand Junction, Pueblo, and Colorado Springs tend to be more affordable.
3. What healthcare options are available in Colorado for retirees?
Colorado is home to top-tier healthcare systems like UCHealth and SCL Health. There are also a wide range of Medicare Advantage and Supplement Plans, as well as senior health centers in most cities.
4. When should I start planning for retirement in Colorado?
Ideally, you should start 5–10 years before retirement to optimize tax strategy, housing choices, and healthcare plans. But it’s never too late; Agemy Financial Strategies can help you get organized at any stage.
5. How can Agemy Financial Strategies help with my Colorado retirement?
Agemy Financial Strategies provides comprehensive fiduciary retirement planning: income strategy, investment management, tax planning, healthcare coordination, and estate planning. We’re experienced in helping retirees make the most of the unique financial landscape Colorado offers.
Final Thoughts: Make the Most of Colorado Day
Colorado is a state of boundless skies, stunning mountains, and endless possibilities. It’s also a state where retirees can find wellness, community, and financial opportunity if they plan wisely.
On this Colorado Day, take a moment to imagine what retirement could look like among the aspens, foothills, and vibrant downtowns of the Centennial State.
And when you’re ready to turn that dream into a strategy, Agemy Financial Strategies is here to help. We’ll walk beside you every step of the way, building a retirement plan that reflects your goals, protects your income, and helps you live your best life in the Rockies.
📖 Want to learn more about how to retire smart in Colorado? Start planning today at agemy.com.
Disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes only and should not be considered financial or investment advice. Please consult with the fiduciary advisors at Agemy Financial Strategies before making any investment decisions.
What HNW Retirees Need to Know About Reduced Social Security Payments, Deductions & Roth Planning
Investment Management, News, Retirement Planning, Stock Market, Tax PlanningIn July 2025, millions of seniors across the U.S. saw their Social Security checks shrink, but not due to inflation or political battles. Instead, this reduction stems from the Social Security Administration’s effort to recoup overpayments made to recipients. For many Americans, this is causing stress, confusion, and financial uncertainty.
Even for high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs) entering or navigating retirement, this news might feel far removed, especially since Social Security payments should be a smaller supplementation for retirement income wealth. But that would be a costly assumption. These changes are just the tip of the iceberg in a shifting landscape of retirement tax policy, income strategy, and Medicare planning, each of which has significant consequences for affluent retirees.
At Agemy Financial Strategies, we believe informed, proactive planning is essential, especially when your retirement success depends on strategic coordination between income, tax, and estate planning.
Let’s break down the recent developments, what they mean for HNW retirees, and how to build a resilient retirement strategy amid uncertainty.
The Reality Behind Reduced Social Security Checks in 2025
The Social Security Administration (SSA) has started withholding up to 50% of monthly benefits to recoup past overpayments. These overpayments often result from changes in income that weren’t properly reported or miscalculations on the SSA’s end. While unfortunate, the SSA is legally obligated to reclaim these funds.
What HNW Retirees Should Know:
✅ Tip: Set up and regularly check your “My Social Security” account to confirm your benefit estimate and payment amounts. Early detection is critical to avoiding unpleasant surprises.
While this repayment policy mostly affects lower- and middle-income retirees, the implications extend to HNWIs who:
Are Capital Gains From Selling a Home Counted Toward Social Security Earnings?
For many retirees, downsizing or liquidating appreciated real estate is part of a broader wealth strategy. A common concern is whether this triggers a reduction in Social Security benefits.
Good news:Capital gains are not classified as earned income for Social Security purposes. So, selling your home won’t reduce your benefits directly.
However, there’s a catch…
Understanding Provisional Income and the Hidden Tax on Social Security
While capital gains don’t reduce benefits, they do impact how much of your Social Security benefit is subject to income tax. The government uses a formula known as provisional income, which includes:
Why HNWIs Should Pay Attention:
If your provisional income exceeds the thresholds ($32,000 for individuals or $44,000 for couples), up to 85% of your Social Security benefits may be taxable.
Add this to required minimum distributions (RMDs), capital gains, rental income, or Roth conversions, and you may find yourself in a higher marginal tax bracket than you anticipated.
A New Senior Deduction – But There’s a Catch for Wealthier Retirees
Beginning this year, Americans aged 65 and older are eligible for a new $6,000 tax deduction per person, or $12,000 per couple. It’s a welcome change designed to reduce taxable income for seniors, but it comes with key limitations that disproportionately affect HNWIs.
Key Details:
What This Means for HNWIs:
If your MAGI exceeds $150,000, your deduction begins to phase out. This can happen quickly, especially when you:
The Roth Conversion Tax Cliff for HNW Seniors
Roth IRA conversions are often a cornerstone strategy for tax diversification in retirement. But now, the new senior deduction creates a “tax cliff” for those making Roth conversions post-65.
Example:
A couple over age 65 with $150,000 of MAGI qualifies for the full $12,000 deduction, saving them around $2,640 in taxes. But a $100,000 Roth conversion could spike their income to $250,000, eliminating the deduction and possibly pushing them into a 22% or higher tax bracket.
This seemingly smart tax move becomes significantly less attractive when the deduction is lost and higher Medicare premiums are triggered.
✅ Agemy Insight: Roth conversions must be modeled carefully and possibly executed before age 65, or done incrementally to avoid deduction phaseouts and IRMAA surcharges (Medicare premium hikes).
Medicare Premiums and the Two-Year Lag Effect
Another important factor is how income changes, like those from Roth conversions or asset sales, affect your Medicare Part B and D premiums. Known as IRMAA (Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount), these premiums are determined using your income from two years ago.
So in 2025, Medicare premiums are based on 2023 tax returns.
Why This Matters:
If you had unusually high income two years ago (e.g., business sale, Roth conversion, capital gains), your Medicare premiums may increase regardless of your current income.
With Medicare premiums expected to jump 11% to over $200/month in 2025, even small increases in AGI can result in thousands of dollars in avoidable costs over the course of retirement.
Strategic Planning Opportunities for HNW Retirees
The convergence of these factors, Social Security recoupment, new tax deductions, income phaseouts, and Medicare surcharges, requires strategic foresight, especially for affluent retirees.
At Agemy Financial Strategies, our fiduciary team is highly experienced in designing coordinated retirement income and tax strategies for high-net-worth clients. Here are some of the proactive moves we recommend:
1. Income Modeling & Timing Roth Conversions
2. Charitable Giving Strategies
3. Tax-Efficient Withdrawal Planning
4. Estate & Trust Planning
5. Social Security Optimization
The Bottom Line
The evolving Social Security and tax landscape in 2025 brings a mix of new opportunities and potential traps for high-net-worth retirees. While it’s easy to assume that some changes, like reduced benefit checks, won’t impact you directly, their ripple effects across tax planning, Medicare, and estate strategy can be profound.
At Agemy Financial Strategies, our fiduciary advisors are here to help you navigate these complexities with confidence. Whether you’re considering a Roth conversion, concerned about your tax bracket in retirement, or want to ensure your Medicare premiums stay in check, we’re here to craft a plan tailored to your goals.
📞 Ready to take control of your financial future?
Schedule a personalized consultation with our team today, and let’s optimize your retirement with clarity, confidence, and strategy.
👉 Contact us today at agemy.com.
Frequently Asked Questions
FAQ #1: How do I know if I’ve been overpaid by Social Security?
The best way to verify your Social Security payment is to regularly review your benefits through your “My Social Security” account on the SSA’s website. This portal shows your payment history, expected benefits, and current disbursement amounts. If there’s a discrepancy or unexpected reduction in your check, it could signal an overpayment or administrative correction. Being proactive helps you avoid major clawbacks or the 50% withholding policy now in place.
FAQ #2: I plan to sell an investment property. Will that affect my Social Security benefits?
Capital gains from the sale of a home or investment property do not count as earned income for Social Security benefit eligibility. However, these gains do increase your adjusted gross income (AGI), which can lead to higher taxation on your Social Security benefits and may also affect your Medicare premiums. Strategic tax planning can help mitigate these effects.
FAQ #3: Should I avoid Roth conversions after age 65 because of the new senior deduction phaseout?
Not necessarily, but timing and strategy are crucial. Converting large amounts to a Roth IRA after 65 can increase your modified adjusted gross income (MAGI), causing you to lose eligibility for the new $6,000 senior deduction and trigger higher tax brackets or Medicare premiums. For many HNWIs, it may be more efficient to start converting before age 65 or spread conversions over multiple years to avoid the “tax cliff.”
FAQ #4: Can the new senior deduction help lower my Medicare premiums?
Yes, potentially. The $6,000 deduction per person (or $12,000 per couple) reduces your adjusted gross income, which may lower your IRMAA-adjusted Medicare Part B and D premiums, but there’s a two-year lag. Your 2025 premiums are based on your 2023 income. Therefore, the deduction’s effect won’t be felt in Medicare costs until two years after you claim it. Strategic income reduction now can yield Medicare savings down the line.
FAQ #5: As a high-income retiree, how can I optimize my retirement income while minimizing taxes and penalties?
For HNW retirees, an optimized strategy involves coordinating Social Security timing, Roth conversions, investment withdrawals, and charitable giving. Tools like Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs), donor-advised funds, and multi-year tax projections help minimize tax exposure. Working with a fiduciary advisor, like those at Agemy Financial Strategies, helps ensure your retirement plan adjusts to evolving tax laws, preserves wealth, and maximizes income efficiency.
Disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes only and should not be considered financial or investment advice. Please consult with the fiduciary advisors at Agemy Financial Strategies before making any investment decisions.
Are You a Speculator or an Investor?
Investment Management, News, Stock MarketUnderstanding the Difference Can Make or Break Your Retirement
You’ve worked hard to build a nest egg. Maybe you’ve recently retired or are planning to. You have savings, a 401(k), maybe even a buyout offer or pension lump sum, and now you’re asking the million-dollar question:
How should I invest this money to last the rest of my life?
Too many retirees fall into a trap: they think they’re investing when they’re really speculating, and that mistake can lead to stress, losses, and the fear of running out of money.
At Agemy Financial Strategies, we’ve spent over 30 years helping people retire and stay retired. One of the most important conversations we have with new clients is this: Are you a speculator or an investor? Understanding this distinction isn’t just financial jargon; it’s critical to helping protect your retirement lifestyle.
What’s the Real Difference?
Let’s get clear on what these terms actually mean. The financial world uses them loosely, but at Agemy, we define them in a simple, meaningful way:
✅ Investor:
An investor puts money into assets that produce consistent, predictable income, regardless of short-term price movements. Think dividends, interest, rental income, or fixed-income strategies. You don’t have to “hope” for gains; your money is working for you now.
❌ Speculator:
A speculator puts money into assets hoping they’ll go up in value. There’s no guaranteed return. Speculators often chase “hot stocks,” time the market, or follow media hype, trying to buy low and sell high.
A Tale of Two Retirees: George and Betty
Imagine George. He’s just taken an early retirement package and received a sizeable lump sum. Excited but unsure, he turns on a financial news network. A panel of TV “experts” enthusiastically recommends a trending tech stock. George jumps online and buys it.
Six months later, the stock has tanked.
George is confused. He thought he was investing. But what he really did was speculate. He acted on a tip, without understanding the fundamentals of the company or having an income strategy in place.
Meanwhile, his friend Betty took the same buyout but worked with a fiduciary. Her retirement portfolio pays her $70,000 a year in steady income through interest, dividends, and other reliable sources. Her plan isn’t flashy, but it’s dependable.
George is hoping.
Betty is planning.
Why This Matters More in Retirement
Before retirement, time is on your side. You can ride out volatility, recover from losses, and afford to take risks. But in retirement, the rules change. You’re no longer adding to your portfolio; you’re drawing from it. And that makes every decision matter.
Here’s what happens when retirees continue to speculate instead of invest:
The Biggest Retirement Fear Is Real
According to a study by the Employee Benefit Research Institute, more than 40% of retirees fear outliving their money. That fear is justified, especially when portfolios are overly reliant on market growth instead of income.
At Agemy Financial Strategies, we believe retirement should not be a gamble. It should be a strategy.
TR = I + G: The Formula for Retirement Success
One concept we teach frequently is simple but powerful:
Total Return = Income + Growth (TR = I + G)
Too many people focus only on growth. But if your account grows without producing income, you’re relying on hope.
A Strong Retirement Strategy Includes:
You need both, but income becomes the priority in retirement. After all, you can’t spend percentage points or stock charts; you spend cash.
How Financial Media Leads You Astray
TV finance programs, online blogs, and social media influencers often blur the lines between investing and speculating. They present tips, trends, and trade ideas under the guise of “investment advice,” when really, they’re offering entertainment.
These media outlets don’t know your goals, your risk tolerance, or your timeline. And many of the “experts” already own the stocks they’re hyping. They profit when you jump in after them, providing liquidity for their exit.
The result? People like George buy high, sell low, and repeat the cycle.
Are You Aligned With Your Goals?
One of the most common disconnects we see is between what people say they want and how their portfolios are actually structured.
This is what we call incongruence. And it’s dangerous.
When markets drop and fear kicks in, people realize their portfolios don’t match their comfort zone. They sell at the wrong time, miss the recovery, and lock in losses.
That’s why clarity and congruence are essential to retirement planning.
Self-Assessment: Are You a Speculator or an Investor?
Take a few minutes to ask yourself these five key questions:
What is your primary investment goal?
a. Generate steady income
b. Grow wealth slowly
c. Make quick profits through market timing
How often do you check your investments?
a. Once a quarter
b. Monthly
c. Daily or with every market swing
What is your typical holding period for an investment?
a. Several years
b. One to two years
c. A few weeks or months
How do you respond to market volatility?
a. Stay calm and stick to the plan
b. Get anxious, but try to wait it out
c. Panic and sell quickly
What’s more important to you in retirement?
a. Income that covers your lifestyle
b. Higher returns
c. Beating the market
If most of your answers were A, you’re likely an investor. If they were mostly C, you’re likely a speculator, even if you didn’t realize it. And if most of your answers were B, you fall into what we might call the “Hybrid Investor” category. You’re not fully speculative, but you’re also not fully income-focused.
You Can Have a Play Account, Just Keep It Small
At Agemy Financial Strategies, we don’t believe speculation is inherently bad. In fact, some of our clients have small “fun money” accounts they use to buy individual stocks or chase growth ideas.
But we always separate that from their core retirement portfolio. That portfolio must:
Speculation can be entertainment. Your retirement strategy should be your lifeline.
Why Working With a Fiduciary Matters
We’ve seen countless examples where people unknowingly received guidance from advisors who don’t differentiate between speculation and investing. Or worse, they sell products based on commissions, not client outcomes.
At Agemy Financial Strategies, our advisors are fiduciaries. That means we are legally and ethically bound to act in your best interest, not ours.
We view our role as your CFO, while you remain the CEO of your finances. We bring clarity, structure, and strategies designed around your goals, risk tolerance, and timeline.
You’ve worked hard for your money. It’s time your money worked just as hard for you.
The Path Forward: Income, Clarity, Confidence
Your retirement years should be full of freedom, not fear. And they certainly shouldn’t depend on guessing what the market will do next.
If you’re within 5–10 years of retirement, or already there, now is the time to pivot toward:
Let us help you align your money with your mission and build a plan that pays you to live the retirement you deserve.
Final Thoughts: Build a Retirement Strategy That Works for You
Whether you’re a steady income investor, a hopeful speculator, or somewhere in between, the key to a successful retirement isn’t luck; it’s alignment. Your investment strategy should reflect your goals, your lifestyle, and your need for reliable, long-term income.
At Agemy Financial Strategies, we believe retirement should be about freedom, not financial uncertainty. That’s why we focus on educating and empowering our clients to understand where they stand—so they can take control of where they’re going.
Speculation has its place, but your core retirement plan should be grounded in confidence, not hope.
Let our team help you answer the question: Are you a speculator or an investor, and is your money working the way it should?
Visitwww.agemy.com to schedule your complimentary retirement review.
We’ll help you build a personalized strategy that prioritizes what matters most: security, income, and peace of mind.
Retire with purpose. Stay retired with confidence. That’s the Agemy way.
FAQs: Understanding Speculation vs. Investing in Retirement
1. What’s the main risk of speculating in retirement?
Speculation involves putting your money into assets that may or may not increase in value, often without generating income. In retirement, this strategy can be especially risky because losses can derail your income plan, and you may not have time to recover. If the market drops early in retirement, you could be forced to withdraw from a declining portfolio, increasing the risk of outliving your money.
2. Is it okay to have a portion of my portfolio in speculative assets?
Yes, but with caution. Some retirees choose to allocate a small percentage of their portfolio (often called a “play account”) for speculative opportunities. The key is to ensure your core retirement strategy is built around income, safety, and consistency. Speculation should never be the foundation of your retirement plan.
3. How can I tell if I’m investing or speculating?
Ask yourself: Does this asset pay me regularly? If not, you’re likely speculating. True investments, such as dividend-paying stocks, bonds, or income-generating real estate, provide predictable returns. If your portfolio relies solely on asset growth and market timing, you’re taking a speculative approach, even if unintentionally.
4. Can income-based investing still offer growth potential?
Absolutely. At Agemy Financial Strategies, we help clients design income-first portfolios that also include moderate, sustainable growth. The goal isn’t to eliminate growth, but to prioritize reliable income, then layer in growth for flexibility and inflation protection.
5. Why is working with a fiduciary so important for retirees?
A fiduciary is legally obligated to act in your best interest. Many financial salespeople push speculative products for commissions, not because they align with your retirement goals. At Agemy, we’re fiduciaries who focus on educating and guiding clients toward investment strategies that prioritize income, risk management, and long-term retirement success.
Disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes only and should not be considered financial or investment advice. Please consult with the fiduciary advisors at Agemy Financial Strategies before making any investment decisions.
How to Create Consistent Income in Retirement
News, Retirement Income Planning, Retirement PlanningRetirement is not just about reaching the end of your working years; it’s about financial independence, lifestyle freedom, and peace of mind. But how can retirees achieve a consistent income without the security of a regular paycheck? The answer lies in a carefully crafted retirement income strategy. At Agemy Financial Strategies, we support individuals and families in navigating retirement with confidence, using time-tested methods to help ensure income stability throughout retirement.
In this blog, we’ll explore how to create a consistent income in retirement, the key components of a reliable income plan, and how Agemy Financial Strategies can help you make the most of your golden years.
Why Consistent Income Matters in Retirement
During your working years, income is typically steady and predictable, thanks to regular paychecks. Once you retire, the paychecks stop, but the bills don’t. From housing and healthcare to groceries and travel, your financial needs continue and may even increase with time.
Without a structured income plan:
This is why replacing your paycheck with consistent, reliable income sources is essential to achieving a successful and stress-free retirement.
Step 1: Know Your Retirement Expenses
The first step in building a retirement income strategy is understanding what your expenses will look like in retirement. These generally fall into two categories:
Essential Expenses
These are non-negotiable, must-have costs such as:
Discretionary Expenses
These are lifestyle choices that add joy and fulfillment:
Having a clear picture of both helps you estimate how much income you’ll need every month. A good rule of thumb is to plan for 70–80% of your pre-retirement income, but the actual figure depends on your lifestyle goals.
Step 2: Maximize Guaranteed Income Sources
Even for high-net-worth individuals, guaranteed income sources remain a cornerstone of a resilient retirement strategy. While HNWIs may not rely on these sources to meet basic living expenses, they can serve as powerful tools for risk mitigation, tax efficiency, estate planning, and legacy preservation.
Social Security: A Strategic Lever
Although Social Security may represent a relatively small portion of a high-net-worth retiree’s overall income, it’s still a valuable component of a well-optimized income plan. For married couples or those with significant longevity potential, a strategic claiming strategy can result in hundreds of thousands of dollars in additional lifetime benefits.
Key considerations include:
At Agemy Financial Strategies, we help clients incorporate Social Security into their broader tax and cash flow strategies, ensuring it supports their total financial picture.
Private Pension and Executive Benefit Plans
For HNWIs who are corporate executives, business owners, or former partners in professional firms, access to non-qualified deferred compensation plans (NQDCs), supplemental executive retirement plans (SERPs), or private pensions adds another layer of guaranteed income.
Decisions around:
This requires careful coordination with your retirement timeline and estate planning goals. These decisions can significantly affect lifetime income, legacy preservation, and tax exposure.
Annuities for Wealth Preservation and Longevity Risk
While annuities are often viewed as tools for middle-income retirees, HNWIs can use sophisticated annuity structures to help:
Types often used by HNWIs include:
Agemy Financial Strategies frequently incorporates high-end annuity strategies as part of a diversified retirement income approach, especially for clients seeking predictable income that complements a more aggressive or growth-oriented portfolio.
Disclaimer: Annuities are insurance products that may offer guarantees of income or principal protection, but they are not without risks. Annuities may involve fees, surrender charges, and limitations on liquidity. Guarantees are subject to the claims-paying ability of the issuing insurance company and are not backed by any government agency. Carefully consider your financial objectives, risk tolerance, and the terms of the annuity contract before purchasing.
Step 3: Build a Diversified Investment Portfolio for Income
Guaranteed income may not cover all your expenses, which is why investment income plays a crucial role. A diversified portfolio can help generate steady cash flow while managing risk.
Dividend-Paying Stocks
Blue-chip companies with a strong history of dividend payments can provide income and potential for growth. These stocks often increase dividends over time, helping you keep up with inflation.
Bonds and Fixed Income Investments
Bonds offer more stability than stocks and can provide regular interest payments. Consider:
Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs)
REITs offer exposure to real estate with the benefit of regular income through dividends. They can help diversify your income stream and add inflation protection.
Total Return Strategy
This approach focuses on balancing income and growth. Rather than chasing high-yield investments, it combines asset growth, dividends, and withdrawals to meet income needs sustainably.
Step 4: Create a Withdrawal Strategy
How you withdraw money from your accounts matters just as much as how you invest. A smart withdrawal strategy can help ensure you don’t outlive your savings.
The 4% Rule
A popular guideline suggests withdrawing 4% of your retirement savings annually. For example, if you have $1 million saved, you’d withdraw $40,000 in the first year.
However, this rule may be too simplistic. Here’s why:
Instead of relying on a fixed withdrawal rate, Agemy Financial Strategies takes a dynamic, personalized approach that considers:
For high-net-worth retirees, flexibility, precision, and active income management are far more valuable than outdated rules of thumb.
Step 5: Plan for Inflation and Longevity
Inflation Protection
Even at modest levels, inflation erodes purchasing power over time. A $50,000 retirement income today might feel like $37,000 in 20 years if inflation averages 2%.
Inflation protection strategies include:
Longevity Planning
Living longer is a blessing, but it also increases the risk of outliving your assets. Planning for a 30+ year retirement is critical.
Strategies include:
Step 6: Don’t Overlook Healthcare and Long-Term Care Costs
Healthcare is one of the largest expenses in retirement. According to the latest Fidelity Retiree Health Care Cost Estimate, an average couple can expect to pay approximately $330,000 (after tax) to cover health care costs in retirement, and that number does not include the cost of long-term care.
Medicare Planning
Understanding when and how to enroll in Medicare is crucial. Parts A, B, C, and D offer different coverages and costs. You may also want supplemental coverage (Medigap).
Long-Term Care Insurance
This covers services not included in regular health insurance, such as in-home care, assisted living, or nursing homes. Planning ahead can preserve your assets and provide peace of mind for your family.
Step 7: Work with a Fiduciary Financial Advisor
Working with a fiduciary advisor like those at Agemy Financial Strategies helps ensure your best interest is always the top priority.
Here’s what a fiduciary advisor can help you with:
Our team at Agemy Financial Strategies brings decades of experience helping clients turn savings into sustainable income while helping protect against risk and uncertainty.
The Agemy Financial Strategies Approach
At Agemy Financial Strategies, our mission is to help clients retire with confidence and clarity. Our proprietary income planning process is designed to help ensure your money works for you, no matter how long you live.
What Sets Us Apart:
Whether you’re five years away from retirement or already there, we help you build and maintain an income stream that lasts.
Contact us today to schedule a complimentary consultation.
Final Thoughts
Creating consistent income in retirement isn’t a one-size-fits-all formula; it’s a tailored strategy that requires careful planning, diversified investments, and a deep understanding of your goals and financial landscape.
By combining guaranteed income sources, a diversified portfolio, tax-efficient withdrawals, and long-term planning, you can enjoy retirement with confidence and peace of mind. The key is starting early and working with a trusted fiduciary who understands your unique situation.
At Agemy Financial Strategies, we help you do just that. Let us show you how to turn your hard-earned savings into a sustainable retirement paycheck for life.
Contact us today to get started.
FAQs: Creating Consistent Income in Retirement
Even with significant wealth, consistent income requires intentional planning. Diversifying income sources, such as tax-efficient portfolio withdrawals, real estate income, annuities, and deferred compensation plans, can help ensure stability while managing taxes and preserving capital. A custom strategy tailored to your goals, time horizon, and legacy plan is essential.
Yes, Social Security can still play a valuable role. While it may not be a primary income source for HNWIs, it offers longevity insurance and can help reduce drawdowns from investment accounts. Coordinated claiming strategies can also maximize household benefits and tax efficiency.
We use a combination of risk-managed investments, fixed income products, and guaranteed income vehicles like annuities to help insulate income from market swings. A “bucket strategy” or time-segmented approach can help ensure immediate income needs are met without selling growth assets in a downturn.
A significant one. HNWIs often have assets spread across taxable, tax-deferred, and tax-free accounts. The order of withdrawals, timing of RMDs, and capital gains strategy can drastically impact net income. We design tax-efficient income plans to help preserve wealth and reduce lifetime tax liabilities.
Not necessarily. The 4% Rule is a generalized rule of thumb that may not account for today’s lower interest rates, market dynamics, or your personal financial situation. For HNWIs, a more flexible, customized withdrawal strategy aligned with your spending, tax strategy, and estate goals can be far more effective.
Disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes only and should not be considered financial or investment advice. Please consult with the fiduciary advisors at Agemy Financial Strategies before making any investment decisions
Why Fiduciaries Are the New Family Offices
NewsA Smarter, More Secure Alternative for Managing Generational Wealth
Family offices, once the gold standard for managing generational wealth among the ultra-high-net-worth (UHNW), are experiencing a surge in popularity. In fact, these exclusive financial entities now manage an estimated $3.1 trillion in global assets and continue to grow in both scope and scale.
But despite their impressive rise, family offices often come with significant baggage. They’re complex to set up, expensive to run, and increasingly difficult to staff. Many UHNW individuals and families are discovering that traditional family office structures may no longer be the most efficient or secure solution for managing generational wealth.
At Agemy Financial Strategies, we believe there’s a better way.
Our fiduciary model offers all the benefits of a family office: deep expertise, multi-generational planning, and personalized service, without the operational burdens and personnel risks. We provide a transparent, sustainable, and scalable alternative for families who value both strategy and peace of mind.
The Talent Gap in Today’s Family Offices
A Booming Sector Facing Serious Challenges
Recent research from Deloitte and CNBC has shed light on a pressing concern within the world of family offices: talent acquisition and retention. There are now more than 8,000 family offices worldwide, but their internal structures are often surprisingly informal, and many lack professional hiring protocols.
This has resulted in:
These issues are far from rare. In one recent high-profile case, a prominent family office lost millions due to poorly vetted investment decisions by inexperienced advisors. In another, internal conflict among staff resulted in a fractured succession plan and costly legal battles.
Why These Risks Matter
For UHNW families, wealth is more than just numbers; it’s a representation of legacy, values, and long-term vision. When the wrong people are put in charge or when staffing becomes a revolving door, the results can be disastrous.
And the consequences aren’t just financial. Internal disputes, tax inefficiencies, failed estate planning, and deteriorated trust among family members can all stem from a poorly managed family office.
The Rise of Fiduciaries as Family Office Alternatives
What is a Fiduciary?
A fiduciary financial advisor is legally and ethically obligated to act in your best interests. This standard is a critical differentiator, especially when compared to non-fiduciary advisors, brokers, or internal staff who may face conflicts of interest or prioritize compensation over client outcomes.
Why the Fiduciary Model Works
When you work with a fiduciary, particularly a comprehensive, multi-disciplinary firm like Agemy Financial Strategies, you get:
The Agemy Advantage: What Sets Us Apart
At Agemy Financial Strategies, we’ve spent over three decades refining our process for helping individuals and families preserve wealth, plan their legacies, and navigate complex financial decisions with clarity and confidence.
Here’s how we operate as your fiduciary family office, without the headaches of managing one yourself.
✔️ Retirement & Income Planning
We design comprehensive income strategies to help ensure your money not only lasts a lifetime, but also supports the lifestyle you envision, whether you’re 55 or 85. We emphasize:
These plans aren’t just for retirement, they’re designed to benefit the next generation, too.
✔️ Investment Management
We take a highly personalized approach to investment strategy, tailoring portfolios based on:
And most importantly, we offer diversification and ongoing oversight, mitigating volatility, protecting against downside risk, and helping ensure your investments evolve with your needs.
✔️ Tax & Estate Strategy
Taxes are one of the greatest threats to preserving wealth. That’s why our fiduciary team collaborates closely with CPAs and estate attorneys to:
We don’t just manage investments, we help manage everything that impacts them.
✔️ Healthcare & Longevity Planning
Long-term care. Medical expenses. Health insurance planning. These factors are critical, especially as life expectancy increases.
We build proactive strategies that prepare for the rising costs of healthcare, helping ensure that your legacy isn’t disrupted by unexpected bills or gaps in coverage.
✔️ Family & Business Coordination
From multi-generational wealth transfers to philanthropic endeavors to succession planning for family businesses, we guide you through:
Our holistic process helps ensure your entire family is aligned, both financially and philosophically.
Trusted by Families for Over 30 Years
Since our founding, Agemy Financial Strategies has served professionals, retirees, entrepreneurs, and multigenerational families with unwavering integrity. Our reputation is built on:
We’ve helped hundreds of families:
We don’t sell products. We build partnerships and peace of mind.
Thinking of Starting a Family Office? Start Here Instead.
Before launching a full-scale family office with in-house attorneys, investment managers, and administrative staff, it’s worth asking:
The truth is, many of the benefits of a family office, like knowledgeable advice, integrated planning, and continuity, can be achieved more affordably and efficiently through afiduciary financial partner like Agemy Financial Strategies.
Instead of hiring four or five full-time employees (or more), you gain access to an experienced team that works in harmony across disciplines. You maintain control without managing logistics. You enjoy coordination without complexity. And most importantly, you build a strategy rooted in transparency, trust, and long-term results.
The Future of Generational Wealth: Secure, Simplified, and Strategic
We are in a new era of wealth management, one where families want more than status or exclusivity. They want clarity, simplicity, and results.
The fiduciary model isn’t just more cost-effective; it’s more aligned with the real priorities of UHNW families:
At Agemy Financial Strategies, we believe you don’t need a family office to think like one. You just need the right team on your side.
Ready to Simplify and Strengthen Your Wealth Strategy?
If you’re considering a family office, or if you’re already managing one but want a more agile and cost-effective solution, start with a conversation.
At Agemy, we help you:
Let’s build a legacy you can be proud of, without the operational burdens.
📞 Schedule a confidential, no-obligation consultation today. Visitagemy.com or call us to take the first step.
About Agemy Financial Strategies
Agemy Financial Strategies is a fiduciary financial planning firm with offices in Connecticut and Colorado, serving clients nationwide. For over 30 years, we’ve helped individuals, families, and business owners achieve financial clarity, preserve wealth, and plan confidently for the future.
Our services include retirement planning, investment management, tax and estate strategy, healthcare planning, and multi-generational legacy design, all under one roof.
We are proud to be your partner in building smarter, stronger financial futures.
FAQs: Understanding Fiduciary-Based Wealth Management vs. Family Offices
Afiduciary advisoris legally obligated to act in your best interest, offering objective, product-agnostic financial advice. A family office, on the other hand, is a privately run company set up by a family to manage its own wealth, often requiring in-house staff, extensive overhead, and more personal oversight. Fiduciary firms like Agemy Financial Strategies provide many of the same services, but with more transparency, lower cost, and greater regulatory oversight.
Not at all. While we work withhigh-net-worth individuals and families,we believe comprehensive wealth planning should be accessible. Whether you’re planning for retirement, managing a windfall, or preparing for legacy transfer, our team builds customized strategies based on your goals, not your account size.
At Agemy, we offer integrated services including:
Yes. Fiduciary advisors are typically regulated by bodies like theSECor FINRA and are required to uphold a strict standard of care. Most family office staff are not bound by fiduciary duty, and internal operations can lack the structure and compliance oversight of a registered financial advisory firm.
Ask yourself:
Disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes only and should not be considered financial or investment advice. Please consult with the fiduciary advisors at Agemy Financial Strategies before making any investment decisions.
Mid-Year Financial Check-In: Are You On Track for Your Retirement Goals?
News, Retirement Income Planning, Retirement PlanningAs we move through the second half of the year, it’s the perfect time to reflect and evaluate where you stand on your path toward retirement. With headlines dominated by inflation, market volatility, rising interest rates, and uncertainty around future tax policy, staying on course can feel more challenging than ever.
A mid-year financial check-in offers a critical opportunity to assess your goals, measure progress, and make necessary adjustments to help ensure you’re on track for the future you envision.
At Agemy Financial Strategies, we understand that life changes, and so do markets, tax laws, and personal circumstances. That’s why we encourage clients and readers alike to carve out time each year, ideally around mid-year, to re-evaluate their financial strategy. Whether retirement is just around the corner or still decades away, the steps you take now can make a world of difference later.
In this blog, we’ll walk through the key areas to review during your mid-year check-in, provide insight into common retirement planning mistakes, and share how working with a fiduciary financial advisor can help you stay aligned with your goals.
The June 2025 Economic Snapshot
As of June 2025, several key economic indicators suggest both opportunities and risks for retirement planners.
U.S. economic growth has slowed significantly, with GDP growth decelerating to around 1.6% year-over-year, down from approximately 2.8% in 2024. The first quarter of 2025 even saw a slight contraction of 0.2–0.3%, driven by increased imports in anticipation of tariffs and persistent inflation. On a global scale, the OECD reports that GDP growth is tracking near 2.9%, with the U.S. outlook appearing especially subdued amid heightened economic uncertainty.
Inflation remains a stubborn challenge, though it has moderated somewhat from the highs of previous years. As of May, the Consumer Price Index (CPI) shows inflation at2.4% year-over-year, with core inflation (excluding food and energy) standing at 2.8%. However, the Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) price index, which the Federal Reserve watches most closely, rose sharply to 3.6% in the first quarter, underscoring ongoing inflationary pressures that affect purchasing power and long-term planning.
In response, the Federal Reserve has kept interest rates steady at 4.25–4.50% since March 2025. While markets initially hoped for rate cuts in the second half of the year, the Fed has remained cautious due to the inflationary impact of tariffs and global supply disruptions. As a result, any rate cuts may be delayed until late 2025 or beyond. This “higher for longer” stance on interest rates supports savers with better yields on fixed-income investments, but it also raises the cost of borrowing and puts pressure on growth-sensitive sectors.
The labor market continues to show resilience, but signs of strain are emerging. Job growth figures are increasingly being revised downward, suggesting that the employment picture may be weaker than headline numbers suggest. Economists anticipate that unemployment could rise to around 4.8%by year-end. Still, consumer spending, a key engine of the economy, remains a relatively bright spot, with Deloitte forecasting real personal consumption expenditure (PCE) growth near 2.9% for the full year.
Finally, trade tensions and tariffs remain a major headwind. The April “Liberation Day” tariff initiative caused short-term stock market turmoil, though investor sentiment rebounded after signs that tariff expansion may be slowing. Despite that recovery, ongoing policy uncertainty continues to dampen business investment and fuel inflation, adding further complexity to the Fed’s efforts to navigate a soft landing.
What This Could Mean for Your Retirement Strategy
Why a Mid-Year Financial Check-In Matters
While most people wait until year-end to review their finances, doing a check-in mid-year can provide several advantages:
Let’s explore the components of a smart and strategic mid-year check-in.
1. Reassess Your Retirement Goals
Start by asking yourself the most important question: Are my goals still the same?
Your retirement vision may change over time. Maybe you’re now thinking about relocating, starting a business post-retirement, or retiring earlier (or later) than originally planned. Your financial strategy should evolve to reflect these changes.
Consider the following when reviewing your retirement goals:
Once your goals are clarified, you can better evaluate whether your savings rate, investments, and timeline are still appropriate.
2. Review Your Retirement Accounts and Savings Progress
Mid-year is a great time to check how much you’ve saved so far and whether you’re pacing well toward your annual and long-term targets.
Here are key questions to ask:
If you’re behind on your savings goals, don’t panic; there’s still time to adjust. Consider increasing your contribution rate or reallocating investments to better align with your timeline and risk tolerance.
3. Revisit Your Budget and Cash Flow
Your budget is the foundation of your financial plan. If your spending is outpacing your income, your retirement goals could be at risk. Mid-year is a smart time to re-evaluate where your money is going and identify opportunities to increase savings.
Things to check:
If you’re not tracking your spending, now is the time to start. Even a basic budgeting app or spreadsheet can give you a clear picture of your financial habits.
4. Assess Your Investment Strategy
Market volatility,inflation, interest rates, and global events all affect how your investments perform and how they should be managed. Review your investment strategy to ensure it reflects both current conditions and your risk tolerance.
Ask yourself:
For those nearing retirement, sequence of return risk, the danger of poor market performance early in retirement, becomes a serious concern. This might be a good time to discuss a bucket strategy or other income planning techniques with your advisor.
5. Maximize Tax Efficiency
Your tax strategy can have a big impact on retirement readiness, especially if you’re pulling from multiple types of accounts or considering Roth conversions.
Things to review mid-year:
Strategic tax planning throughout the year can help reduce your lifetime tax liability, not just your bill for the current year.
6. Plan for Healthcare Costs
Healthcare is one of the largest expenses in retirement. According to Fidelity, the average 65-year-old couple retiring today will need over $315,000 to cover healthcare costs in retirement, excluding long-term care.
Use your mid-year check-in to plan ahead:
Staying proactive can help prevent healthcare expenses from derailing your retirement plan.
7. Evaluate Debt and Liabilities
Debt can significantly delay or diminish your retirement lifestyle. During your mid-year review, look closely at your liabilities:
If debt is holding you back, consider creating a payoff plan or refinancing to more favorable terms.
8. Update Your Estate Plan
Estate planning isn’t just for the ultra-wealthy; it’s a crucial piece of retirement readiness. Mid-year is a great time to revisit your documents and beneficiaries to help ensure everything reflects your current wishes.
Checklist:
Working with a trusted financial planner and estate attorney can assist you in building a plan that helps safeguard your legacy.
9. Check Your Insurance Coverage
Insurance is often overlooked in financial check-ins, but it plays a vital role in helping protect your retirement plan.
Evaluate:
Make sure your coverage keeps pace with your financial situation and goals.
10. Meet With a Fiduciary Financial Advisor
Perhaps the most important step in a mid-year financial check-in is working with a fiduciary advisor; someone legally and ethically required to put your best interests first.
A fiduciary can:
At Agemy Financial Strategies, we’re experienced in helping individuals and families prepare for the retirement they deserve. As fiduciaries, we take a proactive approach to planning, rooted in trust, transparency, and long-term thinking.
Common Retirement Planning Pitfalls to Avoid
Even the most disciplined savers can fall into retirement planning traps. Here are some we often see:
Avoiding these mistakes can help ensure your retirement is financially secure and personally fulfilling.
How Agemy Financial Strategies Can Help
At Agemy Financial Strategies, we understand that retirement planning isn’t a one-size-fits-all process. It’s a dynamic, evolving journey that must respond to market conditions, personal goals, and changing financial landscapes. That’s why we take a proactive and personalized approach to your financial future.
As fiduciary advisors, we are legally and ethically committed to acting in your best interest. We don’t push products; we create comprehensive, strategic plans tailored to your unique retirement vision. Whether you’re approaching retirement or years away, we help you navigate today’s challenges with confidence and clarity.
Here’s how we support you:
With inflation still a concern, interest rates at multi-year highs, and global uncertainty influencing every asset class, now is the time to partner with a team that understands the full picture. At Agemy Financial Strategies, we’re not just preparing you for retirement; we’re helping you thrive in it.
Let’s talk about how to strengthen your financial plan for the rest of 2025 and beyond.
Schedule a complimentary consultation.
Final Thoughts: Small Adjustments, Big Impact
Your mid-year financial check-in doesn’t have to be a massive overhaul. In fact, small, intentional changes can make a big difference over time.
Whether it’s increasing contributions, adjusting your asset allocation, or scheduling a conversation with your advisor, each step you take today helps lay a stronger foundation for tomorrow.
Remember: Retirement isn’t a destination. It’s a journey, and like any journey, it requires preparation, navigation, and course correction along the way.
If you’re ready to take your mid-year check-in to the next level, our team at Agemy Financial Strategies is here to help. Let’s work together to build a plan that aligns your wealth with your goals and your retirement with your vision.
Contact Agemy Financial Strategies today to schedule your retirement review and help ensure you’re on the right track.
Disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes only and should not be considered financial or investment advice. Please consult with the fiduciary advisors at Agemy Financial Strategies before making any investment decisions.