An independent, fee- and advice-only financial planning firm that specializes in retirement income distribution planning for the draw down phase of people's financial lifetimes, when they're no longer receiving a paycheck from their jobs but must still fund their lifestyles during a potentially lengthy retirement.
The area of financial planning that's focused on holistically managing investments, income and risks to sustainably meet lifestyle spending goals for as long as one lives, providing a legacy for the family or community, and maintaining liquidity to cover the unexpected expenses and contingencies in retirement.
Most planning firms focus on saving for retirement. While that's important, spending in retirement -- retirement income planning -- is far more complex than saving for retirement. For good reason, since maintaining steady spending power over a potentially long retirement while facing many risks is not something everyone can manage effectively. We bring a unique combination of experience, skills, and training to this problem domain to help our clients best utilize their resources in retirement.
The services are most beneficial for the middle mass and middle affluent consumers soon to retire or just going into retirement seeking to create a safe and predictable source of retirement income, address retirement uncertainties and meet other retirement goals. We accomplish this by taking a comprehensive approach to structuring retirement assets, income, and risks for those who do not want the extra stress that comes from trying to manage the complexities of spending, investing, and taxes in retirement on their own.
Our services are not optimized for those seeking guidance with young family planning, college planning, debt management, stock options, and alternative investments.
We offer hour and ongoing pricing models. Click here to learn more.
No. As a digital-first firm, I can work with clients in Portland and across the country using the latest technology. All we ask is that you be comfortable with virtual interactions.
No. I am an assets under advice (AUA) financial planner, which means I do not manage investments, and only provide specific advice on your investment portfolio.
Fee-only means I do not accept any commissions from financial products or third parties. I am compensated for my services directly by you, my client(s). This allows me to be an objective partner in your financial planning decisions. You will always know exactly what you are paying me before our engagement begins.
Yes, Mark Sharp Retirement is a fiduciary to its clients. A fiduciary has the highest ethical obligation to put the clients' interests ahead of their own.
The CFP® designation represents a high level of competency, ethics and professionalism. Many professionals can call themselves "financial planners", but as a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional, I have completed demanding training and experience requirements and I am continuously held to rigorous ethical standards. To learn more about what it entails to become a CFP® professional, read here.
The RICP® designation provides comprehensive instruction on building integrated and comprehensive retirement financial plans. A retirement income certified professional (RICP®) specializes in retirement income planning. RICPs help retirees and near-retirees to use the assets they have accumulated to spend sustainably in retirement. To learn more about what it entails to become a RICP® professional, read here.
An enrolled agent is a tax practitioner licensed at the federal level by the IRS skilled in tax law, tax preparation and tax planning. The enrolled agent status is the highest credential awarded by the IRS. To learn more about what it entails to become a Enrolled Agent professional, read here.
I am a member of the Fee-Only Network, a network of financial planners who have been vetted to meet the high standards of NAPFA for strict fee-only compensation and ethical obligation.
I am a member of the Garrett Planning Network, an organization of advisors who provide advice to people from all walks of life, without minimum account requirements, sales commissions or long-term commitments. We embrace our fiduciary duty, always placing our clients’ best interests first.
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