Retirement planning with a CFP for tax-smart income

Get in Touch
Arrow

We offer a range of tax services, including individual tax preparation, business tax preparation and state tax compliance.

How can retirement planning turn your savings into a steady paycheck?

Retirement planning simply converts what you’ve saved into money you can live on by taking taxes & benefits and healthcare costs into consideration.

What does retirement plan cover?

It covers the target retirement date, expected spending and a year-by-year map of where cash will come from. Therefore, the plan is in line with the math — not guesswork.

When should you start retirement planning?

You should take the initial action when you still have options — not when deadlines force a prompt decision. Even five years out, the plan can present what to build next, what to pay down and how much risk fits the distinct situation.

What will we review first in a CFP retirement plan?

Our planners begin with a transparent snapshot of the accounts, income sources and the tax rules linked with each item.

  • Your top goals and what “a great retirement” looks like for you
  • Current savings — 401(k), IRA, Roth, brokerage
  • Expected pensions or annuities, if any
  • Household budget & “must-pay” expenses
  • Debts you want to eliminate before retirement
  • Your comfort level with market ups and downs
  • Current tax bracket and state tax exposure

How do you build a retirement income strategy that lasts?

It’s a documented plan for how cash flows each month, plus the rules for what to do if market conditions / life changes. The straightforward approach is outlined below:

  • Defining a realistic spending number — today’s dollars and future dollars
  • Stress-testing the plan for down markets & longer life spans
  • Setting a target cash reserve in order not to sell at the wrong time
  • Coordinating benefits and withdrawals in order to have predictable taxes
  • Putting the schedule into a simple, maintainable system

What is a retirement withdrawal strategy?

It’s the order and timing used to pull money from taxable & tax-deferred and Roth accounts. Because the sequence has the potential to change the tax bill.

Which accounts are often used first?

There isn’t one universal rule. Yet, many retirees, in general, spend from taxable accounts before tax-deferred and Roth accounts in order to preserve tax-advantaged growth.

How do taxes differ by account type?

Account you withdraw from What is taxable (usually) Importance
Taxable brokerage Gains and some dividends Lets you manage capital gains year to year
Traditional IRA / 401(k) Most distributions Can raise taxable income and affect benefits
Roth IRA Generally tax-free if qualified Useful for flexibility later in retirement

At this point, tax-efficient retirement withdrawals and tax-efficient retirement planning become very practical — not theoretical.

When do RMD deadlines start to matter?

For IRA owners in general, the IRS says the first required minimum distribution is for the year you reach age 73 for many people and 75 for some later. It can be taken as late as April 1 of the following year. Delaying that first withdrawal might mean taking 2 distributions in the same calendar year — which has the potential to push taxable income higher.

How does Social Security planning fit into the picture?

It’s the preference of when to claim so the lifetime benefit and your household cash flow line up. You can claim as early as 62. And waiting past full retirement age may increase monthly benefits up to age 70.

What should you think about for Medicare planning?

It focuses on enrollment timing & premium surprises, particularly IRMAA for higher earners. If income drops after a life event, Social Security presents a formal process to request an IRMAA reduction.

Government Contracting Solutions 1

What do you get at the end of the engagement?

You receive an actionable planning roadmap, with decisions laid out in the order they matter.

  • A one-page summary of goals & assumptions
  • A year-by-year cash flow outline
  • Action items linked with dates — claiming, enrollments, withdrawals
  • A review cadence in order to keep the plan current

You can visit our comprehensive financial planning page for a wider view within the CFP services context.

Talk with Watter CPA about your retirement plan

Watter CPA brings CFP services and tax experience together in order to match your plan to the rules you actually file under. If you want a plan that feels usable day to day, contact us today to set up a conversation.

FAQs

How much does retirement planning cost with Watter CPA?

Pricing totally varies with the complications and circumstances and our rates start from $480.

What should I bring to a meeting?

The recent account statements, the latest tax return and a simple list of monthly expense items and insurance.

How often should I update my retirement plan?

We recommend at least once a year. And anytime you change jobs, move, retire or see a major income shift, you should consider updating it.

What is the difference between retirement planning and a retirement income strategy?

It sets the roadmap. A retirement income strategy converts it into a monthly payout plan with tax-efficient retirement planning behind it.

Do I need a retirement withdrawal strategy before I claim benefits?

Yes. The retirement withdrawal strategy supports tax-efficient retirement withdrawals and might influence Medicare planning and Social Security planning.

Review Image

I’ve been working with Ken and his team for the last twenty five years and they always do such a nice job on our return preparation. The whole office is super committed and helpful. In dealing with the staff I’ve always seen such a high level of commitment from each of their personnel. We’ve used them for dozens of client returns and for complex non filers to catch them up on old returns as well.

– Jeffrey Katz
Chief Financial Officer, Katz Enterprises

Decades of experience with this company. Extremely knowledgeable, dedicated, prompt and personable.  Real winners.

– Margaret Mattson
Director of Operations, Mattson Holdings

I have been to several accountants, Ken and Alice are the best in service, knowledge, and giving me peace of mind... I highly recommend them!

– A C.
C & Co. Consulting

The team at Watter CPA has been instrumental in helping me navigate complex tax situations. Their attention to detail and knowledge of tax laws saved me significant money.

Jordan Lee
Los Angeles, USA

Contact Us

Our dedicated team is ready to assist you on your path to financial success.

5 N Adams St,
Rockville, MD 20850, United States

Thanks — your message was sent successfully. We'll get back to you shortly.
Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
Faq's

Frequently Asked Questions

At Watter CPA, we believe that understanding your needs is the first step toward providing exceptional service. Determining the specific service required involves a thorough review of your financial situation, which is only possible with proper documentation and accurate data. This approach helps us deliver tailored solutions that best meet your needs and compliance requirements.

Below, you will find answers to some of the most frequently asked general questions. If you have more specific inquiries or require additional information, please feel free to Contact Us.

General Questions

01
What types of tax planning services do you offer?
Arrow
02
How often should I meet with my CPA?
Arrow
03
Can you help with IRS issues or tax problems?
Arrow
04
What is the process for starting a new business with your help?
Arrow
05
Do you offer virtual consultations?
Arrow
06
How do you ensure the confidentiality and security of my financial information?
Arrow
07
What should I do if I receive a tax notice from the IRS?
Arrow
08
How do I get started with Watter CPA?
Arrow
09
Do you electronically file my tax return or do I have to mail it in myself?
Arrow
10
Do you prepare out-of-state tax returns? 
Arrow
11
Can you help with Cryptocurrency, Blockchain, or NFTs?
Arrow
12
Can you file an extension for my tax return?
Arrow
13
What documents do I need to bring to do my taxes?
Arrow
14
Should I file my tax return as Married Filing Joint or Married Filing Separate?
Arrow
15
My child is in college. Can I still claim them on my tax return? 
Arrow
16
I received an inheritance. Do I have to report that on my tax return? 
Arrow
17
My elderly parents are not sure if they have filed taxes for the past few years. Can you help me find out? 
Arrow
18
My ex-spouse claimed our child erroneously on their tax return. What can I do? 
Arrow