Mark Sharp Retirement is a virtual, independent financial planning firm that helps individuals and couples transition from work life into retirement. The firm specializes in turning retirement savings into sustainable, tax-efficient income and providing personalized guidance for those who are nearing or newly retired.
The practice is intentionally small and high-touch, allowing for informed, client-focused service. By working with a limited number of clients, Mark stays closely involved in decisions around retirement income, tax planning, and long-term strategy—creating continuity, proactive guidance, and an ongoing planning relationship.
Mark Sharp Retirement is best suited for individuals and couples who are nearing retirement or newly retired and want a thoughtful, coordinated approach to retirement income, tax planning, and investment decisions.
Clients who work well with the firm value clarity, intentional decision-making, and an ongoing planning relationship. They’re looking for guidance that reflects what matters most to them—not just numbers or market performance—and appreciate starting with values before moving into strategy.
Mark Sharp Retirement may not be the right fit for those seeking one-time or transactional advice, quick recommendations, or product-driven solutions. It’s also not designed for individuals in the early accumulation phase who are primarily focused on asset growth rather than retirement income planning.
Because the firm begins with deep discovery and prioritizes long-term relationships, it works best for people who are comfortable slowing down, having meaningful conversations, and building a plan around their values before discussing specific strategies.
Mark Sharp Retirement is intentionally structured as a small, high-touch practice. Clients work directly with Mark on an ongoing basis, rather than being passed between advisors or teams.
This allows for deeper understanding, greater continuity, and proactive guidance across retirement income, tax planning, and long-term decisions. Serving fewer clients makes it possible to stay closely engaged and ensure that every recommendation reflects the client’s values, goals, and vision for retirement—just as established during the Discovery process.
Your plan is designed to keep moving even if I’m briefly unavailable or facing an unexpected event. Your accounts continue to operate normally through the custodian, and your planning work is fully documented and securely stored.
If I’m away for a short period, the custodian can help with time-sensitive requests. And if I were ever unable to continue my work, a trusted advisor I’ve designated would step in temporarily while you decide how you’d like to move forward.
You get the focus of a solo advisor with the stability of a well-structured system.
Several pricing options are available. Click here to learn more.
No, we can work with clients in Portland and nationwide as a virtual-first financial services firm. Using the latest technology, we provide seamless service wherever you are—all we ask is that you're comfortable with virtual meetings.
In most cases, yes.
Our fee-only model means we do not accept commissions from third parties for the financial products or services we recommend. Instead, we are compensated directly by you, our client, ensuring we remain an objective partner in your financial planning decisions. Our fees are always transparent and clearly outlined before we begin working together.
At Mark Sharp Retirement, we act as fiduciaries for our clients, meaning we are ethically obligated to prioritize your interests above our own in all financial decisions.
The CFP® designation signifies a high standard of expertise, ethics, and professionalism. While many may call themselves "financial planners," as a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional, I have undergone extensive training, met strict experience requirements, and am held to rigorous ethical standards. To learn more about what it takes to become a CFP® professional, click here.
The RICP® designation offers in-depth training on creating holistic and integrated retirement financial plans. A Retirement Income Certified Professional (RICP®) specializes in retirement income planning, guiding retirees and those nearing retirement on how to sustainably manage and spend their accumulated assets. To learn more about what it takes to become an RICP® professional, click here.
The WMCP® designation equips professionals with deep expertise in developing comprehensive investment strategies. A Wealth Management Certified Professional (WMCP®) focuses on investment planning and management, assisting retirees in creating goal-oriented investment plans while managing behavioral challenges, wealth transfers, and assets to optimize financial outcomes. To learn more about the path to becoming a WMCP® professional, click here.
An Enrolled Agent is a federally licensed tax practitioner, authorized by the IRS, with expertise in tax law, tax preparation, and tax planning. It is the highest credential awarded by the IRS. To learn more about what it takes to become an Enrolled Agent, click here.
Additionally, we belong to the Fee-Only Network, a group of financial planners vetted to meet NAPFA’s rigorous standards for fee-only compensation and ethical responsibility.
We’re also part of the Garrett Planning Network, a nationwide community of advisors committed to providing accessible, objective financial advice to people from all walks of life.
As members of the Financial Planning Association (FPA), we uphold the highest standards of professional competence and ethical conduct in the profession.
Across all affiliations, we act as fiduciaries, always putting our clients’ best interests first.
Retirement income planning is the process of turning the savings you’ve built over your career into a reliable, tax-efficient income stream that supports your lifestyle throughout retirement. It goes beyond budgeting—it integrates spending, investing, risk management, and tax strategy to help ensure your money lasts as long as you need it to.
The goal is to give you the confidence to enjoy retirement on your terms, provide for the people and causes you care about, and stay prepared for the unexpected.
Great! Schedule a discovery call here. We look forward to speaking with you!