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Retirement Planning
Income, Taxes, and Decisions That Stick for Thirty Years.
Retirement isn't an event — it's a thirty-year financial chapter with fewer do-overs than any other. With pensions disappearing and Social Security under pressure, the decisions you make at 60 will shape the way you live at 85.
Black Diamond builds retirement plans that map your income, expenses, and tax exposure across the full length of retirement. We start where you actually are, plan for what you actually want, and revise as life changes. The work is concrete: how much income, from where, taxed how.
How We Can Help
Client Case Study
Mark & Lori
Ages: 63 & 64
Key Concerns:
- Social Security timing
- Taxes in retirement
- Market risk management
After successful careers in New York, Mark and Lori relocated to Delaware and were feeling overwhelmed by pension choices, Social Security decisions, and market risk. Black Diamond helped them fit the retirement puzzle pieces together — navigating income taxes, optimizing Social Security, and structuring their portfolio to provide both security and growth throughout retirement.
Please Note: The above Case Study is hypothetical and does not involve an actual client. Clients and prospective clients could experience different results while engaged with BDFS Capital.
Ready to Talk?
Schedule a free 30-minute conversation with a Black Diamond CFP® professional. No paperwork, no pitch.
Schedule a Free Consultation (302) 265-2236Client Review
“I have nothing but good things to say about the concise and informative way that Ken Reese has helped us manage our finances through retirement. Ken is never too busy to meet with us and/or answer any questions. He has been beyond helpful.”
Posted publicly on Google Reviews in October 2025 by a current client.
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Common Questions
Retirement Planning — Common Questions
When should I start retirement planning?
The decade leading up to retirement is when planning matters most. That's when income strategy, Social Security timing, tax-efficient withdrawals, and Roth conversions all have to be coordinated. If you're within 10 years of retirement, it's time.
Can Black Diamond help with Social Security timing?
Yes. Social Security claiming is one of the few financial decisions with a clear math answer for most people — and getting it wrong can cost tens of thousands over a retirement. We model your timing options against your other income sources.
How much do I need to retire?
The right number depends on your expenses, your other income (Social Security, pensions), your tax exposure, and how long you expect retirement to last. There's no industry-standard rule — only what's true for your situation. The first conversation covers exactly that.