Case Study

Mark & Melissa: Affluent Family

Case studies are hypothetical in nature and do not represent scenarios or results experienced by actual clients.

A Couple’s Roadmap to Financial Freedom

Mark and Melissa were at a turning point. After decades of juggling demanding careers in technology and law, they wondered what life could look like with more freedom and fewer responsibilities. They felt stuck trying to figure out how to balance their desire for a gradual transition with their need for clarity about how to make it happen. They also realized they weren’t on the same page about what the next chapter would look like.

Profile

  • Mark (55) and Melissa (54), married 28 years with two adult children and one grandchild
  • Mark: Chief Technology Officer at software company
  • Melissa: Partner at regional law firm
  • Combined annual income: $950,000
    • Mark: $425,000 base salary + $125,000 in equity compensation
    • Melissa: $475,000 base salary + $200,000 annual bonus
  • Current net worth includes:
    • $4.0 million in retirement accounts
    • $2.5 million in non-retirement accounts
    • $1.0 million in unvested RSUs and stock options
    • $1.5 million primary residence with a small mortgage balance
    • $1.1 million cabin that is paid off

Primary Goals

Having built successful careers in technology and law, they wanted to explore what their next chapter could look like. While financially comfortable, they expressed interest in gradual retirement transitions that would allow them to maintain professional engagement while regaining personal freedom.

Challenges

“Do we really have enough?”

Despite significant assets, they worried about maintaining their lifestyle without making substantial income.

“What would part-time look like?”

They needed help evaluating various semi-retirement scenarios that could provide both freedom and continued engagement as well as income.

“Are we on the same page?”

Each had different visions of their next chapter and needed alignment on their shared future.

“How do we shift from saving to spending?”

They struggled with the mental transition from wealth accumulation to thoughtful enjoyment of their resources

“What’s our purpose beyond work?”

Both needed help envisioning their lives without the daily structure and purpose their careers provided.

Discovery

Through our proprietary Empowering Conversations process, they uncovered key priorities:

  • Maintain financial security while reducing work commitments
  • Create more time for family and personal interests
  • Develop new purposes beyond their professions
  • Build a meaningful charitable and family legacy
  • Spend winters in a warmer climate

We conducted a comprehensive financial analysis outlining various retirement timing scenarios and sustainable spending levels.

Exploring “What-If” Scenarios

We explored multiple lifestyle and career transition options:

  • Full retirement for both within 2 years
  • Gradual transition with reduced income over 5 years
  • Melissa maintaining select clients while David pursues tech startup advisory roles
  • Impact of downsizing their family home and purchasing versus renting in a warmer climate.
  • Different charitable giving levels and strategies
  • Impact of changing residency to a lower tax state

The Freedom Roadmap

1. Transition Strategy

Created a phased retirement approach allowing Melissa to transition select clients to other partners while David moves to advisory roles.

2. Investment Planning

Designed a strategy to generate $250,000 annual retirement income while incorporating David’s equity compensation into their long-term plan.

3. Lifestyle Planning

Established clear spending guidelines that aligned with their values and new lifestyle goals.

4. Legacy Development

Created a charitable giving strategy aligned with their personal values.

Conclusion

Through comprehensive planning and ongoing guidance, Mark and Melissa gained the confidence they needed to step back from demanding careers while maintaining financial security. They’ve successfully begun transitioning to more flexible schedules that allow time for family, travel, and meaningful professional engagement on their own terms.

One year into implementation, David stepped back from his full-time CTO responsibilities, transitioning into a consulting role with his former company while Melissa transferred a portion of her client base and reduced her hours. Most rewarding of all, they’ve gained a newfound purpose, rediscovering each other after years of hard work and are leaning into this new chapter with clarity and excitement.