Retirement Financial Advisor in Seattle

Fiduciary | Fee Only | Certified and Experienced

Preparing for retirement can feel intimidating and isolating, but whether you've been investing for decades or are just starting to focus on what comes next, we believe that you deserve thoughtful, judgment-free guidance. At Retirement Planning Partner, we meet you where you are. Based in the Pacific Northwest, Chris Maggio provides personal retirement advice rooted in real conversations, not sales tactics. If you're looking for a retirement financial advisor in Seattle who listens first and helps you move forward with clarity, you're in the right place. As a fee-only advisor, Retirement Planning Partner always has your best interests in mind.

Trust a Local Retirement Planning Expert

There comes a stage in life where you need to protect what you've worked for. Retirement Planning Partner offers financial guidance that fits the realities of this region, from rising housing costs to shifting tax implications in Washington State. The advice you receive from us will reflect your life, your priorities, and the people you care about.

Chris Maggio's Background

Chris Maggio brings over 15 years of experience in personal finance and investing, and she has a diverse background in business ownership, stockbroking, and teaching.  The moments she experienced watching her own children grow up and enter the workforce sparked a commitment to helping others navigate retirement without confusion or judgment. Her approach blends professional expertise with a deep sense of empathy.

Clients often come to Chris feeling unsure of whether they've "done enough." She creates a calm, respectful space to talk it through. Whether you've built a large nest egg or feel left behind, Chris would be happy to help you prepare for the future.

Fiduciary, Fee-Only, and Committed to Your Best Interests

Chris is a fiduciary financial advisor, which means she is legally required to act in your best interest at all times. She operates on a fee-only model with no commissions, no hidden product sales, and no quotas to meet. You're paying for advice, not transactions.

This structure allows the entire conversation to center on your goals. Whether you're deciding when to take Social Security, trying to figure out how much you can afford to spend each year, or thinking about helping your adult children financially, you'll always get guidance shaped by what works best for you.

How We Can Help

Some clients need help reviewing old 401(k)s and IRAs, while others need to sort out Medicare options or make sure their financial wishes are clearly documented. Once your concerns are on the table, we'll build a plan that supports your version of retirement..

Income and Tax Planning

Chris helps you figure out how to draw income from various sources---401(k)s, IRAs, Roth accounts, brokerage accounts, pensions, and Social Security---in a way that supports long-term financial health.

For example, if you're retiring at 62 but delaying Social Security until 67, we might talk about drawing from taxable accounts first to bridge that gap. If you're approaching required minimum distributions at 73, we might look at Roth conversions in lower tax years to reduce future tax burdens. These decisions can help you stretch your savings further and avoid tax surprises.

Seattle's high cost of living makes this kind of detailed planning even more important. A good strategy can help cover ongoing expenses like property taxes and healthcare while still giving you room for travel, hobbies, or helping out your kids.

Healthcare Asset Protection

We recommend accounting for potential healthcare costs well in advance. Chris helps you map out a realistic approach to future medical costs, including Medicare and long-term care planning.

Let's say you're 64 and thinking about retiring next year. We'll walk through what enrolling in Medicare would look like, what supplemental policies might cost, and how those expenses could evolve. If you're concerned about long-term care draining your assets, we can talk about using a portion of your retirement savings to self-insure or whether it makes sense to explore hybrid insurance policies.

Legacy Planning

Many clients want to leave something behind for their children or grandchildren, but aren't sure how to structure inheritance. Legacy planning can involve simple beneficiary designations, more complex trusts, or even larger family conversations.

Chris is not an attorney, but she can help you think through your goals and coordinate with your estate planning professional. She is also happy to work with your estate planning attorney. For instance, if you want to make sure your daughter inherits your home without the hassle of probate, or if you're setting aside money for a grandchild's education, we'll talk through what's possible.

Some families want to avoid conflict after they're gone. Others want to be more proactive and start gifting while alive or gradually transitioning wealth to the next generation. We can make those conversations more approachable and help you outline a clear, values-based plan.

Life Transitions

Many life changes can occur after retirement. You may be stepping into a caregiving role for a spouse or parent. You might be welcoming a new grandchild and wondering if it's time to move closer. Or perhaps you've lost a loved one and need help sorting through the financial aftermath.

These transitions are emotionally challenging, but we can help with the technical fallout of such changes. Chris brings calm, steady guidance to those moments. She'll help you evaluate whether to stay in your home, how to adjust your spending, or how to process an inheritance. You won't be rushed.

Other Retirement Planning Services

Chris also provides help with decisions like whether to consolidate old retirement accounts, how to balance investment risk in retirement, and how to budget for big-ticket goals like remodeling your home or buying an RV for cross-country travel. If you're someone who wants to stay hands-on, we'll go line by line through your financial picture.

How We Can Work Together

Comprehensive Retirement Planning Services

This option is ideal if you want a full review of your financial situation with ongoing support over time. Chris will put together a written retirement plan and provide updates as your life and finances evolve. You will then receive regular check-ins over the first year of the plan, and we'll build a relationship that you can count on over the long term. This is an excellent full-service retirement planning option for many folks in the Seattle area.

Hourly Advising and Financial Review

If you just need help with one specific decision, like when to take your pension, how to invest your 401(k), or whether to downsize, hourly advising might be a better fit. It's flexible and low-commitment. Many clients start with a one-time review and later decide whether they'd like to expand the relationship.

Let's Talk About What's Next

Retirement should be about shaping the life you want to live, and feeling secure in the resources at your disposal. Whether you're still working, already retired, or somewhere in between, Chris Maggio offers support that's clear and tailored to you.

If you live in Seattle, Bellevue, Kirkland, Redmond, Renton, Woodinville, Shoreline, or anywhere in the Puget Sound region, we'd love to learn more about your goals. We also work with clients in Tacoma, Everett, and communities throughout King, Snohomish, and Pierce Counties. The first step is a simple 15-minute call. No pressure, no expectations -- just a chance to talk things through and see if we're the right fit.