What Makes Us Different
The Trinity Difference: A Family Approach to Financial Planning
We believe financial planning is about more than numbers—it's about understanding your unique story, your family's needs, and your personal goals. Since 1986, our owner and President, Brett Nicklaus CFP®, has been helping families in Dixon, Rockford, Freeport, and surrounding areas create retirement plans that stand the test of time.
Our approach combines professional expertise with the personal attention you deserve. We don't just create your plan and send you on your way—we walk beside you during your retirement journey, making adjustments as needed to help keep you on track.
The Five Pillars of a Solid Retirement Strategy
1. Income Planning: Your Financial Lifeline
Creating a reliable income stream in retirement requires more than just collecting your Social Security check. It involves strategically allocating your assets to generate consistent income while protecting your principal. This includes analyzing your current savings, understanding your future needs, and developing a sustainable withdrawal strategy that helps ensure your money lasts a lifetime.
2. Social Security Maximization: Timing Is Everything
Did you know that the difference between optimal and suboptimal Social Security claiming strategies can cost you tens of thousands of dollars over your lifetime? We help you navigate these crucial decisions in our office, ensuring you understand all your options and choose the best timing for your unique situation.
3. Medicare Planning: Protection for Your Health and Wealth
Healthcare costs can quickly derail even the best retirement plans. We guide you through Medicare enrollment and help you select appropriate supplement coverage—all from our office. This hands-on approach ensures you have the right protection without overpaying for coverage you don't need. We can adjust your Medicare supplement plan if premiums increase any time during the year, while also ensuring you're aware of any beneficial coverage changes during the annual open enrollment period from October 15 to December 7.
4. 401(k) Optimization: Making Your Savings Work Harder
As you transition into retirement, your 401(k) strategy should evolve as well. We help you evaluate your current allocations, consider rollover options, and adjust your investment strategy to provide your required retirement income. Our goal is to help protect what you've accumulated while positioning your assets for continued growth.
5. Regular Plan Monitoring: Keeping You on Track
Markets change. Life changes. Your plan should also adapt. That's why we meet with you every six to nine months to review and update your strategies. Plus, we're always available for on-demand meetings when you have questions or concerns.
BONUS: Long-Term Care (LTC) Planning: Protecting Your Independence and Assets
Many retirees underestimate the potential impact of long-term care costs on their retirement savings. We help you explore all your options, from private pay strategies to specialized long-term care insurance and life insurance policies with LTC riders. By incorporating this crucial protection into your holistic plan, you can help safeguard your independence and preserve your assets for your loved ones, rather than seeing them eroded by Long-Term Care expenses. Our thoughtful approach ensures your long-term care strategy aligns with your overall retirement goals and family priorities.
↣ Building A Comprehensive Holistic Plan To Ensure You Don't Outlive Your Assets
You've worked hard your entire life, carefully saving and planning for retirement. But as that milestone approaches, you might find yourself asking: "Will my money last as long as I need it to?" It's a valid concern, and you're not alone. With increasing life expectancies and complex financial markets, traditional retirement planning approaches often fall short.
The truth is, retirement planning isn't just about your 401(k) or Social Security—it's about creating a comprehensive strategy that addresses every aspect of your financial future. That's where Holistic Financial Planning (HFP) comes in.
↣ Understanding Holistic Retirement Planning
Think of retirement planning like building a house. Your 401(k) might be the foundation, but you need walls, a roof, and all the internal systems working together to create a secure home. Similarly, a truly comprehensive retirement plan integrates multiple components to create lasting financial security.
Take the First Step Toward a Secure Retirement
Don't leave your retirement future to chance. Schedule a complimentary consultation to learn how our comprehensive planning approach can help ensure your retirement savings last as long as you need them to. We'll sit down together, understand your unique situation, and show you how a holistic retirement strategy can help protect your financial future.