Retirement Income Planning Services in Seattle

Fiduciary | Fee Only | Certified and Experienced

Income planning is one of the most misunderstood elements of retirement. After years of steady paychecks, suddenly the burden of generating income shifts onto your shoulders. The timing of withdrawals, the mix of account types, the role of Social Security, and how to stay ahead of inflation may feel overwhelming.

We help people across Seattle and the surrounding region create income plans that are stable, flexible, and tax-efficient. If you're approaching retirement or already there, now is the time to make decisions that will carry you forward for the next 20 or 30 years and beyond.

The Importance of Income Planning

Most retirees no longer have an employer providing predictable paychecks every two weeks. Instead, income comes from multiple sources: 401(k)s, IRAs, pensions, brokerage accounts, Social Security, and sometimes part-time work. It can be tempting to hear about and follow a rule of thumb, like the 4% rule. But does that leave you withdrawing too much, or spending too little? Do you have the knowledge to take advantage of low tax situations? Have the ability to look at the full picture?.

According to the Economic Research Institute's Cost-of-Living Index, the cost of living in Seattle is 19.4% higher than the national average. Therefore, income planning becomes even more important. That number can shift quickly with property taxes, healthcare expenses, or inflation in essentials like food, gas, and home insurance.

If you retire at 65 and live into your early 90s, that's a 25- to 30-year window where your money needs to work for you. A smart income plan helps reduce anxiety and gives you the confidence to enjoy your retirement without constantly worrying about what's in your accounts.

Meet Chris Maggio

Fee-Only and Fiduciary

Chris operates as a fiduciary. As such, she is legally and ethically obligated to put your best interests first. Unlike brokers or commission-based advisors, she does not receive compensation from the sale of financial products like annuities, mutual funds, or insurance. And as a fee-only practice, she is paid directly and only by her clients. There are no commissions, hidden fees, or incentives. This structure is intended to remove conflicts of interest and keep the planning process transparent.

A Well-Rounded Background

Chris has worked in financial services for over 15 years and launched her own firm after significant experience as a stock broker, teacher, and mother.

She works with people across Seattle and nearby communities, including Bellevue, Kirkland, Woodinville, Renton, and Tacoma, who want a retirement income plan that feels sustainable and practical. Her clients range from high-income earners approaching retirement to people who feel they've waited too long to get started. Regardless of your status or background, she is here to help you enjoy a more secure retirement.

What's In a Retirement Income Plan?

Coordinating Account Withdrawals

You might have a mix of pre-tax (like a 401(k) or traditional IRA), Roth, and taxable brokerage accounts. A smart withdrawal plan considers which accounts to pull from first and how much to take from each. For example, early in retirement we might recommend drawing from your taxable account while allowing your Roth IRA to continue growing tax-free.

Or, if your income temporarily dips before Social Security begins, you may have a few low-tax years where Roth conversions could lower your future required minimum distributions.

Social Security Timing

The timing of your Social Security claim can make a significant difference. Claiming at age 62 could reduce your monthly benefit by 25 to 30 percent compared to waiting until full retirement age or beyond.

Chris helps clients evaluate what makes sense based on their health, family longevity, other income streams, and desire for flexibility. In some cases, one spouse claims early while the other waits, and this helps to balance household cash flow with long-term survivor benefits.

Inflation and Longevity

A strong retirement income plan considers inflation, rising healthcare costs, and the real possibility of living into your 90s. If your current spending is $6,000 a month, with 3% average inflation, that number rises to over $8,500 per month after 15 years. Chris helps you build a buffer and adjust your investment strategy so your income keeps pace, even as expenses grow.

Pension Decisions and Part-Time Income

If you're lucky enough to have a pension, you might face important decisions like lump sum vs. monthly payment, single life vs. joint survivor benefit, or when to start collecting. These choices are often irreversible.

Some retirees plan to work part-time, consult, or rent out property. That income might reduce how much you need to withdraw, but it also has tax implications and can affect Medicare premiums. Chris helps you factor all of this into a single, coordinated plan.

Guardrails and Flexibility

Retirement income planning isn't a set-it-and-forget-it process, and we'll build in flexibility so you can adjust as needed. Maybe you decide to relocate to move closer to your family. Chris can help you evaluate your changing life goals and wishes through thoughtful discussion and  responsible decision making. If a grandchild is born and you want to help with child care or education, we can talk through the impact and options.

Personalized Retirement Income Planning in Seattle

Chris Maggio works with clients throughout the Puget Sound region to create retirement income strategies that match their goals, lifestyle, and comfort level. Now is the time to review your income sources, evaluate tax opportunities, and plan for a fulfilling retirement.

We work with individuals and couples in Seattle, Bellevue, Redmond, Kirkland,Woodinville, Shoreline, Renton, Tacoma, Everett, and other nearby areas. The first step is a short 15-minute call, and we will quickly review your situation and how Retirement Planning Partner can help you.