Planning Your Transition from State Service to Retirement?
Specialized financial planning for State of Michigan employees who want to make the most of their benefits and retire with confidence.
You've Dedicated Your Career to Public Service. Your Retirement Deserves the Same Dedication.
Between your 401(k), 457 plan, and healthcare transitions, Michigan's state benefit structure is complex. Your HR department can explain your options. Your colleagues can share what they did. But neither can tell you what's right for YOUR situation.
That's Where We Come In.
For over 25 years, we've specialized in retirement planning for Michigan's university and state employees. We understand the intricacies of 401(k) and 457 plans, state pension systems, and healthcare coverage transitions. We've guided hundreds of state workers through the exact decisions you're facing right now.
Who We've Helped
Mid-Career State Employee: The Department Manager
Who They Are:
A department manager in her mid-50s with 20 years of state service, contributing to both her 401(k) and 457 plan. She's eligible for retirement in five years but wasn't sure if she had enough saved or if she should work longer.
Problem They Faced:
She had accumulated significant retirement savings but had never created a comprehensive plan. She wasn't sure how her state pension would coordinate with her other retirement accounts, what her healthcare options would be, or whether she could afford to retire when first eligible.
Questions We Helped Answer:
- When can I afford to retire based on my pension and retirement savings?
- How do I maximize my state benefits in the years leading up to retirement?
- What will my monthly income look like in retirement from all sources?
- Should I continue working past my first eligibility date to increase my pension?
Who We've Helped
Pre-Retirement State Employee: The Retiring Administrator
Who They Are:
An administrator in his early 60s, planning to retire within the year, with questions about pension timing, healthcare coverage, tax-efficient withdrawal strategies, and Social Security coordination.
Problem They Faced:
He knew he wanted to retire soon but felt overwhelmed by all the moving pieces. He had both a 401(k) and 457 plan, needed to understand his pension payout options, and was concerned about healthcare coverage until Medicare kicked in at 65.
Questions We Helped Answer:
- What's the most tax-efficient way to draw income from my 401(k), 457, and pension?
- How do I bridge healthcare coverage from retirement to Medicare eligibility?
- When should I claim Social Security to maximize my lifetime benefits?
- What happens to my spouse's benefits if something happens to me?
- How do I structure my withdrawals to minimize taxes throughout retirement?
Why State Employees Choose Us
We're Independent Advisors, Not Tied to Any State Plan Provider.
Most 401(k) and 457 plan providers are excellent at managing investments, but they have a built-in conflict: they want to keep your money in their products, whether or not that's the best strategy for you.
We're different:
- Fiduciary Obligation: We're legally required to act in your best interest, not push proprietary products
- State Benefits Expertise: We've guided hundreds of state employees through retirement transitions and understand Michigan's state benefit system inside and out
- Comprehensive Planning: We don't just manage investments; we coordinate ALL aspects of your financial life including taxes, healthcare, Social Security, and estate planning
- Independent Advice: We can objectively evaluate your retirement plan options and create strategies that work specifically for your situation
- Locally Owned & Operated: We're based in Lansing with both in-person and virtual meeting options available
- Life Planning Focus: Through our partnership with the Kinder Institute, we help you connect your money to what matters most in your life
The Podcast Episodes You Need
Getting ready to retire from state service? These episodes of Kitchen Table Finance are for you.
Ready to Get Clear on Your State Retirement Options?
Schedule a complimentary discovery call to discuss your situation, ask questions, and learn how we can help you create a retirement plan that supports the life you want to live.