Simplicity, the Secret to a Successful Retirement Plan

By: Chip and Jamie Hunt

When it comes to retirement, complexity isn’t comforting. In fact, a simpler financial plan might be the most powerful strategy you can have.

“Can You Just Explain It in Plain English?”

This is one of the most common requests we hear from family CFOs preparing for retirement—they have carefully managed household finances for years, lived within their means, and now want to ensure their savings will support the next chapter of life.

The problem?

Retirement planning can feel like an avalanche of accounts, rules, and decisions. And most people don’t want to become financial experts at this stage—they just want a plan that works and that they can trust.

The good news is you don’t need a complicated plan to have a successful retirement.

Simple retirement plans are often the most successful.

And more importantly—they’re the ones that help you sleep at night.

Simplicity Isn’t Laziness—It’s Wisdom

There’s a myth in the financial world that complexity equals sophistication. But real-life experience tells us something different: clarity creates confidence.

If a retirement plan is too complicated to explain clearly, it’s likely too complicated to trust.

At our firm, we believe everyone deserves:

• A plan they can understand
• A strategy that adapts but doesn’t overwhelm
• A guide they can trust to explain things plainly, with patience and empathy

What a “Simple” Retirement Plan Looks Like

A simplified plan isn’t a stripped-down one—it’s a streamlined one. The goal is to align your money with your real-life needs in a way that’s intuitive and durable.

Here’s what that usually includes:

1. One clear monthly income plan
   You get a reliable “retirement paycheck” from savings, Social Security, and other accounts—without scrambling to figure out what to sell or when.
2. Organized accounts with a purpose
   Retirement assets are segmented into buckets for spending now, later, and emergencies. (Not scattered across 9 overlapping accounts.)
3. A tax-smart withdrawal strategy
   We coordinate your IRA, Roth, and brokerage account withdrawals to reduce taxes and stretch your savings.
4. A manageable investment mix
   No more chasing the latest trend or worrying about market moves. Just a sound portfolio built for income, stability, and peace of mind.

What to Avoid: Complexity for Complexity’s Sake

Some advisors (or “financial entertainers”) love throwing around terms like “alternative investments,” “risk parity hedges,” or “leveraged ETFs.”

But here’s what most people like you want:

• To know they can spend responsibly without running out
• To understand the plan, not just be told to trust it
• To feel safe, steady, and supported through the ups and downs

That doesn’t require Wall Street wizardry. It requires good planning, thoughtful communication, and a healthy dose of common sense.

Why Simple = Durable

The beauty of a simple retirement plan is that it works when life changes.

• If you need more cash this month—no panic.
• If the market dips—you know the plan already accounted for it.
• If your spouse retires early or healthcare costs shift—you can adjust without starting from scratch.

Simplicity makes it easier to stay on course.

You’re Not Alone

If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by the decisions, options, or paperwork of retirement—you’re in good company. Most of our clients come to us feeling the same way.

What they want—and what we offer—is:

• A partner who takes time to understand their whole picture
• A plan that’s built to last (not built to impress)
• A process that feels human, not transactional

This article is provided for informational purposes only. It is always best to counsel with your financial advisor or your tax professional to ensure that you make the best decision for your circumstances.