Retirement & Succession Planning
Moving from Accumulation to Sustained Income.
Retire without outliving your capital. Pass a business forward without family conflict. We build tailored income streams and clear succession pathways that navigate tax, liquidity, and generational change with precision. This is not a single number—it's a dynamic, resilient strategy.
The Retirement Horizon: From Accumulation to Distribution
Retirement planning is a multi-phase journey. We map your income gap, structure phased withdrawals, and mitigate longevity risk with transparent, evidence-based strategies.
Phase 1: The Income Gap
We quantify the shortfall between projected expenses and guaranteed income (pensions, social security). This becomes the target our investments must sustainably fund.
Phase 2: Phased Withdrawals
Asset allocation shifts dynamically. Pre-retirement: growth-oriented. Post-retirement: income-generating and capital preservation. The order of taxable, tax-deferred, and tax-free accounts is optimized to minimize lifetime tax.
Phase 3: Longevity & Inflation
We structure portfolios for 30+ years using tools like bond ladders as a safety net. A 5-7% annual increase is built into the plan to preserve purchasing power against inflation.
Data Source: Based on client-provided cash flow projections and government pension estimates. All figures are hypothetical and for illustrative planning purposes only.
Assumption Footnote: Calculations assume a 5% nominal annual return and 3% inflation. Actual results will vary and are not guaranteed.
Core Principle
Retirement income must be resilient to market volatility and personal longevity.
Methodology
We stress-test plans against 1,000+ market scenarios, not historical averages alone.
Outcome
A clear, tax-aware strategy that balances current lifestyle with legacy goals.
Succession Planning: The Three Pillars
Business and wealth succession are an integrated strategy. We structure transitions around three pillars: valuation, governance, and liquidity.
Valuation & Sale Strategy
We use DCF and market multiples to establish a fair value. The sale structure (seller note, earn-out) is designed to maximize after-tax proceeds and align with your financial goals.
Family Governance Charter
A clear framework defining roles, decision rights, and conflict resolution for heirs. Prevents fragmentation and ensures the business outlives the founder's vision.
The Liquidity Bridge
Using life insurance or a sinking fund to provide immediate cash for estate taxes or buyout agreements. Ensures the business isn't forced into a fire sale to meet obligations.
Key Terms & Our Stance
Planning involves jargon. Here’s what these terms mean in practice—and how we view them.
Nachhaltige Geldanlage
Sustainable investing.
Our Stance: We prefer SFDR Article 8/9 funds, but client-defined ESG criteria override generic labels. Liquidity and diversification remain non-negotiable.
Erbschaftsteuer
German inheritance tax.
Our Stance: Annual modeling is critical. We often use gifting strategies and specific insurance structures within legal limits to optimize the tax burden.
Buy-Sell Agreement
A contract between co-owners for business share transfer.
Our Stance: Must be funded by key-person insurance or a sinking fund. A handshake agreement is a plan waiting to fail.
Seller Note
A promissory note from the buyer to the seller.
Our Stance: Useful for tax deferral and buyer financing, but requires rigorous credit analysis. We balance terms to protect seller income streams.
Case Study
The Müller Family Succession
The Challenge
A 2nd-generation manufacturing owner in North Rhine-Westphalia sought retirement. His three children were divided: two active in the business, one pursuing a separate career. The goal: ensure a fair transition without triggering conflict or a forced sale.
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1.
Discovery & Blind Valuation
We conducted a market-based valuation without client bias. Mapped each child's personal financial goals and risk tolerance separately.
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2.
Structured Buyout
Created a 7-year seller-financed note for the non-active child. The note was secured by a key-person insurance policy on the active siblings.
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3.
Family Charter Workshop
Facilitated a governance document outlining dividend policies, future investment decisions, and a clear conflict resolution protocol.
Outcome:
Tax-optimized transition completed in 18 months. Business continues under the active siblings. Founder's retirement income is secured. Family harmony is preserved.
Anonymized case study based on a real client engagement. Specific figures and names changed for confidentiality.
Our Succession & Retirement Planning Framework
A structured, six-step process designed to build confidence and clarity, from initial discovery to living implementation.
Discovery & Goal Mapping
90-minute workshop to define personal, financial, and legacy objectives using our proprietary goal-setting canvas.
Comprehensive Diagnostic
Aggregate all assets, liabilities, and legal documents (wills, trusts, business agreements) for a 360° view.
Scenario Modeling
Monte Carlo simulations stress-tested against 1,000+ market and economic scenarios to test plan resilience.
Strategy Blueprint
A written document outlining specific recommendations, product structures, and a 12-month action plan.
Implementation & Coordination
We act as quarterback, coordinating with your lawyer, accountant, and insurance specialists to execute the plan.
The Living Review
Bi-annual check-ins with a formal review of performance, life changes, and regulatory updates.
Ready to Clarify Your Financial Future?
We offer a complimentary, 30-minute introductory call to discuss your specific retirement and succession goals. No obligation, no sales pitch—just clarity on our fee-only model.
Mon-Fri: 9:00-18:00 CET