The Right Decisions in the 5 Years Before Retirement Changes Everything.
In a focused 15-minute session, our team will review your retirement picture, identify your most important gaps, and give you actionable next steps.
- Zero commitment
- Get insight into your plan
- See if we're the right fit
WHAT HAPPENS ON THIS SESSION
A Focused Conversation.
Something Useful Right Away.
Our team will ask a few questions about where you are in your retirement journey, then help you identify potential gaps in your plan. It is a straightforward conversation designed to give you something useful right away.
Where You Are Today
Our team will ask a few focused questions about your savings, timeline, and goals to understand where you are in your retirement journey.
Identifying the Gaps
Whether it is tax planning, income timing, or investment structure, we will help you identify the areas of your plan that need attention.
Something You Can Act On
You leave the session with actionable next steps tailored to your situation, whether you become a client or not.
WHAT THIS SESSION ADDRESSES
The Questions Most Pre-Retirees Are Quietly Carrying.
If any of these sound familiar, this session was built for you.
Can I actually afford to retire?
You've saved $500K, maybe even $1M+, but every calculator gives different answers. You need clarity, not more confusion.
We Address This on the Call
When should I claim social security?
The wrong decision could cost you over $100,000 in lifetime benefits. We'll help you potentially find your optimal claiming strategy.
We Address This on the Call
Am I paying too much in taxes?
Between 401(k), IRA, and Social Security, poor planning could cost tens of thousands. Strategic Roth conversions and withdrawal sequencing may help.
We Address This on the Call
What about health care before medicare?
If you retire before 65, bridging the healthcare gap can be one of your biggest expenses. Navigating your options feels overwhelming and expensive.
We Address This on the Call
Is my current advisor truly working for me?
As a fiduciary firm, we are legally required to act in your best interest. Not all advisors operate under that standard. It is worth understanding the difference.
We Address This on the Call
Do I have a real retirement plan or just a number?
A balance in your account is not a retirement plan. A written strategy built around your life is.
We Address This on the Call
IS THIS SESSION RIGHT FOR YOU?
We Work Best With a Specific
Kind of Client. Here Is Who That Is.
THIS SESSION IS A STRONG FIT IF
- You are between 50 and 64 yers old
- You have $500,000 or more in investable assets
- You are planning to retire in the next 1-10 years
- You are looking for a second opinon on your current retirement plan
THIS SESSION MAY NOT BE THE RIGHT FIT IF
- You have less than $500,000 in investable assets
- You are not planning to retiree in the foreseeable future
- You are primarily looking for investment tips or market predictions
- You are not open to an honest review of your current approach
COMMON QUESTIONS
A Few Things People Often Ask Before Booking
These are the most common hesitations we hear. We want to answer them honestly before you decide.
I don't want to be sold something.
That is not what this session is. You will receive genuine guidance whether you become a client or not. No pressure, no follow-up pitch if it is not the right fit.
I already work with a financial advisor.
A second opinion from a fiduciary costs you nothing and often surfaces things worth knowing. Many of our best client relationships started exactly this way.
I'm not ready to make any decisions yet.
You do not have to. The purpose of this call is to give you clarity on where you stand. Knowing that, especially 5 years out, is potentially time well spent.
Is 15 minutes really enough time?
A focused 15-minute conversation with our team may give you more insight than months of researching on your own.
THE TEAM BEHIND THE SESSION
An Experienced Firm with a National Reputation
When you book a session with Bernicke, you are working with a team that has spent four decades helping families navigate the most important financial decisions of their lives.
40
Years serving families in Wisconsin & Minnesota
900+
Current families being guided through retirement
#5 in WI
Ty Bernicke, Forbes Best-In-State Advisor (9 consecutive years)
97%
Client retention rate
Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Advisors ranking developed by SHOOK Research, LLC. Awarded April 7, 2026 based on data as of June 30, 2025. Neither SHOOK Research nor Forbes receives compensation for placement on the rankings. Rankings are not indicative of future performance or representative of any one client’s experience.
GOOGLE REVIEWS
See Why People Choose to Work With Bernicke
The Google reviews above may be from current or former clients, or individuals who are not clients of Bernicke Wealth Management (“BWM”). Reviews have not been verified or edited by BWM and do not reflect the views of the firm or its advisors. Reviewers have not been compensated or received any material incentives for providing a review. BWM has maintained an “Excellent” 5-star rating on Google since October 16, 2021. Ratings are subject to change and are not indicative of future investment performance or success. No material conflicts of interest have been identified within these reviews.
IN THEIR WORDS
“We have been using the services of Bernicke Wealth Management for twenty years and have been very satisfied. We appreciate the personal attention given to our investment portfolio and the time spent with us on at least an annual basis to review our finances. We highly recommend this company.”
JOHN – ALTOONA, WI
Client for 20+ years
Clients have not been paid or received any other compensation for making these statements. As a result, the client does not receive any material incentives or benefits for providing the testimonial. These views may not be representative of the views of other clients and are not indicative of future performance or success.
The Best Time to Get Clarity on Your Retirement Plan Is Right Now.
A complimentary 15-minute retirement strategy session with our team. Backed by 40 years of retirement planning experience.
What to Expect: This is a genuine conversation, not a sales pitch. You’ll walk away with useful information whether you work with us or not.