Retirement Income Planning

At Genesis Wealth Management Group, we help people approaching retirement or already retired make the shift from building assets to turning savings into reliable, tax-efficient income. We coordinate withdrawal strategies (Roth conversions, RMD/QCD planning), Social Security timing, and Medicare/IRMAA considerations, while managing key risks—market volatility, inflation, and longevity. With a personalized plan and our Investment Advisor Representative and partnered CFP® team, you get clarity that builds confidence—so you can enjoy life on your terms without worrying about outliving your money.

Learn more about how Roth 401(k)s and Roth IRAs fit into your tax-free income strategy here.

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Our Collaborative Team Approach

You’ll work with two professionals who design your plan together:

Investment Advisor Representative

manages the investment engine—allocation, risk control, and tax-aware withdrawals—using diversified tools such as ETFs, bonds, individual securities, and—when appropriate—buffer or guaranteed‑income solutions.

Certified Financial Planner™ (CFP®)

architects the retirement income plan—Social Security timing, tax strategy (Roth conversions, RMD/QCD), Medicare IRMAA considerations, and estate alignment—so your spending stays sustainable. The result is clarity that builds confidence.

How It Works

Discovery Call

A short call to understand your accounts, goals, and timing for retirement.

Plan Design & Analysis

We build an income plan, coordinate withdrawals, and test it with Monte Carlo simulations.

Implementation

We set up income flows, align investments, and put strategies in place for taxes, Social Security, and Medicare.

Ongoing Monitoring

Regular reviews keep your income plan aligned with markets, expenses, and changing needs.

Why Retirement Planning Matters

Unlike accumulation years, retirement leaves little room for “do-overs.” Poor timing, unchecked risks, or inefficient withdrawals can significantly shorten the life of your portfolio. By using Monte Carlo simulations, funded ratio analysis, and risk capacity assessments, we help ensure your plan can withstand uncertainty and deliver the confidence you need.

Sequence of Returns Risk

Early market downturns can harm a plan just as withdrawals begin. We design buffers and cash-flow strategies to protect against this.

Longevity Risk

Retirement can last 20–30+ years. We ensure your income plan is built to last as long as you do.

Inflation Risk

We build strategies to help your income keep pace with inflation—especially rising healthcare costs.

Service Area

We proudly work with clients throughout Illinois and Missouri, providing personalized retirement planning and income strategies tailored to local needs. In the St. Louis Metro East region, we serve communities such as Edwardsville, Alton, O’Fallon, Belleville, and surrounding towns. Our reach extends into Central and Southern Illinois, including Springfield, Decatur, Carbondale, and nearby areas where business owners and families look for dependable retirement guidance. We also support clients in Eastern Missouri, from major hubs like St. Louis, St. Charles, and Columbia to the smaller communities in between. Whether you’re preparing for retirement, coordinating Social Security, or managing Medicare decisions, our team offers local expertise with the resources of a full-service wealth management group.

When was the last time you reexamined the risk levels in your retirement portfolio?

Learn more about the Color of Money Risk Analysis

FAQs

Yes. We build a claiming strategy that coordinates with your retirement income plan—optimizing start age, spousal/survivor benefits, and taxes—while also planning for Medicare IRMAA (the two-year income look-back that can raise Part B/D premiums).

Your plan is built for volatility—not surprised by it. We pre-set a cash/liquidity runway, may use buffer assets or guaranteed-income tools when appropriate, and follow rules-based rebalancing and withdrawal guardrails. We track Monte Carlo results and your funded-ratio; if thresholds are breached, we adjust allocation or withdrawals temporarily—then restore as markets recover.

Ideally 5–10 years before retirement—that “red zone” lets us manage sequence-of-returns risk, set withdrawal guardrails, and plan Roth conversions before RMDs and possible Medicare IRMAA surcharges. If you’re already retired, it’s not too late—a structured plan can still improve taxes, risk control, and cash-flow reliability.

Absolutely. We work with households of all sizes. Our Investment Advisor Representative and partnered CFP® team builds a right-sized plan and portfolio, using low-cost, diversified investments, tax-aware steps (401(k)/IRA/Roth/HSA), and clear next actions. We keep it simple today—and scale complexity as your needs grow.

Impact of the Social Security Fairness Act of 2025

The Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and Government Pension Offset (GPO) ended. These provisions reduced or eliminated the SS benefits of people who received a pension based on work that did not pay FICA tax.

WEP applied to your own PIA and reduced benefits by a maximum of 56%. GPO reduced your spousal and/or survivor benefits by two-thirds the value of your monthly pension. For a large enough pension, this could result in a complete elimination of spousal and/or survivor benefits.

People who receive a pension based on work that was not subject to FICA tax. This may include:

  • teachers, firefighters, and police officers in many states.
  • federal employees covered by the Civil Service Retirement System; and
  • people whose work had been covered by a foreign social security system.

The changes are retroactively effective for benefits payable after December 2023. In other words, WEP and GPO do not apply to benefits payable for January 2024 and later.

No action is needed at this time. Consider verifying that your address and direct deposit information are up to date to allow your benefits to be adjusted as quickly as possible.

You should file an application.

  • The most convenient way to apply for retirement or spousal benefits is online at www.ssa.gov/apply.
  • The survivor benefit application is not available online.
  • If you did not apply for retirement benefits because of WEP or spousal and/or survivor benefits because of GPO, you can apply over the phone.

Call 1-800-772-1213 Monday through Friday, from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. ET.

When the system asks, “How can I help you today?”, say “Fairness Act” and answer the question

This material is provided for educational purposes only. The information contained herein is based on current tax laws, which may change in the future. This material has been derived from sources believed to be reliable but is not guaranteed as to accuracy and completeness and does not purport to be a complete analysis of the materials discussed. It is not intended to provide any tax or legal advice or provide the basis for any financial decisions. Investment advisory services offered through Genesis Wealth Management Group, LLC.

Sources: BlackRock; Social Security Administration; Internal Revenue Service. Please see the Social Security Administration’s website at www.ssa.gov for more information, restrictions and limitations about Social Security benefits.

Deciding when to collect Social Security (SS)

Deciding when to collect Social Security (SS) retirement benefits can be difficult. Here are the top questions and answers to help you make your decision. Since your benefits will be based on your best 35 years of employment and the estimate assumes your current earnings will continue through FRA, the benefits you receive could be lower than the amount reflected in your statement. A more accurate estimate may be calculated by using the Retirement Estimator on the Social Security Administration’s website at www.ssa.gov.

My office can also run benefit estimates using your SSA earnings history (and your spouse, if applicable) to determine more accurate benefits and include reports using various longevity numbers and spousal claiming strategies with the goal of optimizing your benefit to your situation.

Yes. If you start collecting benefits and change your mind, you can file a “Request for Withdrawal of Application” form with the Social Security Administration (SSA). If the request is granted, you need to repay the SSA all the payments, including those received by any family member(s), that have been collected based on your work history. You can subsequently refile. The SSA restricts withdrawals to within 12 months of filing for benefits and will only allow one withdrawal per lifetime.

The SSA will automatically recalculate your benefits each year you continue to work. If your current income is greater than one of your previously calculated “best 35 years,” your benefits will be automatically adjusted upward. The increase generally will be made in October of the following year but will be retroactive to January 1st

You may be eligible to collect spousal or survivor benefits from your spouse or ex-spouse even if you have never worked or have not worked enough to qualify for your own retirement benefits.

You can apply for benefits for up to four months before you want your benefits to start. However, if you want to begin your benefits at age 62, you have to wait until you are at least 61 years and 9 months.

Yes. Everyone working in covered employment or self-employment regardless of age or eligibility for benefits must pay the SS payroll tax also known as Federal Insurance Contributions Act (FICA) tax. However, there are a few exceptions, such as an individual who qualifies for a religious exemption.

The answer depends on your overall income. The amount of your benefit that is taxable can range from 0%-85%. Individuals age 65+ may be able to reduce the taxes owed on their SS benefits through a deduction introduced by the One, Big, Beautiful Bill.

SS does not count unemployment benefits as earnings. They do not affect retirement benefits, but income from SS may reduce your unemployment compensation. Contact your state unemployment office for information on how your state applies the reduction.

Collecting Early

No. Reductions due to collecting early are permanent.

Based on the wages you earn each year, part or all of your benefits may be withheld. If you would prefer to keep the benefits from being withheld, you may elect to complete a “Request for Withdrawal of Application” form

No. Any amount withheld is lost. However, the SSA will increase your benefit at FRA by adjusting your reduction percentage to account for the withheld benefits.

Family Benefits

No. Spousal benefits are based on your spouse’s FRA benefit and when you collect spousal benefits. When your spouse collects will not affect the amount of your spousal benefits.

Yes, provided your spouse has filed for benefits.

No. Spousal benefits do not receive delayed retirement credits. Therefore, they are at their highest at FRA.

No, age-reduced spousal benefits could be available as early as age 62. Additionally, if you are caring for a child under age 16 (or any age if disabled before age 22), you are eligible for spousal benefits even if you are not yet retirement age. If you are working, your benefits may be subject to withholding based on your wages.

Yes. Children under age 18, 19 if still in high school, or any age if disabled before age 22 can collect retirement benefits when you file for benefits.

Yes, but any type of retirement benefit collected prior to FRA may be subject to withholding based on your wages.

No.

Survivor benefits can be collected as young as age 60, but this may result in a reduction of up to 28.5%.

Yes. You can opt to collect only survivor benefits and switch to your own individual benefits at a later date.

A child can receive a surviving child benefit at the rate of 75% of the deceased parent’s PIA. Benefits are payable until the child reaches age 18, 19 if still in high school, or any age if disabled before age 22. If more than two people are receiving benefits, they will be subject to a family maximum.

Divorced Benefits

Yes. You must be unmarried when you apply for spousal benefits based on an ex-spouse’s work history.

No. You are entitled to collect on only one record, but the SSA will pay the highest benefit.

This material is provided for educational purposes only. The information contained herein is based on current tax laws, which may change in the future. This material has been derived from sources believed to be reliable but is not guaranteed as to accuracy and completeness and does not purport to be a complete analysis of the materials discussed. It is not intended to provide any tax or legal advice or provide the basis for any financial decisions. Investment advisory services offered through Genesis Wealth Management Group, LLC.

Sources: BlackRock; Social Security Administration; Internal Revenue Service. Please see the Social Security Administration’s website at www.ssa.gov for more information, restrictions and limitations about Social Security benefits.

Schedule a Complimentary Consultation

It’s time to transform your hard-earned savings into a reliable retirement income plan you can count on. At Genesis Wealth Management Group, our retirement planning team provides a personalized review of your accounts and retirement goals, stress-tests your current strategy, and builds a clear roadmap designed to support your lifestyle for decades to come.

Your complimentary consultation includes:

  • Review of your current financial situation – We take a close look at your retirement accounts, Social Security benefits, and spending goals.

  • Benchmarking and income testing – Using advanced tools like Monte Carlo simulations and funded ratio analysis, we evaluate whether your income plan can withstand market changes, inflation, and longevity.

  • Clear recommendations you can act on right away – We outline practical next steps, from optimizing withdrawals to coordinating Medicare and tax strategies, so you leave with an actionable plan.

Give yourself peace of mind and the confidence of a retirement income strategy built to last.

Contact Us

Why Medicare and Long-Term Care Decisions Belong in Your Retirement Plan

Not Just Insurance Purchases—Critical Retirement Planning Decisions

Too often, Medicare enrollment and long-term care (LTC) coverage are treated like routine insurance purchases: pick a plan, pay the premium, and move on. But in reality, these decisions carry long-term financial consequences. They must be integrated into a comprehensive retirement strategy to protect both your health and your wealth.

At Genesis Wealth Management Group, we believe Medicare and LTC planning should never be isolated choices. Instead, they should be coordinated with your income strategy, tax planning, and retirement goals.

The Common Mistake: Treating Healthcare Like a One-Off Expense

Many retirees make two costly assumptions:

– Medicare covers all healthcare costs — In reality, Medicare does not pay for most long-term care expenses, custodial care, or extended stays in assisted living facilities.
– LTC can be addressed later — By delaying, individuals risk higher premiums, limited coverage options, or no coverage at all due to declining health.

This narrow view can lead to:
– Paying too much for unnecessary coverage
– Facing large out-of-pocket costs in later years
– Higher Medicare IRMAA surcharges from uncoordinated withdrawals
– Unexpected long-term care bills draining retirement savings

A Better Way: Integrating Medicare and LTC Into Retirement Income Planning

Your health, income, and wealth are interconnected. Choosing Medicare and LTC solutions in isolation creates risk. Coordinating them within a retirement income plan ensures protection and efficiency.

At Genesis, our team-based approach integrates:
– Income distribution planning — balancing withdrawals to manage premiums and out-of-pocket costs
– Tax efficiency and IRMAA mitigation — structuring income to minimize Medicare surcharges
– Social Security timing — aligning benefits with healthcare and LTC needs
– Risk management — evaluating both risk tolerance and risk capacity to weather health or market shocks
– Legacy and estate planning — protecting assets for heirs while planning for future care

Why Long-Term Care Belongs in the Conversation

Unlike Medicare, which follows a standardized structure, long-term care (LTC) policies are highly variable and complex. Coverage terms, benefit triggers, elimination periods, inflation riders, and daily benefit amounts can look very different from one insurer to the next. This lack of standardization makes it nearly impossible to evaluate policies on cost alone.

That’s why LTC planning should be done as part of a comprehensive retirement strategy, where choices can be evaluated against:
– Your overall income needs and withdrawal plan
– Tax efficiency and potential IRMAA impacts
– Your family’s caregiving preferences
– Legacy and estate goals

By making LTC decisions in the context of your retirement plan—not just as an insurance purchase—you gain clarity, ensure adequate protection, and avoid costly gaps.

A Note on My Role

– I work closely with our partnered team of CFP® professionals to:
– Help you understand how Medicare and LTC decisions fit into your broader retirement plan
– Provide an objective review of the options available
– Walk you through the decision-making process so you can choose the coverage best suited to your financial goals, health needs, and family situation

This approach ensures that every recommendation I make is guided solely by your best interest, not by product sales or commissions.

The Genesis Wealth Management Difference

When you work with Genesis Wealth Management Group, you gain:
– A collaborative team of Investment Advisor Representatives and partnered team of Certified Financial Planner™ professionals
– Integrated planning that connects Medicare, LTC, income, and taxes
– Ongoing support as your healthcare and care needs evolve
– Personalized strategies for IRMAA, Social Security, and LTC funding

Plan for Healthcare the Right Way

Medicare and long-term care aren’t just checkboxes—they’re essential pillars of a secure retirement. By making these decisions in advance and integrating them into your plan, you gain peace of mind and protect your financial future.

👉 Schedule a no-obligation consultation today to see how our team can help you align your healthcare choices with your retirement goals.

Unlike Medicare, which provides broad health coverage, LTC planning addresses the reality that nearly 70% of retirees will need some form of care. Options include:

– Traditional LTC insurance
– Hybrid life + LTC policies
– Self-funding strategies within the retirement plan

By addressing LTC early, retirees lock in better options, reduce family stress, and safeguard their wealth against one of the most significant retirement risks.

  • Options include:
  • Traditional LTC insurance
  • Hybrid life + LTC policies
  • Self-funding strategies within the retirement plan