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Alan and Denise have $1.05M, no mortgage, and a 2.5% withdrawal rate. On paper, they should feel great. But too many voices—friends, videos, sales pitches—have them questioning everything. We reviewed their plan, and here’s what they were missing.

DISCLAIMER: Great Lakes Retirement, Inc., operating under the DBA W.A. Smith Financial Group, is the sole SEC-Registered Investment Advisory firm. Investment Advisory Services are offered exclusively through Great Lakes Retirement, Inc. SEC registration does not imply an endorsement of the firm by the SEC, nor does it indicate a specific level of skill or qualification.

Insurance and Tax Planning services offered through W.A. Smith Financial LLC. The oral and written communications of an adviser provide you with information about which you determine to hire or retain an adviser. Form ADV Part 2A can be obtained by visiting https://adviserinfo.sec.gov and search for our firm name. ADV Form 2B is available upon request. Neither the information nor any opinion expressed is to be construed as solicitation to buy or sell a security or personalized investment, tax, or legal advice.

This presentation has been provided for informational purposes only and is not intended as legal or investment advice or a recommendation of any particular security or strategy. The investment strategy and themes discussed herein may be unsuitable for investors depending on their specific investment objectives and financial situation. Information obtained from third-party sources is believed to be reliable though its accuracy is not guaranteed.

Opinions expressed in this commentary reflect subjective judgments of the author based on conditions at the time of publication and are subject to change without notice. Past performance is not indicative of future results. You can read more here: https://wasmithfinancial.com/disclosure/

Need help in retirement? Go here: www.RiseInRetirement.com

Jason is 63 with $620,000 saved—and he’s done with the grind. But with no home equity and a $3,600 monthly gap, his withdrawal rate is 7%. Can he retire now—or is it time to delay?

DISCLAIMER: Great Lakes Retirement, Inc., operating under the DBA W.A. Smith Financial Group, is the sole SEC-Registered Investment Advisory firm. Investment Advisory Services are offered exclusively through Great Lakes Retirement, Inc. SEC registration does not imply an endorsement of the firm by the SEC, nor does it indicate a specific level of skill or qualification.

Insurance and Tax Planning services offered through W.A. Smith Financial LLC. The oral and written communications of an adviser provide you with information about which you determine to hire or retain an adviser. Form ADV Part 2A can be obtained by visiting https://adviserinfo.sec.gov and search for our firm name. ADV Form 2B is available upon request. Neither the information nor any opinion expressed is to be construed as solicitation to buy or sell a security or personalized investment, tax, or legal advice.

This presentation has been provided for informational purposes only and is not intended as legal or investment advice or a recommendation of any particular security or strategy. The investment strategy and themes discussed herein may be unsuitable for investors depending on their specific investment objectives and financial situation. Information obtained from third-party sources is believed to be reliable though its accuracy is not guaranteed. Opinions expressed in this commentary reflect subjective judgments of the author based on conditions at the time of publication and are subject to change without notice. Past performance is not indicative of future results. You can read more here: https://wasmithfinancial.com/disclosure/

Need help in retirement? Go here: www.RiseInRetirement.com

Susan is 68 with $750,000 saved—debt-free and living comfortably. But with no plan for long-term care or rising health costs, one medical emergency could flip everything. Can a good plan still fail if it’s missing just one piece?

DISCLAIMER: Great Lakes Retirement, Inc., operating under the DBA W.A. Smith Financial Group, is the sole SEC-Registered Investment Advisory firm. Investment Advisory Services are offered exclusively through Great Lakes Retirement, Inc. SEC registration does not imply an endorsement of the firm by the SEC, nor does it indicate a specific level of skill or qualification.

Insurance and Tax Planning services offered through W.A. Smith Financial LLC. The oral and written communications of an adviser provide you with information about which you determine to hire or retain an adviser. Form ADV Part 2A can be obtained by visiting https://adviserinfo.sec.gov and search for our firm name. ADV Form 2B is available upon request. Neither the information nor any opinion expressed is to be construed as solicitation to buy or sell a security or personalized investment, tax, or legal advice.

This presentation has been provided for informational purposes only and is not intended as legal or investment advice or a recommendation of any particular security or strategy. The investment strategy and themes discussed herein may be unsuitable for investors depending on their specific investment objectives and financial situation. Information obtained from third-party sources is believed to be reliable though its accuracy is not guaranteed. Opinions expressed in this commentary reflect subjective judgments of the author based on conditions at the time of publication and are subject to change without notice. Past performance is not indicative of future results. You can read more here: https://wasmithfinancial.com/disclosure/

Need help in retirement? Go here: www.RiseInRetirement.com

Rick and Laura are 65 and 62 with $850,000 saved—and their plan seems solid. But after taxes, their 5.1% withdrawal rate jumps closer to 6%. Can their strategy hold up, or is it time to rethink where the money comes from?

DISCLAIMER: Great Lakes Retirement, Inc., operating under the DBA W.A. Smith Financial Group, is the sole SEC-Registered Investment Advisory firm. Investment Advisory Services are offered exclusively through Great Lakes Retirement, Inc. SEC registration does not imply an endorsement of the firm by the SEC, nor does it indicate a specific level of skill or qualification.

Insurance and Tax Planning services offered through W.A. Smith Financial LLC. The oral and written communications of an adviser provide you with information about which you determine to hire or retain an adviser. Form ADV Part 2A can be obtained by visiting https://adviserinfo.sec.gov and search for our firm name. ADV Form 2B is available upon request. Neither the information nor any opinion expressed is to be construed as solicitation to buy or sell a security or personalized investment, tax, or legal advice.

This presentation has been provided for informational purposes only and is not intended as legal or investment advice or a recommendation of any particular security or strategy. The investment strategy and themes discussed herein may be unsuitable for investors depending on their specific investment objectives and financial situation. Information obtained from third-party sources is believed to be reliable though its accuracy is not guaranteed. Opinions expressed in this commentary reflect subjective judgments of the author based on conditions at the time of publication and are subject to change without notice. Past performance is not indicative of future results. You can read more here: https://wasmithfinancial.com/disclosure/

Need help in retirement or want free resources? Go here: www.RiseInRetirement.com

Annuities are one of the most controversial tools in retirement planning. But most of the loudest voices—on both sides—are selling fear, not clarity. In this bonus episode, we cut through the noise and explain when annuities actually make sense.

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DISCLAIMER: Great Lakes Retirement, Inc., operating under the DBA W.A. Smith Financial Group, is the sole SEC-Registered Investment Advisory firm. Investment Advisory Services are offered exclusively through Great Lakes Retirement, Inc. SEC registration does not imply an endorsement of the firm by the SEC, nor does it indicate a specific level of skill or qualification.

Insurance and Tax Planning services offered through W.A. Smith Financial LLC. The oral and written communications of an adviser provide you with information about which you determine to hire or retain an adviser. Form ADV Part 2A can be obtained by visiting https://adviserinfo.sec.gov and search for our firm name. ADV Form 2B is available upon request. Neither the information nor any opinion expressed is to be construed as solicitation to buy or sell a security or personalized investment, tax, or legal advice.

This presentation has been provided for informational purposes only and is not intended as legal or investment advice or a recommendation of any particular security or strategy. The investment strategy and themes discussed herein may be unsuitable for investors depending on their specific investment objectives and financial situation. Information obtained from third-party sources is believed to be reliable though its accuracy is not guaranteed. Opinions expressed in this commentary reflect subjective judgments of the author based on conditions at the time of publication and are subject to change without notice. Past performance is not indicative of future results. You can read more here: https://wasmithfinancial.com/disclosure/

We started Rise in Retirement to help individuals better understand their financial goals. Aiming to help them build a plan that serves them, not just their advisor.

Tom and Lisa are ready to retire, but should they focus on becoming mortgage free or keep making payments? We examine their financial planning and discuss how paying extra on mortgage principal could affect their retirement goals. Discover smart retirement planning strategies today!

Need help in retirement or want free resources? Go here: www.RiseInRetirement.com

Howard is 65 with $900,000 saved—and just recently retired. But constant media headlines about inflation, policy changes, and market risk have him wondering if he made the right call. Is his plan solid, or is it time to reconsider?

DISCLAIMER: This content is for informational and educational purposes only. It does not contain investment advice or constitute a recommendation of any investment strategy. Investing involves risk of loss and past performance is never a guarantee of future results/returns. The strategies discussed may not be right for you, and your personal circumstances should be considered before the adoption of any investment or tax strategy.

You should review all tax decisions with your accountant, counsel, or tax advisor. Investment advisory services provided by Great Lakes Retirement, Inc., an SEC-Registered Investment Advisor. Insurance and tax planning services provided by W.A. Smith Financial, LLC. You can read more here: https://wasmithfinancial.com/disclosure/ Great Lakes Retirement, Inc., operating under the DBA W.A. Smith Financial Group, is the sole SEC-Registered Investment Advisory firm. Investment Advisory Services are offered exclusively through Great Lakes Retirement, Inc. SEC registration does not imply an endorsement of the firm by the SEC, nor does it indicate a specific level of skill or qualification. Insurance and Tax Planning services offered through W.A. Smith Financial LLC. The oral and written communications of an adviser provide you with information about which you determine to hire or retain an adviser. Form ADV Part 2A can be obtained by visiting https://adviserinfo.sec.gov and search for our firm name. ADV Form 2B is available upon request. Neither the information nor any opinion expressed is to be construed as solicitation to buy or sell a security or personalized investment, tax, or legal advice.

This presentation has been provided for informational purposes only and is not intended as legal or investment advice or a recommendation of any particular security or strategy. The investment strategy and themes discussed herein may be unsuitable for investors depending on their specific investment objectives and financial situation. Information obtained from third-party sources is believed to be reliable though its accuracy is not guaranteed. Opinions expressed in this commentary reflect subjective judgments of the author based on conditions at the time of publication and are subject to change without notice. Past performance is not indicative of future results.

Need help in retirement or want free resources? Go here: www.RiseInRetirement.com

Brian and Cindy are 67 and 64 with $1.1 million saved—and their retirement dates are just around the corner. But after losing $400,000 in a market downturn, they’re questioning everything. Can they still retire? Or do they need a new plan?

DISCLAIMER: This content is for informational and educational purposes only. It does not contain investment advice or constitute a recommendation of any investment strategy. Investing involves risk of loss and past performance is never a guarantee of future results/returns. The strategies discussed may not be right for you, and your personal circumstances should be considered before the adoption of any investment or tax strategy.

You should review all tax decisions with your accountant, counsel, or tax advisor. Investment advisory services provided by Great Lakes Retirement, Inc., an SEC-Registered Investment Advisor. Insurance and tax planning services provided by W.A. Smith Financial, LLC. You can read more here: https://wasmithfinancial.com/disclosure/ Great Lakes Retirement, Inc., operating under the DBA W.A. Smith Financial Group, is the sole SEC-Registered Investment Advisory firm. Investment Advisory Services are offered exclusively through Great Lakes Retirement, Inc. SEC registration does not imply an endorsement of the firm by the SEC, nor does it indicate a specific level of skill or qualification. Insurance and Tax Planning services offered through W.A. Smith Financial LLC. The oral and written communications of an adviser provide you with information about which you determine to hire or retain an adviser. Form ADV Part 2A can be obtained by visiting https://adviserinfo.sec.gov and search for our firm name. ADV Form 2B is available upon request. Neither the information nor any opinion expressed is to be construed as solicitation to buy or sell a security or personalized investment, tax, or legal advice.

This presentation has been provided for informational purposes only and is not intended as legal or investment advice or a recommendation of any particular security or strategy. The investment strategy and themes discussed herein may be unsuitable for investors depending on their specific investment objectives and financial situation. Information obtained from third-party sources is believed to be reliable though its accuracy is not guaranteed. Opinions expressed in this commentary reflect subjective judgments of the author based on conditions at the time of publication and are subject to change without notice. Past performance is not indicative of future results.

Need help in retirement or want free resources? Go here: www.RiseInRetirement.com

Gayle is 73 with $650,000 saved—and she’s worried it won’t last. As a widow with no kids, her priority is taking care of herself, her pets, and the charities she loves. But with rising costs and no clear plan, she’s starting to wonder if her money will hold up.

DISCLAIMER: This content is for informational and educational purposes only. It does not contain investment advice or constitute a recommendation of any investment strategy. Investing involves risk of loss and past performance is never a guarantee of future results/returns. The strategies discussed may not be right for you, and your personal circumstances should be considered before the adoption of any investment or tax strategy. You should review all tax decisions with your accountant, counsel, or tax advisor. Investment advisory services provided by Great Lakes Retirement, Inc., an SEC-Registered Investment Advisor. Insurance and tax planning services provided by W.A. Smith Financial, LLC. You can read more here: https://wasmithfinancial.com/disclosure/ Great Lakes Retirement, Inc., operating under the DBA W.A. Smith Financial Group, is the sole SEC-Registered Investment Advisory firm. Investment Advisory Services are offered exclusively through Great Lakes Retirement, Inc. SEC registration does not imply an endorsement of the firm by the SEC, nor does it indicate a specific level of skill or qualification. Insurance and Tax Planning services offered through W.A. Smith Financial LLC. The oral and written communications of an adviser provide you with information about which you determine to hire or retain an adviser. Form ADV Part 2A can be obtained by visiting https://adviserinfo.sec.gov and search for our firm name. ADV Form 2B is available upon request. Neither the information nor any opinion expressed is to be construed as solicitation to buy or sell a security or personalized investment, tax, or legal advice.

This presentation has been provided for informational purposes only and is not intended as legal or investment advice or a recommendation of any particular security or strategy. The investment strategy and themes discussed herein may be unsuitable for investors depending on their specific investment objectives and financial situation. Information obtained from third-party sources is believed to be reliable though its accuracy is not guaranteed. Opinions expressed in this commentary reflect subjective judgments of the author based on conditions at the time of publication and are subject to change without notice. Past performance is not indicative of future results.