Retirement Planning

Comprehensive Financial Planning Services

Personalized Retirement Planning

Stitzel CPA & Wealth Management provides comprehensive Melbourne retirement planning services designed to help you navigate life after work with confidence. Whether you are years away from retirement or already in the transition phase, our personalized strategies help you protect your savings, manage income sources, and plan for a secure future. We take the time to understand your lifestyle goals, financial position, and long-term priorities so you can retire on your terms.

Pre-Retirement Financial Planning

Preparing for retirement starts long before your final working day. Our pre-retirement planning services in Melbourne are tailored to your individual circumstances, including income forecasting, investment allocations, and long-term budgeting. We guide you in building a strategy that supports both your desired retirement lifestyle and your financial security.

Retirement Income Strategies

Once you enter retirement, managing income becomes key. We help you coordinate distributions from Social Security, pensions, retirement accounts, and investments to create a stable, tax-efficient income plan. Our goal is to ensure your money lasts while supporting your goals throughout retirement.

Legacy and Estate Planning

Retirement planning includes preparing for what comes next. We offer estate and legacy planning guidance that helps you preserve wealth, minimize tax burdens, and provide for future generations. From trusts to charitable giving, our strategies align with your values and long-term objectives.

What we are good at

Social Security Optimization

Knowing when and how to claim Social Security benefits can significantly impact your retirement income. We evaluate your personal and spousal options, identify optimal claiming strategies, and align them with your broader retirement plan to help you maximize your benefits.

Tax-Efficient Withdrawal Planning

Effective retirement planning considers how and when to draw from various accounts. We help you structure distributions from IRAs, 401(k)s, and other investments in a way that minimizes taxes and sustains your financial health throughout retirement.

Risk Management and Insurance Review

As your needs evolve, so do your risks. We evaluate your insurance coverage—including long-term care, life insurance, and Medicare options—to help ensure that your financial plan is protected from unexpected events that could impact your retirement.

Retirement Planning for Business Owners and Executives

We offer retirement planning solutions tailored to the unique needs of business owners and executives. Whether you are considering succession strategies, managing deferred compensation, or planning your exit, we help integrate retirement goals with your business transition and financial legacy.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is retirement planning?

Retirement planning involves creating a strategy to help you accumulate, preserve, and manage wealth to support your lifestyle and goals after leaving the workforce. It includes savings plans, income distribution, tax planning, insurance, and estate considerations.

When should I start planning for retirement?

It is never too early—or too late—to start planning for retirement. Ideally, planning begins during your working years, but even if retirement is near, professional guidance can help you make the most of your available options.

How much money do I need to retire comfortably?

The amount depends on your desired lifestyle, expected expenses, longevity, and sources of income. We work with you to calculate your unique retirement needs and build a personalized financial roadmap.

Can retirement planning reduce my taxes?

Yes. With proper planning, you can minimize taxes on retirement account withdrawals, Social Security benefits, and investment gains. We help create tax-efficient strategies to preserve more of your retirement income.

What happens during the retirement planning process?

We start with an in-depth consultation to understand your goals, finances, and retirement timeline. We then develop a customized strategy that includes income planning, tax analysis, risk management, and estate planning. You will receive ongoing support to adjust your plan as your needs and circumstances change.