Choose Your Path
5 Years or Less Until
Retirement
Choose Your Path
20+ Years Until Retirement
You’ve got time — but only if you use it correctly.
Most people this far out think retirement planning is about “saving more.” That’s like thinking a boat just needs more fuel — not a map, weather radar, or a
captain.
This phase is about building leverage. Small decisions now create massive advantages
later.
Your Primary Goals
What We Focus On
Tax Strategy Early (Not Later)
- Roth contributions & conversions while brackets are lower
- Smart capital gains planning
- Avoid building a future tax bomb inside pre-tax accounts
Portfolio Structure That Grows and Adapts
- Growth-focused allocation with risk guardrails
- Avoid over-concentration (company stock, tech darlings, RSUs)
- Rebalancing discipline instead of “set it and forget it”
Career & Cash Flow Optimization
- Benefits analysis (401(k), HSA, ESPP, deferred comp if available)
- Bonus, equity, and variable income planning
- Align savings rate with real life — not guilt
Foundation Planning (The Boring Stuff That Isn’t Boring)
- Basic estate planning documents
- Insurance review (life, disability, umbrella)
- Early clarity around future lifestyle goals
Outcome
You don’t just save.
You build options — and options are what create freedom later.
Skipping planning at any stage is like skipping bloodwork at your annual physical. You might feel fine — until you don’t.