The best plan is the one that lets you retire the way you want. 

Many financial advisors won’t even meet with you unless you have $500,000 or more in investable assets. And from our experience, we know that leaves countless families—specifically middle-income workers, younger retirees, and people with modest savings—without access to critical advice. In the retirement space, that means people don’t plan for any of the major hazards like healthcare costs, long-term care insurance failures, and, to put it bluntly, running out of money.

But we believe retirement planning shouldn’t have gatekeepers. Everyone deserves help, whether they have $20,000 or $2 million. That’s why some advisors, like us, refuse to impose pre-qualifiers. That’s right. WE REFUSE.

What we will do is help people have the best retirement planning experience possible and therefore the best retirement possible. But wait, what is that?

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What is the best retirement plan?

Before you get ahead of yourself, know that there is no ‘magic pill’ type of answer to this problem.

The best retirement plan is not a single product, account, or investment. It’s the comprehensive strategy that allows you to retire when you want, in the way you want, and with the confidence that your lifestyle is secure.

All too often, people assume “retirement planning” means picking mutual funds in a 401(k) or rolling money into an IRA. But a truly effective plan goes much deeper. It includes Social Security, Medicare, insurance decisions, investment fees, and protection against long-term care costs, taxes, and any other risk looming out there. The goal is not simply accumulating wealth—it’s creating a retirement income plan that supports your needs for decades to come.

The Problem With “Minimums” in the Financial Industry

We need to step back real quick and talk about the $500,000 elephant in the room. Wall Street has conditioned advisors to chase high-net-worth clients. Firms set minimums, sometimes as high as $500,000, for someone to “qualify” for service, meaning giving you any amount of their time. This practice leaves the majority of working Americans underserved.

And that really pisses me off. 

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Why Everyone Deserves Good Retirement Planning

#1. Social Security belongs to everyone. Every worker who paid into the system deserves advice on how to claim it.

#2. Medicare affects all retirees. Whether you’re wealthy or not, poor plan selection can wreck your finances.

#3. Hidden fees and poor choices don’t discriminate. Anyone can get trapped in a high-fee annuity or overpriced insurance plan.

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Let’s Talk Details, What Retirement Planning Really Means

When most people think of retirement planning, they picture saving in a workplace 401(k) or IRA. While these accounts are important, your money is just one part of the puzzle. The best retirement plan integrates:

• Social Security benefits: Knowing when and how to claim can add or subtract thousands from your lifetime income.
• Medicare and health coverage: With dozens of options and hidden pitfalls, making the wrong choice can drain your savings.
• Investment management: High fees, hidden charges in annuities, and mismatched risk can quietly erode your nest egg.
• Income planning: Turning assets into a reliable monthly income is just as important as growing them.
• Insurance and long-term care: Preparing for nursing care, end-of-life expenses, or supporting a spouse can prevent financial ruin.
  

The best plan is the one that balances all these factors around your goals.

Comprehensive Guide To Retirement Planning

How Free, Accessible Advice Works

Our model is simple: no fees, no minimums, no pre-qualifiers. Instead, Dan is compensated through the insurance industry—but only when solutions align with a client’s actual needs.

For example:

• Recommending a low-commission Medicare Supplement if it’s the most cost-effective.
• Moving someone out of a fee-laden annuity into a product with no ongoing costs.

The client never writes a check. Ever.

The Benefits of Inclusive Retirement Planning

• Early Guidance Prevents Costly Mistakes - People who seek advice earlier avoid expensive missteps like claiming Social Security too soon.
• Builds Trust - Clients know they’re not being turned away or judged for having “too little.”
• Protects Middle America - Retirement insecurity is highest among middle-income households. Accessible planning bridges that gap.

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Why a “One-Size-Fits-All” Plan Doesn’t Work

Some advisors try to push the same solutions on everyone—like certain Medicare Advantage plans, annuities, or long-term care policies—because those products pay high commissions. But what works on paper for them may be a financial trap for you.

The truth:

• Some long-term care insurance policies sold decades ago left retirees with skyrocketing premiums they couldn’t drop.
• Some Medicare Advantage plans limit which doctors you can see, even if you’ve spent your career saving for freedom.
• Some variable annuities bury investors in fees that prevent growth.

The right retirement plan isn’t about the highest-paying product—it’s about the most cost-effective strategy for you.

The Real Question: What Lifestyle Do You Want?

A good retirement plan is less about numbers and more about clarity of lifestyle goals:

• Do you want to stop working as early as possible?
• Do you plan to travel, relocate, or help support family members?
• Do you need your retirement plan to cover healthcare gaps or long-term care?
• Are you willing to work part-time, or do you want complete financial independence?

When your retirement plan aligns with your vision of life after work, you’re far more likely to stay financially secure.

Let Me Give You An Example, Real-Life Stories

One retiree discovered she was paying 3% in hidden annuity fees. A 15-minute review saved her thousands annually. Another couple realized their Medicare Advantage plan limited their doctor access. Switching to a Supplement plan restored choice and reduced long-term costs.

Neither of these families had to “qualify” with a minimum account size to get help.

Are fixed index annuities a good investment? NO THEY ARE NOT.

Retirement Planning Mistakes You Need to Avoid

Through years of guiding retirees, here are some common mistakes to avoid:

1. Ignoring Social Security strategy – Many advisors skip this because it doesn’t earn them money, but it can cost you tens of thousands over a lifetime.
2. Underestimating healthcare – Medicare doesn’t cover everything, and out-of-pocket costs can lead to bankruptcy if unplanned.
3. Paying hidden fees – Mutual funds, variable annuities, and some managed accounts quietly eat into your balance.
4. Not planning for long-term care – Nursing homes and assisted living are the #1 financial threat in retirement.
5. Using a cookie-cutter approach – Your situation is unique. The “best” plan for your neighbor is likely wrong for you.
   
   

The Best Retirement Plan Is Personal

After two decades of helping people navigate insurance, investments, and income planning, one truth stands out: the best retirement plan is the one that lets you retire with peace of mind. It should protect your assets, reduce unnecessary fees, optimize your Social Security and Medicare choices, and prepare you for life’s unexpected turns.

Your best plan isn’t found in a product brochure—it’s built around your personal goals and your desired lifestyle. When all the pieces fit together, you gain not just financial independence, but the freedom to enjoy the retirement you’ve worked for.

Retirement planning should be about people, not portfolios. Whether you’re wealthy or working-class, your need for guidance is the same. Pre-qualifiers keep too many people locked out. Accessible, inclusive planning ensures everyone has a shot at a secure retirement.

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