For business owners, effective tax management and strategic financial planning are essential to building and preserving wealth. While tax preparation ensures compliance, tax planning positions you for future success. Yet too many business owners have these managed by different professionals who are not strategically aligned. When you have an experienced advisor who has owned businesses and understands that tax preparation and tax planning go hand-in-hand, only then can you optimize your goals.

Tax Prep vs. Tax Planning

Tax prep (i.e. preparing to file taxes) is largely historical – it involves gathering documents, organizing deductions, estimating quarterly tax payments and filing returns to satisfy IRS requirements. It’s essential, but it is only one piece of the puzzle.

Tax planning, on the other hand, is proactive and forward-looking. It focuses on making strategic decisions throughout the year – such as entity selection (LLC, S-Corp, etc.), compensation structure, retirement plan contributions, and income deferral tactics. Smart tax planning allows you to align your financial strategy with your broader business and life goals.

As a CPA colleague once told me, “CPAs look to the past, while Tax Planners look toward the future.” The most effective strategy comes from integrating both perspectives – working with someone who can prepare your taxes and help you chart a long-term financial path.

Why Business Owners Need a Holistic Tax Strategy

Owning a business adds layers of complexity to your financial life. You’re not just filing a tax return – you are managing business deductions, payroll taxes, depreciation schedules, and more. That’s why working with an experienced advisor who understands business ownership and the impact of taxes is crucial.

I’ve personally owned multiple businesses and advised many successful entrepreneurs. I understand how difficult it can be to balance short-term operational needs with long-term wealth-building strategies. My approach helps ensure that you’re not overpaying taxes while also building a plan for financial freedom – whether that means retirement, reinvestment, or a business exit.

Exit Planning: The Overlooked Key to Long-Term Wealth

Far too often, business owners wait too long to think about how they’ll eventually exit their business. Whether you’re considering selling to a private equity firm, transitioning ownership to family, or structuring an internal succession, exit planning should start years in advance.

Why? Because maximizing the value of your business – and minimizing the taxes you’ll pay on a sale – requires careful planning. There are countless strategies to enhance enterprise value, optimize your tax position, and ensure a smooth transition for both your team and your customers.

Some common strategies include:

  • Establishing the right business structure well in advance of sale
  • Creating compensation models that reward key employees and retain talent
  • Utilizing tax-advantaged vehicles for wealth transfer or charitable giving
  • Coordinating with estate planning to protect heirs and reduce tax exposure

Integrating exit planning with tax strategy ensures that when the time comes to sell, you’re positioned to capture the full value of what you’ve built.

Work with a Partner Who Understands the Full Picture

When tax preparation, tax planning, and exit strategy are aligned, business owners gain clarity, control, and confidence in their financial future. Having a trusted wealth advisor and financial planner who understands the nuances of entrepreneurship can make all the difference.

This article reflects the insights and opinions of its author and is not a recommendation or endorsement of their views or services.

About the Author

Headshot of John Foligno, CMC®
John Foligno, CMC® Providing tax-efficient financial counsel to professionals and business owners.

John Foligno, CMC® | Grand Life Financial

Most of us crave increased financial security, while also failing to get any lasting happiness from it when it happens. The momentary joy of a pay increase, windfall, or even a big lottery win can often be surprisingly short-lived.

Scientists and wellbeing experts often explain this with the concept of hedonic adaptation, also sometimes known as the hedonic treadmill, which suggests that when either positive or negative life events happen, we adapt to our new reality, and return — often pretty quickly — to whatever our baseline of happiness was.

There’s an argument that hedonic adaptation is necessary for our wellbeing. It’s how we get over negative life events and manage to thrive again. It’s what people are essentially referring to when they say that ‘time heals.’ Over time we adapt to a negative event and create a new normal where we’re not sad all the time, even though the results of the event are still present in our lives.

What’s interesting though, is that we generally seem to adapt much more quickly and completely to positive events. In other words when something good happens our happiness is much more transitory than our sadness when something bad happens — which can really get in the way of achieving lasting happiness.

This is particularly relevant with monetary gains. The joy of a small windfall, raise, or bonus at work is soon over, and in the case of a raise we’ll often immediately let a little lifestyle inflation eat it up. But there are a few things we can do, to get off the hedonic treadmill.

Spend Your Money on What Actually Makes You Happy

This is harder than we realize, because our brains are surprisingly bad at predicting what will make us happy. But we can try. Studies show that for many of us experiences make us happier than other purchases, so consider spending that bonus on doing something amazing to make memories with those you love.

Remember too that science has actually put a price on happiness, to a certain extent. This study shows for example that outsourcing a chore you hate (that may only cost, say, $200 or less each month), can be worth up to $18,000 in true increased happiness levels. So it could well be worth using that sudden windfall or raise for that.

Control Lifestyle Inflation

One of the simplest ways to feel the benefit of a pay raise is to pretend you didn’t get it. That is, continue living as before and save the extra money each month into a completely separate account.

That way you can avoid immediate lifestyle inflation, and use that money (eventually) on something that’s really important to you, whether that’s a family vacation, a dream wedding or a house deposit, rather than extra small things on a daily basis that will have no impact on baseline happiness.

Practice Intentional Gratitude

This is one of the oldest pieces of advice around when it comes to happiness, and it’s backed by science.

Cultivating a sense of gratitude has been linked to increased happiness and life satisfaction, and focusing on gratitude for something very specific, like a pay raise, can mean it takes you longer to adapt to it and take the extra money for granted.

Focus on Inherent Preferences Rather Than Learned Preferences

There’s evidence that things we value inherently make us happier than things we’ve learned to value due to societal norms. So going for a daily swim (if we truly love being in the water) will make us happier than buying a designer purse (assuming we don’t have any inherent connection to the purse but rather value it because we’ve learned to put a value on it).

This ties into the ‘happiness per dollar’ concept discussed in The Simple Path To Wealth. The amount of happiness we get in return for each dollar spent depends entirely on our personal preferences. Spending a lot of money on things we don’t value, even if the rest of society does, rarely brings true happiness, unless of course our personality is such that the main thing that brings us happiness is the approval of society.

There’s no magic trick to cheat hedonic adaptation in every area of life and find everlasting happiness, but try out these strategies and see if you can try and step off the hedonic treadmill when it comes to money, if nothing else.

About the Author

Karen Banes is a freelance writer specializing in entrepreneurship, parenting and lifestyle. She writes articles, website content, ebooks and the occasional award winning short story. Her work has appeared in a range of publications both online and off, including The Washington Post, Life Info Magazine, Transitions Abroad, Brave New Traveler, Natural Parenting Group, and Copia Magazine. Learn More About Karen

If you’re on a tight budget but still crave an overseas vacation, pick your destination carefully. International flights don’t tend to come cheap (though there are ways to make them affordable) but once in your destination, you can potentially stretch your US dollars a lot further than you can at home.

Consider these vacation spots if you’re looking for big adventures on limited vacation savings.

Asia

Asian countries like Thailand, Indonesia, and Vietnam have long been a popular choice for pretty much all Westerners, offering culture, beaches, delicious food, and a lot of bang for your (US) buck.

You can still get a decent meal in Bangkok, Bali or Hanoi for less than $10, especially if you like to eat like the locals rather than hitting all the tourist spots. Accommodation is these areas can be very affordable too, with AirBnB rooms available in places like Chang Mai in Thailand and Ubud in Bali for $20 a night.

What may surprise you however is that some travel experts are suggesting now might be a good time for US visitors to visit more expensive Asian destinations too. Japan, for example, is known for being expensive, but right now the US dollar is relatively strong against the Yen, meaning you’ll find your dollars go a lot further than they once did.

Europe

Cities like Paris and Rome are full of American tourists and you won’t find many bargains, but there are still some European destinations where travel is a lot cheaper. Consider less popular destinations like Croatia. It’s one of the countries that’s only recently adopted the Euro (in 2023) and as is usually the case, while the country is still transitioning to its new currency you’ll find it’s very affordable.

Turkey is another European destination worth considering, not least because the US dollar’s value against the Turkish lira has more than quintupled in the last five years, meaning your dollar will go five times further.

Other options for travellers who want an unusual European country on their ‘travelled-to’ list include Slovenia, Lithuania or Latvia. All are much cheaper than more popular European destinations.

South America

With South America the trick, again, is to avoid the most popular destinations and seek out more budget friendly towns or resorts that still cater to tourists, but with a lower price tag.

A week in Rio de Janeiro during Carnival might cost a small fortune, but countries like Peru and Argentina still have a lot to offer for a much lower price, especially in popular but affordable destinations like Pucón and Valparaíso in Chile or Cusco in Peru.

South American currencies can be quite volatile against the US dollar so bear this in mind, and consider buying the currency in advance if it weakens against the dollar and you’re definitely planning a trip to a specific destination.

More Tips for Making Those Dollars Go further

  • Keep an eye on currency fluctuations when you have a destination in mind, or track the value of the dollar against all other currencies at a site like this one.
  • Stay up to date on world news. There are always countries on the ‘not safe to travel’ list for American citizens, and this can change quickly, especially in the current volatile political climate. Never travel anywhere against US Department of State Travel Advisories.
  • Invest in reputable travel insurance in case things do change at the last moment and prevent you from traveling.
  • Use our favorite travel hacks to make travel anywhere in the world less expensive, and potentially more enjoyable.
  • Do your research and know what you want to do before you hit your destination, and then weigh up the pros and cons of booking online in advance or paying when you get there in local currency (either one can be the cheapest option).

In an uncertain economy, international travel might seem out of reach for many. But currency volatility can actually work in your favor if you really want to travel outside of the US right now. Just think ahead and plan carefully to make the most of it.

About the Author

Karen Banes is a freelance writer specializing in entrepreneurship, parenting and lifestyle. She writes articles, website content, ebooks and the occasional award winning short story. Her work has appeared in a range of publications both online and off, including The Washington Post, Life Info Magazine, Transitions Abroad, Brave New Traveler, Natural Parenting Group, and Copia Magazine. Learn More About Karen

Ask an Advisor: Is there a better way to invest in digital assets than just HODLing, and how can tactical asset allocation help me manage risk while still capturing the upside?

A smiling man in a blue blazer and white shirt stands indoors with a modern, brightly lit office corridor blurred in the background.
Image Credit: Wealthtender.

Beyond HODL: Why Tactical Asset Allocation Is the Smarter Way to Invest in Digital Assets

The digital asset world is full of bold promises and passionate believers. Nowhere is this more evident than in the HODL (hold on for dear life) mentality, a near-religious conviction that your chosen coin will always bounce back no matter how wild the ride. HODL is like a wedding vow: “for better or worse, until death do us part.” For some, that unwavering faith is empowering. For astute risk managers, this appears like foolish optimism based on previous investment battle scars or general skepticism in the hot new thing.

But what if you believe in or are curious about the future of digital assets, yet have no interest in taking a buy-and-hope approach? What if you want to capture the upside but are not willing to risk everything on blind faith? How do you balance adopting a new technology or emerging trend without the real risk of catastrophic losses?

HODL: Faith or Folly?

HODLing requires absolute confidence that your digital asset will always recover. It’s an all-or-nothing approach that exposes you to gut-wrenching volatility and the possibility of holding a losing asset for years. This “till death do us part” mentality can lead to sleepless nights and missed opportunities. There’s a better path if you’re not a true believer or simply want a smarter way to manage risk.

“Good investing is not a matter of buying good things but of buying things well.”
— Howard Marks, Oaktree Capital

Tactical Asset Allocation: Investing with Conviction and Discipline

Tactical Asset Allocation (TAA) offers a way to participate in the digital asset revolution without the emotional rollercoaster of HODLing. TAA is a dynamic, rules-based approach that adjusts your exposure based on market trends and momentum. Instead of holding an asset through every storm, you own it when the trend is strong and step aside when it’s not.

Key Advantages of TAA for Digital Asset Investors

  • Risk Management with Upside Potential: TAA strategies like channel breakout and momentum models have delivered returns comparable to buy-and-hold, but with significantly less volatility and smaller drawdowns. You get exposure to the upside, but with a safety net.
  • Statistically Favorable Exposure: Rather than relying on hope, TAA uses data to determine when it’s statistically advantageous to be invested. You’re in the market when the odds are in your favor, and out when they’re not.
  • Freedom from FOMO and Regret: Following a disciplined, repeatable process, you avoid the emotional pitfalls of chasing rallies or panic selling during crashes.

Real World Results: The Power of Tactical Models

Research and real-world results back up the case for TAA:

  • Momentum Models Work: Channel breakout systems and momentum-based strategies have been successful for over a century in traditional markets and have translated well to digital assets like Bitcoin and blockchain ETFs.
  • Synergy Through Diversification: Combining tactical models for Bitcoin, Ethereum, and blockchain technology stocks creates a synergistic effect, resulting in higher returns, lower drawdowns, and steadier performance. Gary Antonacci of OptimalMomentum.com is one of the industry leaders who brings attention to these opportunities.
  • Risk Management Built In: Tactical models can move to traditional stocks, bonds, or cash when trends weaken, providing a built-in defense mechanism that pure HODL can’t match. The best strategies allow you to sit in other assets when the digital asset trend is weak, so you’re not stuck in cash for long periods.

Balancing Optimism and Prudence

You don’t have to be a zealot to benefit from digital assets. TAA lets you invest optimistically, participating in the upside when trends are strong while maintaining prudence through risk management and diversification. You can believe in the future of blockchain and crypto without betting everything on a single coin or enduring every crash.

Conclusion: Invest Smarter, Not Harder

When investing in an unknowable future, the digital asset landscape is too dynamic and risky for blind faith alone. Tactical Asset Allocation offers a smarter, risk-managed approach that allows you to capture much of the upside when trends are strong and step aside when they’re not. It’s the best of both worlds’ exposure to innovation, with risk management built in.

If you want to invest in digital assets without the stress of “till death do us part,” consider replacing HODL with a tactical, data-driven strategy. You’ll sleep better at night and still have the chance to reap the rewards of this transformative asset class.

Have a Question to Ask a Financial Advisor?

When you’re uncertain about money matters, submit your question to Wealthtender, and it may be answered by a financial advisor in an upcoming article or in the Wealthtender Expert Answers Forum.

Need personalized help? Visit wealthtender.com to find the right financial advisor for your unique needs.

This article was originally published on Wealthtender and is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. You should consult a financial professional before making any major financial decisions. Wealthtender earns money from financial professionals, which creates a conflict of interest when these professionals are featured in articles over others. Read the Wealthtender editorial policy and terms of service to learn more. Wealthtender is not a client of these financial services providers.

About the Author

Nate Byers, CPA/PFS
Nate Byers, CPA/PFS Helping families navigate the retirement transition
Areas of Focus
Estate Planning Investment Management Retirement Planning Retiring Early (F.I.R.E) Tax-Smart Distribution Planning
Compensation Methods
Flat Fee Percentage of Assets Managed

Nate Byers, CPA/PFS | Calculated Wealth

If you’ve found yourself holding more cash than usual – whether from an inheritance, a business sale, sale of stock options – you’re not alone. Many people are unsure how to best manage surplus funds. Holding on to cash can feel like a secure option, but over time, excessive cash reserves can become a silent drag on your long-term financial health.

Unlike stocks, bonds, or real estate, cash doesn’t generate income or appreciate in value, and inflation slowly erodes its purchasing power. That means the dollar you set aside today will likely buy less in the future. So, while it’s important to keep some cash on hand for emergencies or short-term needs, leaving too much of your cash idle can cost you.

Why Excess Cash Is a Problem

The most common reason people sit on cash is to feel financially safe. And there is value in that. Liquidity offers flexibility, peace of mind, and quick access in emergencies. But beyond an appropriate cushion, cash becomes inefficient.

Banks benefit from idle customer deposits by lending or investing that money at a higher rate than they pay in interest. That’s how they generate profits. Meanwhile, you’re left earning next to nothing while inflation continues to chip away at your savings.

A more effective approach is to allow your money to work for you – by generating income, growing in value, or both.

How Much Cash Should You Keep?

The answer to that question varies depending on your life stage, financial goals, and risk tolerance. A general guideline is to maintain three to six months of essential expenses, known as an emergency cash reserve. This should be liquid, accessible, and safe – usually in a high-yield savings account or money market fund.

Anything above that threshold should be evaluated carefully. A key distinction is the difference between needing cash and having access to cash. Many people forget that liquidity isn’t limited to bank accounts. You may also have access through:

  • Home equity line of credit (HELOC)
  • Brokerage accounts
  • Short-term bond or money market mutual funds

Understanding these sources can help reduce the tendency to over-allocate to cash.

Where to Put Excess Cash

Once your emergency reserve is in place, consider reallocating your excess funds to more productive uses. Some common options include:

  • Short-Term CDs or Bond Funds – These offer higher returns than traditional savings and maintain relatively low risk.
  • Dividend-Paying Stocks – They provide income along with potential appreciation.
  • Tax-Advantaged Accounts – If you haven’t maxed out your IRA, HSA, or 529 contributions, these vehicles offer tax benefits and growth potential.
  • Brokerage Accounts – For long-term goals, investing in a diversified portfolio of stocks and ETFs can help beat inflation over time.

Be mindful of your time horizon, liquidity needs, and propensity for risk. A financial advisor can help ensure your investments are properly aligned with your goals.

Special Considerations for Retirees

Retirees often consider holding more cash to protect themselves from market volatility. While it’s important to avoid being forced to sell investments in a downturn, holding multiple years’ worth of expenses in cash may be overly conservative.

A well-structured retirement portfolio can provide income from various sources – bond interest, stock dividends, real estate income, and even Social Security or pension benefits. Rather than letting too much cash sit idle, retirees can rely on fixed income strategies and short-term bond ladders to cover near-term needs while keeping the rest of their portfolio working for the long haul.

Final Thoughts

Holding some cash is smart. Holding too much is a missed opportunity. 

If you’ve accumulated excess cash, take the time to reassess your financial plan. Are you preserving flexibility without sacrificing long-term growth? Are your dollars doing as much for you as they could?

This article reflects the insights and opinions of its author and is not a recommendation or endorsement of their views or services.

About the Author

Headshot of John Foligno, CMC®
John Foligno, CMC® Providing tax-efficient financial counsel to professionals and business owners.

John Foligno, CMC® | Grand Life Financial

We’ve talked before, here at Wealthtender, about how money can (sort of) buy happiness, and it can certainly buy time. Now there’s a new study out that actually crunches the numbers in an attempt to put a dollar value on the various ways we use our time and money.

If you’re someone who’s permanently in pursuit of money, and is constantly sacrificing time to get more of it, you might want to consider these findings, and see if you can work them into your money mindset.

Professor Ashley Whillans, a social psychologist at Harvard Business School, studied how we should spend our time and money to best promote happiness. She used an econometric technique called shadow pricing, along with regression and analytic strategies, to assess the proportionate benefit of a time choice relative to an income increase.

Essentially, she found a scientific way to measure what time is worth: a potentially important metric in a world where we all understand what money is worth, but don’t necessarily value time. That is, we all know what a $10,000 raise means, but we don’t necessarily know the true value of an extra couple of hours.

Most of us, in putting a value on time, look at it in one of two ways. Either we simply think about what our hourly rate at work is, and value each hour of our time at that level. Or we look at the hourly rate of the person who’s time we’re buying — say to clean our house, watch our kids, or do our yard work — and see time as being worth whatever that set charge is.

That’s why many of us will outsource things based on the difference between those two numbers. If we earn $40 an hour and can outsource a chore for $20 an hour, it’s worth doing. If the expense is more than we earn, it’s not worth doing.

That’s a sensible way of doing things. It’s certainly how I’ve tended to approach outsourcing in the past. But I’m re-thinking things based on this new study, because the concept of what time is truly worth can be a lot more nuanced than it seems on the surface.

Here are a few of the things that the study tracked, along with the dollar value put on each of them, in terms of the happiness gain for the average working American.

  • Outsourcing a chore you hate: $18,000 a year
  • Using your vacation time: $4,400 a year
  • Taking time to savor your meals: $3,600 a year
  • Valuing time more than money: $2,200 a year

Some of these things cost money, of course. You’ll have to pay to outsource that chore, or go on a vacation. But some of them are simple mindset shifts. Any of us can choose to savor our meals more or try and train our brains to think differently about how we value time and money.

Outsourcing chores is a particularly interesting one. Most of us do chores we hate, especially if they’re expensive or inconvenient to outsource. But a happiness gain of $18,000 a year is huge. How many of us would turn down a raise of that amount, even if it involved extra work we don’t like doing? Now imagine a raise of that level that actually involved doing less of the work we don’t like. Surely we’d all jump at that opportunity.

While the science is fascinating, it’s also not exact. We’re all different. Some people really do like doing chores and hate vacations. But the message is powerful.

For most of us, the value we put on time is more complex than our hourly rate, or the set price of the time we ‘buy in’. It’s well worth considering that in trying to design a lifestyle that balances time, money, and happiness.

About the Author

Karen Banes is a freelance writer specializing in entrepreneurship, parenting and lifestyle. She writes articles, website content, ebooks and the occasional award winning short story. Her work has appeared in a range of publications both online and off, including The Washington Post, Life Info Magazine, Transitions Abroad, Brave New Traveler, Natural Parenting Group, and Copia Magazine. Learn More About Karen

For extreme sports athletes, financial planning often takes a backseat to training, travel, and competition. But one tax issue you can’t afford to ignore is the extreme sports jock tax—a lesser-known but critical aspect of managing your income when competing across state lines.

This guide explains what the jock tax is, how it affects extreme athletes, and practical steps you can take to reduce your tax burden.

What Is the Jock Tax?

The jock tax is a state income tax imposed on earnings made by athletes (and other traveling professionals) in states where they don’t live but do compete. Originally targeting major league athletes, the jock tax now applies to extreme sports athletes too—think snowboarders, skateboarders, surfers, BMX riders, and motocross pros who earn prize money, appearance fees, and sponsorship income across multiple states. History of the Jock Tax

How the Jock Tax Works

The extreme sports jock tax operates on the idea that states can tax income earned within their borders, even if the athlete is a resident elsewhere. Here’s how it typically plays out:

  • If you compete in California and win prize money or receive appearance fees, that income is taxable by California, regardless of where you live.
  • States vary in tax rates. Some have flat taxes, others use progressive rates, and some—like Texas and Florida—have no state income tax at all.
  • There may be reciprocity agreements between states, but they often don’t apply to non-resident athletes.

Why the Jock Tax Matters for Extreme Sports Athletes

Extreme sports athletes are increasingly subject to jock tax rules. Here are key reasons it matters:

  • Frequent travel = multiple tax jurisdictions: If you compete in 10 different states this year, you may owe state taxes in each one.
  • Varying state tax rates: Earning $50,000 in a state with a 5% tax means $2,500 in taxes—double that in a state with a 10% rate.
  • Risk of double taxation: If you’re a resident in one state but earn income in another, you could be taxed twice unless credits apply.
  • Sponsorship complications: Brand deals tied to specific events or locations may also be subject to jock tax.

Common Income Sources That May Trigger the Jock Tax

  • Competition prize money
  • Appearance fees
  • Sponsorship and endorsement deals
  • Speaking engagements or demonstrations tied to events

Strategies to Manage the Extreme Sports Jock Tax

Managing the jock tax may sound overwhelming, but the right approach can make a big difference. Here are smart, proactive steps:

  • Track everything: Maintain detailed records of where you compete, what you earn, and how much time you spend in each state.
  • Work with a sports-savvy CPA: Hire a tax professional who understands the unique demands of athletes and jock tax laws.
  • Plan ahead: Consider the tax impact of your competition schedule and endorsement deals. Timing and location matter.
  • Understand residency rules: Establishing residence in a no-tax state can help—but only if you meet the legal time and documentation requirements.
  • Create a business entity: Setting up an LLC or S-Corp may allow you to consolidate income and expenses, and potentially reduce your tax liability.
  • Use available credits: Many home states offer tax credits for income taxed elsewhere. Your accountant can help you apply them correctly.
  • Stay informed: Tax laws change often. Subscribe to updates or attend athlete-specific financial planning workshops to stay ahead.

Final Thoughts: Don’t Let the Jock Tax Catch You Off Guard

Extreme sports are all about pushing limits—but when it comes to taxes, pushing limits without preparation can cost you. Whether you’re chasing powder, pavement, waves, or dirt tracks, understanding the extreme sports jock tax is essential to protecting your income and building long-term financial stability. With a proactive mindset, detailed records, and the right financial team, you can focus on your performance—without getting buried in tax surprises.

This article was originally published here and is republished on Wealthtender with permission.

About the Author

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Nathan Mueller, MBA, CFP® We Help People of All Income Levels Accelerate Their Financial Prosperity!

Nathan Mueller, MBA, CFP® | Blackbird Finance

Do you work at Pfizer? Get the resources you need and expert insights from financial professionals who specialize in helping Pfizer employees make the most of their compensation package and benefits.

Whether you’re a new Pfizer employee or you’ve moved up the ranks into a management or executive leadership role over a multi-year career, it’s important to make smart money moves with your income and employee benefits. For example:

✅ Do you know the right moves to make to get the greatest value from the Pfizer benefits available to you?

✅If you’re thinking about leaving Pfizer for another job or planning to retire from the company in a few years, are you taking the right steps today to ensure you will receive all of the compensation and benefits that you’ve earned?

Get the Most Value from Your Pfizer Benefits and Compensation Package

Throughout the year, Pfizer provides its employees and executives with updates about their benefits ranging from health insurance and health savings plans to retirement plans like a 401(k), deferred compensation plans, and stock options. While the company offers many useful resources and access to knowledgeable staff who can assist with questions, you’ll also find financial professionals not affiliated with Pfizer who specialize in helping Pfizer employees make the most of their income and benefits.

Whether you work in the Pfizer headquarters in New York City, another office location around the country, or remotely from home, you may have questions about your compensation package and benefits better suited for a financial professional who can offer unbiased advice and guidance.

For example, sensitive topics like discussing the steps you should take before quitting your job at Pfizer to work elsewhere, protecting yourself in advance of a corporate layoff, or deciding when you should plan to retire are all conversations that may be more comfortable with a trusted financial advisor.

Should you hire a Pfizer specialist financial advisor or an advisor close to home?

You’ll likely find dozens of nearby financial advisors well-suited to help you reach your money goals with a personalized plan. But it may be more difficult to find a financial advisor who specializes in serving Pfizer employees.

Fortunately, many financial advisors offer virtual services so you can meet online no matter where you (or they) live.

This means you can choose to hire a specialist financial advisor who lives hundreds of miles away if you decide their knowledge and experience working with Pfizer employees is a better fit to help with your unique needs.

💡 In the Q&A below, you’ll gain insights from financial advisors who work with Pfizer employees to help them make smart decisions to get the most value from their compensation and benefits, reduce their money stress, and prepare for a comfortable retirement.

🙋‍♀️ Do you have questions not yet answered? Use the form below to submit questions anonymously and watch this article for updates with answers to your questions. You can also reach out to the financial advisors below to set up an introductory call or contact them with your questions by email.


💸 Smart Money Insights for Pfizer Employees & Executives

This page is organized into sections to help you quickly find the information you need and get answers to your questions:

  1. Q&A: Financial Planning Tips for Pfizer Employees & Executives
  2. Get Answers to Your Questions About Your Pfizer Benefits and Career
  3. Browse Related Articles

Q&A: Financial Planning Tips for Pfizer Employees & Executives

Answers to Employee Questions with Brennan Decima, CFP®

Brennan Decima is a financial advisor based in St. Petersburg, Florida who specializes in offering financial planning services to Pfizer employees. Brennan helps his clients get the most value from their Pfizer benefits and compensation package so they can enjoy life and feel confident about their financial future.

Q: As a financial advisor with experience helping Pfizer employees save for their retirement, how do you help them make the most of their employee benefits?

Brennan: Pfizer has an extremely robust benefit and incentive package. Understanding the nuances can make a meaningful difference in what the colleague gets from the company. The PSP contribution limit set in open enrollment can have a material difference on whether or not the company matches all year. If this is done wrong both their contributions and company matches can be stopped early. We help Pfizer colleagues calculate their personalized trigger to avoid losing out on company match. We help them understand what percentage they need to contribute based off their personal trigger, maximize after tax, and make the most of their PSSP.

For colleagues eligible for TSRU, this can be difficult to calculate the value and how that value might be impacted based off previous stock prices. The TSRU grant is a calculation based off a moving average that I help them both calculate and model so they can decide if converting to a PTU makes sense.

The PRAP pension has reductions based off career milestones and age. We help colleagues determine what the pension reduction is if they leave at a certain age and then model their break even on lump sum compared to payments.

Rule of 90 has a significant impact on what benefits they are eligible for if the retire early. We help colleagues understand the cost of leaving at a particular date.

Q: When you first speak with a Pfizer employee, what questions do you like to ask to better understand their unique circumstances and determine how you can best help them achieve their goals?

Brennan: We believe that retirement is more than a Monte Carlo score and you are more than a number. We strive to understand you and your purpose in the next chapter.

What do you want to spend your attention, energy, time and money on in retirement? What is most important to you? What roadblocks are getting in the way of what’s most important to you? What support do you need along the way?

Investments and strategy are important, but we believe that understanding your purpose and intention first will allow us to create a more customized plan to serve your needs. A good doctor takes the time to understand the patient before prescribing treatment. Hopefully they don’t have financial incentives to prescribe one option over the other. We want to understand you, and we don’t have ties to a brokerage that could create conflicts of interest.

Q: Is there a particular benefit available to Pfizer employees you feel isn’t as well utilized or understood by employees as it should be?

Brennan: Pfizer has an after tax contribution option for the PSP. Many colleagues contribute, but they leave the gains growing tax deferred instead of tax free If they call the benefits department they can immediately have the contributions converted to a Roth going forward. The company also cuts off match to 401k when they hit the trigger. Many colleagues are unaware of how to calculate the trigger, and end up leaving match on the table.

Q: Beyond Pfizer employee benefits for retirement savings, are there other types of benefits offered by the company that you find valuable to discuss with your clients?

Brennan: Retiree Medical Savings benefit can substantially reduce health care costs in retirement. Understanding the Long Term Care group policy is a great way to supplement the RMS

Q: For Pfizer employees thinking about leaving the company to accept a job elsewhere, what actions do you recommend they take before resigning and shortly thereafter?

Brennan: Many of the notifications for life insurance and payroll are set up with company email, prior to leaving make sure you have changed the email on file. Before signing any paperwork, knowing what you are leaving on the table can help you better negotiate and evaluate your new offer. It Is critical to calculate the reduction in pension benefit based off their age, what vesting they would leave on the table, and when next milestones are. We review exactly what incentives would be left on the table, what that cost is, and if waiting until a particular date would make a material difference. This helps colleagues make informed decisions before making a career change.

Q: For Pfizer employees approaching retirement age, how do you recommend they prepare to make the transition from living off their salary to relying upon other sources of income?

Brennan: Going from decades of savings to now spending can be a huge mental shift. When you are working, you typically have a salary, a bonus, an emergency fund, and long term savings for the future. Then all of a sudden the future arrives, and that nest egg is asked to do all four of those jobs. That can be extremely stressful if there is not an intentional plan to create those buckets.

Monte Carlo is a great way to determine if you have saved enough, but it is not a prescription of what to do and how to do it. We bridge that gap. It starts with understanding what you want to accomplish in the next chapter, and what it costs to fund those dreams. We do a detailed cash flow model to see what amount of income would need to be created from savings, we then do a detailed review of their tax projections in retirement to determine the optimal amounts that should come from each account. Once we know what this looks like, we build a strategy that protects the cash flow, provides liquidity for surprises, and grows for the future. It is critical to understand what their ideal retirement looks like, budget what it would cost to fund that dream, and then build a plan to make it a reality.

Q: For Pfizer employees who have managed their finances on their own to this point, what would you suggest they consider to help them decide if they should begin working with a financial advisor at this stage in their lives?

Brennan: Many employees have worked incredibly hard to put them in a position to make the leap into retirement. Having someone who has helped hundreds of Pfizer colleagues retire can make a meaningful difference in their planning. Our team understands the significance of the milestones Pfizer has and how to use them to your advantage. The cost of making a mistake with your planning can be substantially more expensive than the cost of a second opinion.

Q: What are some of the unique financial planning challenges you commonly see among your clients who are Pfizer employees and how do you help them overcome these obstacles?

Brennan: Over the past few years, a tremendous amount of colleagues have been laid off. This can dramatically alter the plans for both the present and the future. We have extensive experience helping colleagues understand the severance, steps to take before the last day, and what to do when the payments. Many colleagues have accumulated large amounts of company stock. Understanding exposure to risk, and making sure they are not taking on more risk than they need or want to can go a long way towards peace of mind in retirement.

Q: What questions do you recommend Pfizer employees ask financial advisors they’re considering hiring to help them decide if they’re a good fit?

Brennan: Are you a fiduciary? Is your bonus or compensation tied to recommending brokerage products or annuities? Can you provide me a copy of your compensation disclosure that explains how you are paid, the fees I will be charged, and your conflicts of interest disclosure? Is your investment management built around my income needs or will I be in a model portfolio? How many clients are assigned to you? Will I primarily work with you or someone on your team? How often can I expect to hear from you?

Q: Is there anything that comes up frequently in your initial meeting with Pfizer employees that surprises you?

Brennan: There are a lot of wonderful benefits with small nuances that can change how much money the company deposits into your savings plan. It regularly see colleagues leave company match on the table because they don’t understand the trigger and how to calculate it. We want everyone to maximize their plan, and our goal is to evaluate what you are doing, what you are leaving on the table, and how you can improve that moving forward.

Q: For highly compensated Pfizer employees and executives, are there any special benefits you believe it’s important to take into consideration when preparing their financial plan?

Brennan: Every client we work with gets a detailed evaluation of their tax returns before we make any suggestions. It is common to see Pfizer colleagues who have paid underpayment penalties and interest on their taxes because they did not understand how withholding worked on the performance awards and RSU’s. We help them avoid this going forward. Maximizing the PSSP can also make a dramatic difference in their taxation. For highly compensated employees, we can help show you how to optimize the supplemental savings plan based off your tax situation and liquidity needs.

Q: Is there a particularly memorable experience or a moment you recall with a client who worked at Pfizer when you realized they have unique opportunities and circumstances when it comes to their financial planning needs?

Brennan: We have worked with many colleagues who were surprised by a layoff recently. A corporate lay off can be incredibly stressful both financially and mentally. Our goal is to help clarify what is happening with your benefits, adjusting your plan for the new reality, and optimizing your taxes so you aren’t blindsided. Many colleagues have their deferred compensation set to pay out as lump sum. With the recent severances, this meant a large payout was occurring at the same time an expedited vesting occurred. For many colleagues this put them in a higher tax rate when they left than when they initially deferred money. We help executives plan model out the tax impact of a career change today, and in the future so they can make necessary adjustments to lower their tax bill and avoid surprises.

Get to Know Brennan Decima, Financial Advisor for Pfizer Employees:

View Brennan’s profile page on Wealthtender or visit his website to learn more.

Are you a financial advisor who specializes in working with employees at Pfizer or another large company?

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About the Author
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Brian Thorp

Founder and CEO, Wealthtender

Brian and his wife live in Texas, enjoying the diversity of Houston and the vibrancy of Austin.

With over 25 years in the financial services industry, Brian is applying his experience and passion at Wealthtender to help more people enjoy life with less money stress.

Connect with Brian on LinkedIn

Do you work at L3Harris? Get the resources you need and expert insights from financial professionals who specialize in helping L3Harris employees make the most of their compensation package and benefits.

Whether you’re a new L3Harris employee or you’ve moved up the ranks into a management or executive leadership role over a multi-year career, it’s important to make smart money moves with your income and employee benefits. For example:

✅ Do you know the right moves to make to get the greatest value from the L3Harris benefits available to you?

✅If you’re thinking about leaving L3Harris for another job or planning to retire from the company in a few years, are you taking the right steps today to ensure you will receive all of the compensation and benefits that you’ve earned?

Get the Most Value from Your L3Harris Benefits and Compensation Package

Throughout the year, L3Harris provides its employees and executives with updates about their benefits ranging from health insurance and health savings plans to retirement plans like a 401(k), deferred compensation plans, and stock options. While the company offers many useful resources and access to knowledgeable staff who can assist with questions, you’ll also find financial professionals not affiliated with L3Harris who specialize in helping L3Harris employees make the most of their income and benefits.

Whether you work in the L3Harris headquarters in Melbourne, Florida, another office location around the country, or remotely from home, you may have questions about your compensation package and benefits better suited for a financial professional who can offer unbiased advice and guidance.

For example, sensitive topics like discussing the steps you should take before quitting your job at L3Harris to work elsewhere, protecting yourself in advance of a corporate layoff, or deciding when you should plan to retire are all conversations that may be more comfortable with a trusted financial advisor.

Should you hire a L3Harris specialist financial advisor or an advisor close to home?

You’ll likely find dozens of nearby financial advisors well-suited to help you reach your money goals with a personalized plan. But it may be more difficult to find a financial advisor who specializes in serving L3Harris employees.

Fortunately, many financial advisors offer virtual services so you can meet online no matter where you (or they) live.

This means you can choose to hire a specialist financial advisor who lives hundreds of miles away if you decide their knowledge and experience working with L3Harris employees is a better fit to help with your unique needs.

💡 In the Q&A below, you’ll gain insights from financial advisors who work with L3Harris employees to help them make smart decisions to get the most value from their compensation and benefits, reduce their money stress, and prepare for a comfortable retirement.

🙋‍♀️ Do you have questions not yet answered? Use the form below to submit questions anonymously and watch this article for updates with answers to your questions. You can also reach out to the financial advisors below to set up an introductory call or contact them with your questions by email.


💸 Smart Money Insights for L3Harris Employees & Executives

This page is organized into sections to help you quickly find the information you need and get answers to your questions:

  1. Q&A: Financial Planning Tips for L3Harris Employees & Executives
  2. Get Answers to Your Questions About Your L3Harris Benefits and Career
  3. Browse Related Articles

Q&A: Financial Planning Tips for L3Harris Employees & Executives

Answers to Employee Questions with Brennan Decima, CFP®

Brennan Decima is a financial advisor based in St. Petersburg, Florida who specializes in offering financial planning services to L3Harris employees. Brennan helps his clients get the most value from their L3Harris benefits and compensation package so they can enjoy life and feel confident about their financial future.

Q: As a financial advisor with experience helping L3Harris employees save for their retirement, how do you help them make the most of their employee benefits?

Brennan: As a financial advisor with deep experience helping L3Harris employees prepare for retirement, my focus always starts with purpose. Helping clients align their financial decisions with what matters most in their lives. Employee benefits are more than just checkboxes during open enrollment, they’re powerful tools that can support a life of meaning, flexibility, and impact. I help L3harris employees look beyond the surface of things like 401(k) matching, RSUs, and excess retirement savings.

Together, we map those tools to their bigger picture: What do you want your retirement to look like? What legacy do you want to leave behind? How do we use every benefit available to give you freedom and peace of mind when it matters most? By understanding the unique benefit structure at L3harris, and combining that with tailored financial planning, I help employees make intentional choices, so their finances aren’t just well-managed, but also deeply aligned with the purpose they’ve defined for the next chapter of their life.

Q: When you first speak with a L3Harris employee, what questions do you like to ask to better understand their unique circumstances and determine how you can best help them achieve their goals?

Brennan: When I first speak with a L3Harris employee, I’m not just looking at numbers, I’m looking to understand what drives them.

I ask questions that help uncover their why:

What does an ideal retirement look like for you?

  • What are you working toward beyond a paycheck; freedom, flexibility, legacy?
  • How confident are you in the decisions you’ve made with your 401(k), RSUs, or excess retirement savings plan?
  • Have you thought about how your benefits fit into the bigger picture? Like tax efficiency, healthcare in retirement, or supporting loved ones?

Every L3Harris employee has a unique story: some are climbing fast and want to optimize equity comp; others are within a few years of retirement and wondering if they’ve done enough. By starting with what matters most to them, I can tailor the financial strategy to reflect not just how they earn and save, but why it matters in the first place. This approach ensures we’re not just maximizing their benefits, we’re making those benefits meaningful.

Q: Is there a particular benefit available to L3Harris employees you feel isn’t as well utilized or understood by employees as it should be?

Brennan: The ERSP is a great way for highly compensated individuals to defer money above and beyond the annual 401k limits, and reduce their tax burden even more. For those that do participate, the election they make for distributions is irrevocable. This can really make an impact if they contribute for multiple years on their retirement tax efficiency. We help employees model out the tax benefits for their current contribution, as well as help them determine if lump sum or installments is more in line with their intentions down the road.

Q: Beyond L3Harris employee benefits for retirement savings, are there other types of benefits offered by the company that you find valuable to discuss with your clients?

Brennan: L3Harris compensates many employees with restricted stock and performance awards. We do a detailed review of their tax filing prior to their vesting, to get a good understanding of what their tax obligation is projected to be. We compare this with what the company withholds to see if there is an underpayment. We find that many employees have underpayment penalties and interest that could have been avoided with proper planning. Our goal is to educate employees on how the withholding works, and make sure there are no surprises.

Q: For L3Harris employees thinking about leaving the company to accept a job elsewhere, what actions do you recommend they take before resigning and shortly thereafter?

Brennan: For L3Harris employees considering a move to a new opportunity, it’s important to pause before submitting that resignation—because the decisions you make before and shortly after leaving can have a lasting impact on your long-term financial security.

Before resigning, I recommend:

Review your deferred compensation plan.

  • The ERSP distribution elections are permanent after open enrollment. Since you can’t change the payout options when you leave, it is important to review what amount will be paid and when, to minimize a major tax bill surprise.

Understand your RSUs and stock options.

  • What’s vested? What’s unvested? The timing of your departure can affect how much equity compensation you keep.

Max out your 401(k) and HSA if possible.

  • If you’re on track to hit your annual limits, consider front-loading contributions while you’re still on payroll. After you leave, you won’t have the same employer match or access to the plan.

Check healthcare transition options.

  • Review your COBRA options, and compare them with what your new employer offers. If you’ve hit your deductible or out-of-pocket max, switching plans mid-year might reset your progress.

Download your benefits and paycheck history.

  • Once you leave, access to the L3Harris intranet goes away. Save your pay stubs, tax documents, equity grant details, and benefit plan descriptions.

Shortly after resigning:

Update your financial plan.

  • A job change is a perfect time to revisit your financial goals, cash flow, and investment strategy, especially if you’re moving from a high-benefit employer like L3Harris to one with different comp structure.

Reassess your tax plan.

  • A change in income or equity vesting could bump you into a higher tax bracket. Proactive tax planning now can help minimize the bite later.

Ultimately, it’s about transitioning intentionally. When we work with L3Harris employees, we help them avoid costly missteps and use the exit as an opportunity to align their next chapter with a greater sense of financial purpose.

Q: For L3Harris employees approaching retirement age, how do you recommend they prepare to make the transition from living off their salary to relying upon other sources of income?

Brennan: For L3Harris employees approaching retirement, one of the biggest mindset shifts is moving from a dependable salary to creating income from the assets and benefits they’ve spent decades building. It’s not just a financial transition, it’s a lifestyle and identity shift, too. Here’s how I help them prepare:

  1. Re-define purpose.
    Many retirees don’t just want to stop working, they want to start living differently. Whether it’s travel, volunteering, consulting, or time with grandkids, we make sure their money supports their next chapter with clarity and intention.

2. Turn your benefits into a paycheck.
L3Harris offers a 401(k), ERSP, and equity compensation. We help clients create a coordinated withdrawal strategy that replaces their paycheck in a tax-efficient, sustainable way. It’s not just how much you withdraw, it’s when and from where.

3. Make a Retirement Income Map.
We build a month-by-month cash flow plan that outlines exactly where income will come from in the first 5–10 years: Social Security, investment accounts, deferred comp distributions, etc. This reduces anxiety and helps retirees confidently cover both essentials and the “fun stuff.”

4. Stress-test the plan.
Retirement is more than a Monte Carlo score, and you are more than a number. We take a look at how the cash flow and investment plan weathers black swan events like the tech bubble burst, 2008, and the pandemic.

5. Manage taxes like a professional.
The largest expense in retirement for most people is taxes. L3Harris employees often have large pre-tax balances in their 401(k) and ERSP. We evaluate Roth conversions, tax bracket management for income, and Medicare-related strategies so they keep more of what they’ve earned.

Q: For L3Harris employees who have managed their finances on their own to this point, what would you suggest they consider to help them decide if they should begin working with a financial advisor at this stage in their lives?

Brennan: For L3Harris employees who’ve successfully managed their finances on their own, approaching retirement is a natural inflection point to consider working with a financial advisor.

Why? Because the shift from building wealth to using it is complex, and the stakes are higher. You’re dealing with questions like:

  • When should I start Social Security?
  • How do I turn my savings and incentives into reliable income?
  • What’s the best way to minimize taxes and avoid Medicare surprises?

At this stage, it’s less about picking investments and more about creating a strategy that supports your next chapter, confidently and purposefully. An advisor can help you avoid costly missteps and align your financial plan with the life you want in retirement.

Get to Know Brennan Decima, Financial Advisor for L3Harris Employees:

View Brennan’s profile page on Wealthtender or visit his website to learn more.

Q: What are some of the unique financial planning challenges you commonly see among your clients who are L3Harris employees and how do you help them overcome these obstacles?

Brennan:

  1. ERSP Traps
    Many elect deferred comp without fully understanding the long-term tax consequences or distribution timing. We help them evaluate elections before separation and build a tax-smart strategy to avoid large lump-sum tax hits in retirement.

2. Coordinating Multiple Income Streams
Between 401(k)s, RSUs, and deferred comp, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. We organize these sources into a cohesive income plan, balancing timing, taxes, and lifestyle needs.

3. Tax Timing and Roth Conversions
Many employees enter retirement in a lower tax bracket, but only temporarily. We identify “low-tax windows” to strategically convert to Roth IRAs, reducing future RMDs and Medicare surcharges.

4. Leaving Money on the Table
Some miss out on benefits like the after-tax 401(k) contribution strategy, in-service conversions, or underuse the HSA. We ensure every benefit is optimized to support long-term goals.

Our role is to simplify the complex, reduce tax friction, and help L3Harris professionals transition from career income to purposeful retirement on their terms.

Q: What questions do you recommend L3Harris employees ask financial advisors they’re considering hiring to help them decide if they’re a good fit?

Choosing a financial advisor is a big decision, especially for L3Harris employees navigating complex benefits and nearing retirement. Here are the key questions I recommend they ask to find the right fit:

  1. Do you have experience working with L3Harris employees?
    The benefits like ERSP, 401k after-tax, and long term incentive plans require specialized knowledge. You want someone who’s already helped others make similar decisions.
  2. How do you build a retirement income plan?
    Look for an advisor who reviews your tax forms and integrates your 401(k), deferred comp, and Social Security into a coordinated, tax-smart withdrawal strategy, not just an investment plan.
  3. How do you help minimize taxes in retirement?
    A good advisor should bring proactive tax planning to the table, including Roth conversions, RMD planning, and Medicare-related tax strategies.
  4. Are you a fiduciary, and how are you compensated?
    Make sure they’re legally obligated to act in your best interest, and that their fees are transparent and easy to understand. Ask for a conflict or interest and compensation disclosure if they work for a brokerage.
  5. What does your ongoing service look like?
    Retirement isn’t a one-time event. Ask how often you’ll meet with them vs a team member, what they monitor, and how they help when life or the market changes.

Q: Is there anything that comes up frequently in your initial meeting with L3Harris employees that surprises you?

Brennan: One thing that constantly comes up with L3Harris employees is the ability to contribute to aftertax in the 401k. The benefit of after tax is that if a Roth In Plan conversion is elected, this allows you to put a substantial amount of money into a Roth each year and grow tax free instead of tax deferred. With proper planning, they can coordinate the 401k deferrals, the aftertax, and the ERSP to maximize their savings in a tax efficient way.

Q: For highly compensated L3Harris employees and executives, are there any special benefits you believe it’s important to take into consideration when preparing their financial plan?

Brennan: Key benefits to consider:

  1. Excess Retirement Savings Plan
    This is one of the most powerful planning tools available—but also one of the most misunderstood. It allows executives to defer income and manage taxes across working and retirement years. But distribution elections are irrevocable after separation, so timing and coordination are critical.
  2. Equity Compensation (RSUs and Performance Awards)
    Proper planning can reduce concentrated risk, control taxes, and align equity decisions with retirement or job change timelines. Many execs don’t realize how vesting, withholdings, and diversification play into their broader strategy.
    3. After-Tax 401(k) Contributions and Mega Backdoor Roth
    For those maxing out traditional limits, this is a powerful way to build tax-free retirement income, but often underutilized or misunderstood.

Q: Is there a particularly memorable experience or a moment you recall with a client who worked at L3Harris when you realized they have unique opportunities and circumstances when it comes to their financial planning needs?

Brennan: One of the most memorable clients I worked with was an L3Harris executive who had saved extensively and was sure he had thought of everything. He was about to retire comfortably after decades of service, with a great mix of ERSP, stock incentives, and a large 401k. But life threw a curveball: his aging mother in law suddenly needed full-time care. He became a caregiver, which meant facing unexpected financial pressures and more financial responsibility on his shoulders. His carefully crafted retirement budget suddenly shifted, and the strategies he planned around needed to be rethought quickly.

What stood out to me was how many unique complexities came into play:

  • He needed significantly more liquidity sooner than expected to cover caregiving expenses.
  • His guaranteed income was substantially lower than his new cash flow needs.
  • The increased household expenses meant tax planning and cash flow management became critical to avoid depleting savings too fast.
  • Volatility that had not bothered him in the past was now causing significant stress issues.

Together, we adjusted his plan to create a flexible income strategy that supported his care costs, while preserving his long-term financial security. Risk was adjusted to his new comfort level. We looked at tapping into different accounts strategically, revisited his tax plan, and explored how long his mother in-law could be supported before it started making an impact on his plans success.

Retirement is more than a Monte Carlo score and a model portfolio. It is about purpose and building a plan customized to you. Regardless of what your purpose in retirement is, we seek to understand you and how your investments serve that purpose intentionally.

Are you a financial advisor who specializes in working with employees at L3Harris or another large company?

✅ Join Wealthtender and get featured as a specialist financial advisor based on your knowledge and experience working with employees at L3Harris or another large company. (Subject to availability and terms.)
Sign up today and join financial advisors attracting their ideal clients on Wealthtender
✅ Or request more information by email:

  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.


🙋‍♀️ Have Questions About Your L3Harris Benefits or Career?




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About the Author
Brian Thorp, Founder and CEO of Wealthtender profile picture

Brian Thorp

Founder and CEO, Wealthtender

Brian and his wife live in Texas, enjoying the diversity of Houston and the vibrancy of Austin.

With over 25 years in the financial services industry, Brian is applying his experience and passion at Wealthtender to help more people enjoy life with less money stress.

Connect with Brian on LinkedIn