Planning to Retire on a Traditional Timeline?
Decisions get tougher – and more critical – as you near retirement.
Just because you plan to retire on a traditional timeline doesn’t mean it’s easy.
There are still a lot of questions to answer:…
“Am I on track for retirement?”
We help you understand where you stand and what needs to happen to retire with confidence.
“Will my savings support the lifestyle I want, not just the basics?”
We help you design a spending and income strategy that supports travel, family, and generosity without second-guessing every decision.
“How do I turn what I’ve saved into steady, tax-smart income?”
We create a plan that balances stability, flexibility, and tax efficiency so you can spend comfortably without draining your future.
“What should I do about Medicare, supplemental insurance, and healthcare?”
We help you project real costs and coordinate your income strategy to keep your healthcare coverage strong and affordable.
“When should I take Social Security?”
We walk you through your options and help you make the choice that works best in the context of your full financial picture.
“Am I paying more in taxes than I need to be?”
We look beyond the current year and help you reduce taxes over time — including strategies for required minimum distributions, capital gains, and charitable giving.
“Is my investment strategy still right for this stage of life?”
We help you make sure your portfolio reflects your income needs, market risk tolerance, and long-term goals.
“How do I make sure everything is coordinated?”
We connect the dots between investments, tax strategy, income, healthcare, and estate planning so every part of your plan works together.
What we offer you
Peace of mind you’re on the right track
You’ve worked hard to build a strong foundation. We help you turn it into a retirement plan you can trust.
A clear income strategy
We help you turn savings into steady income with a plan that considers taxes, timing, and long-term sustainability so you can spend confidently.
Healthcare, long-term care, and insurance strategy
We help you plan for rising costs, unexpected care needs, and everything in between.
Support for the people you love without losing your footing
We help you give generously without overextending or putting your own security at risk.
A legacy plan to protect your family
We help you align your estate, tax, and financial strategy so your wishes are honored and your family is protected.
Your best interests at the forefront
As fiduciaries, we’re committed to putting your needs first with advice that’s transparent, objective, and never product-driven.
Clarity when decisions get tough
Required minimum distributions, Medicare, Social Security timing — we help you make smart decisions that align with your goals.
A flexible plan that moves with you
As your goals evolve and life circumstances change, we adjust your plan to help keep you on track.
Always available when you need us
Whether it’s a big decision or a quick question, we’re always just a phone call or email away.
Case Study
Unexpected early retirement
After losing his job during the recession, Albert wasn’t sure if retiring at 53 was possible. Kenora helped him create a tax-efficient plan to confidently retire early.
These case studies are provided for illustration only, and do not represent the experience of any specific client, although they may be based on similar client scenarios. Because our services are tailored to your needs, your experience may vary.
You might be wondering...
Is the first meeting free?
Yes. Your initial consultation is complimentary. It’s a chance for us to learn about your goals, walk through your situation, and see if we’re the right fit — no pressure, no obligation.
How difficult will it be to move my accounts over to Kenora?
It’s simpler than most people expect. We handle the transfer process for you, coordinating directly with your current custodian so your investments move securely and without disruption. You’ll have clear guidance on what to expect, and we’ll make sure you always know where things stand.
What does working with you look like after I sign on?
You’ll have direct access to our full team. We review your plan regularly, but we’re also here whenever you have questions — whether it’s a big life decision, a tax-related issue, or just a quick check-in. You’ll never be left wondering where things stand.
Do I have to live nearby to work with you?
No. While many clients are local to Chicagoland, we also work with people outside the area through phone and video meetings. What matters most is fit, not proximity.
When is the best time to start working with you?
Many of our clients come to us 5–15 years before they want to retire. This is the best time to optimize your plan — while you’re still earning and saving. We’ll help you structure your accounts, taxes, and strategy so you can move toward early retirement with confidence.
How do you help people who are close to retirement?
We specialize in helping people transition confidently from saving to spending. That includes building a retirement income plan, coordinating taxes, and making sure healthcare and long-term care needs are addressed before you take the leap.
How do I know if I can afford to retire?
We’ll analyze your income sources — Social Security, pensions, investments — and model your spending needs over time. You’ll see whether your savings can support the lifestyle you want, and what adjustments could make your retirement more secure.
When should I start Social Security?
Timing Social Security is one of the biggest decisions you’ll make. We’ll help you evaluate different scenarios, including spousal strategies, so you can choose the option that gives you the best balance of income, longevity protection, and tax efficiency.
What about healthcare and long-term care costs?
We’ll work with healthcare experts to walk you through Medicare enrollment, supplemental coverage, and projected out-of-pocket costs. We’ll also help you plan for long-term care so you can protect both your lifestyle and your family from future burden.
How do you factor taxes into retirement planning?
Taxes don’t stop at retirement — in fact, they often get more complex. We’ll help you plan withdrawals from your accounts in a tax-efficient order, manage required minimum distributions (RMDs), and take advantage of opportunities like Roth conversions when they make sense.
What is your investment philosophy?
We keep investing simple, transparent, and tax-smart. Instead of using mutual funds or complex products, we build portfolios from individual U.S. stocks that you can see and understand. Our approach is long-term and patient — designed to balance growth with stability so your money supports you throughout retirement.
How much does it cost to work with you?
Financial Planning, Investment Management, & Tax Preparation – all on one team
The best way to find out if we’re a good match for your financial planning needs?
Meet the team. See what you think. And don’t worry – there won’t be any pressure, or any pitches. We’re happy to answer whatever financial questions you have!