Retirement is a Milestone

Once you retire, the last thing you want to worry about is money. In today’s world of changing economic conditions, employer benefits, and new technologies, planning for retirement can feel overwhelming. You may be asking yourself, “How much do I need to retire?”

Don’t postpone your retirement. You’ve worked too hard and for too long to not enjoy time with your grandchildren. As professionals in retirement planning that the Chicago and surrounding areas help trust with their futures, we are here to help.

Retirement is a significant milestone in one’s life journey. It marks the end of a career phase and the beginning of a new chapter characterized by leisure, personal pursuits, and possibly new adventures. For many people, retirement represents the culmination of years of hard work and dedication to their profession. It can bring a mix of emotions, including excitement for the freedom and opportunities ahead, as well as some apprehension about financial security and the unknowns of what lies ahead. Nevertheless, it’s a time to celebrate accomplishments, reflect on experiences, and look forward to enjoying the fruits of one’s labor.

Retirement Strategy

The Growth and Income Bucket Strategy can help you get a raise in retirement!
The strategy starts by dividing your nest egg into two buckets.

Growth Bucket:

Money set aside to grow through moderately aggressive allocations. Moving gains into the Income bucket can help preserve them.

Income Bucket:

Money to draw income from during retirement. Since you rely on this money to live your life, it’s invested in moderately conservative allocations.

THESE BUCKETS ARE DESIGNED TO…

Keep Pace With Inflation
Help Preserve Your Gains Through Retirement
Ensure Your Money Not Only Lasts But Grows
Maximize Your Income Potential
Manage The Emotional Side Of Investing


How Much Money Do I Need To Retire?

What do you want
your retirement
to look like?

What monetary
resources do you need
to reach those goals?

Do you have
monetary resources
in place already?

If not, what
will it take
to get there?

Book a Free Call With Our Advisors!

Roch Tranel

FOUNDER and
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICE

Tyler Braun

FINANCIAL ADVISOR

Joey Bunton

FINANCIAL ADVISOR

Carlene Abraham

FINANCIAL ADVISOR

Michael Grajdura

FINANCIAL ADVISOR

Every aspect of life has a financial component – it’s no wonder you can feel overwhelmed. Maybe you’re considering looking into the wealth management advisors Chicago trusts for the first time. Or maybe you already have someone – a wealth advisor you’ve worked with for years or an insurance agent. But how well do they know your hopes, dreams, fears, and frustrations? Or worse, do they care? At Tranel, you are never a number. It’s your definition of success that defines ours. Because every person and situation is unique.

Through a collaborative process, we help you define your ideal financial self and then help get you there. We empower you with the knowledge, tools and strategies necessary to reach your goals – because success encompasses the monetary and the personal. We want you to have enough money to take care of your responsibilities, but also to reach your purpose and leave a legacy.

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Answers to the Questions We Hear Most

How can my current financial strategy impact my long-term goals?

Your financial strategy plays a key role in shaping your future. Short term impacts, such as market volatility, administration changes (every 4 years) or policy updates (potentially in foreign markets) can influence your investments and your financial strategy. Your plan should parallel your risk profile to help you navigate when these impacts inevitably happen.  

The way you save, invest, and manage risks today can influence your future retirement lifestyle and legacy. 

At The Tranel Financial Group, we take a holistic approach—aligning investment strategies, tax considerations, and personal goals to support long-term financial independence.

How do you protect my retirement plan from inflation and changes in financial regulations?

Inflation and regulatory shifts can impact the long-term performance of a retirement strategy. We help develop approaches designed to support purchasing power, which may include diversified investments, income-generating assets, and reviews to account for cost-of-living trends.

We also regularly monitor market trends, tax law developments, and regulatory updates to help keep your strategy aligned with current conditions. Our team stays informed through ongoing education and compliance oversight—so your plan can evolve with the financial landscape.

What are the most common financial challenges faced by retirees?

Retirees often encounter challenges such as:

  • Outliving savings due to increased longevity
  • Market fluctuations affecting investment portfolios
  • Rising healthcare costs and medical expenses
  • Tax implications related to retirement income
  • Estate planning for smooth wealth transfer

We work with clients to build retirement strategies that help account for these challenges by focusing on adaptability, risk awareness, and long-term planning.

What strategies exist to help protect my retirement plan from market volatility?

While market volatility is a natural part of investing, there are ways to help manage its impact. These may include diversification, tactical asset allocation, and incorporating income-focused financial tools such as annuities. Portfolio stress testing can also help evaluate potential outcomes. At The Tranel Financial Group, we help clients develop plans designed to be resilient through changing market conditions.

How do taxes affect my retirement savings?

Taxes can significantly affect the amount of income you’re able to retain in retirement. Different income sources—such as IRAs, 401(k)s, Social Security, and investment accounts—carry different tax treatments. We help clients implement tax-aware strategies like Roth conversions, tax-loss harvesting, and withdrawal sequencing to help manage tax liabilities.

How do I plan for unexpected medical expenses in retirement?

Healthcare costs can be one of the most significant and unpredictable expenses in retirement. We help clients prepare by:

  • Including projected medical costs in their financial plan
  • Exploring long-term care insurance options
  • Reviewing Medicare and supplemental plan choices
  • Discussing the benefits of Health Savings Accounts (HSAs), where applicable
  • Using Life Insurance as an option 

Proactive planning can help protect your financial stability if healthcare needs arise — but because everyone’s health is different, no two plans should be, or can be, exactly the same.

What strategies can help maximize my retirement income?

A well-rounded retirement income strategy aims to balance growth potential, tax efficiency, and wealth preservation. This may include:

  • Coordinated withdrawal strategies
  • Utilizing dividends
  • Income from diverse sources such as investments, real estate, or business holdings
  • Estate and trust planning for long-term wealth stewardship
  • Charitable giving strategies that may offer tax benefits

We work with clients to tailor approaches that align with their goals and financial priorities.

How does The Tranel Financial Group personalize retirement plans for high-net-worth individuals?

High-net-worth individuals often have more complex needs. We provide integrated planning that includes investment management, tax optimization, estate planning for generational wealth transfer, and risk mitigation. Withdrawal strategies are customized to reflect individual tax profiles, and legacy planning focuses on efficient wealth transfer. Knowing who and how you want to transfer your wealth will create a better experience for your loved ones. 

We also regularly revisit and adjust plans to reflect evolving financial goals and market conditions.

How do you measure the success of a financial plan?

Success is about staying on track—not just achieving returns. We regularly review and update financial plans to reflect market shifts, tax changes, and life events. Our Faithful Watch™ process helps clients stay informed and confident in their long-term strategy.

How often will we meet to discuss my plan?

Our personalized communication sets us apart. Unlike many advisors, we adjust our level of engagement to match your preferences. After implementing your initial plan, we’ll proactively schedule a follow up meeting with you to review the initial performance of and next steps, ensuring ongoing clarity, long-term stability, and transparency.