Why the Rules Change in Retirement
As we get older our lives change — and our investment decisions must also change, or we risk serious consequences down the road. For 35+ years you were in accumulation mode: contributing to a 401k, building savings, growing a nest egg. That phase is over. You are now in distribution mode, and the strategies that built your wealth are not the same strategies that will protect it.
The Back 9 Wealth Plan was built specifically for this stage of life. It is not a generic template. It is a customized strategy for converting your pile of money into a river of money — tax efficiently, with downside protection, while continuing to grow your assets. Doug has been building these plans since 1994.
The name comes from golf. The back nine is the second half of the round — the half where the game is either won or lost. For most people, the back nine of their financial life starts at 55. The decisions made in that window have consequences that compound for decades. Small decisions today create massive consequences in the years to follow.
The Six Dimensions of The Back 9 Wealth Plan
The Rules Change at 55
Accumulation is over — distribution begins
As we get older our lives change. We need to pay attention to our health as we slow down. Our family gets older and changes how we spend our time. Because we no longer have an employer, we need to decide how to spend our time when it feels like every day is Saturday. Most importantly, our investment decisions must also change as our lives change — or we risk serious consequences down the road.
Covers: Retirement transition, lifestyle planning, age 55+
From Accumulation to Distribution
The W-2 stops — your 'playchecks' begin
The plan is focused on the stage in life typically at age 55 or older — the back nine — and how your priorities have shifted after 35+ years in the workforce. The rules are different in retirement. Accumulation is over and it is now time for distribution. The W-2 paychecks from your employer are gone and they need to be replaced with 'playchecks' from your savings.
Covers: Income replacement, distribution planning, retirement income
Social Security Is Not Enough
A foundation — not a retirement plan
All of us can rely on lifetime income from Social Security (available at age 62), but that alone falls far short of the income you were making while employed. Unless carefully planned, you may experience a serious lifestyle downgrade later in retirement if you cannot continue to grow your assets while taking income. And let's not forget the impact of inflation on purchasing power — especially healthcare.
Covers: Social Security planning, inflation, healthcare costs
Pile of Money → River of Money
Tax-efficient conversion is the core challenge
Small decisions today create massive consequences in the decades to follow. Your challenge — and our expertise — is to take a 'pile of money' and convert it to a 'river of money,' and do it tax efficiently. You must be able to grow your assets, while providing downside protection, while taking income. This is the way to ensure you never run out of money, even to age 120.
Covers: Tax-efficient withdrawal, asset growth, downside protection
The Right Accounts — In the Right Order
Sequence matters as much as amount
A different strategy requires different investment accounts. These accounts — taxable, tax-deferred, and tax-free — are unavailable directly to the public and also from large investment firms who push their own proprietary products. They are available through a fiduciary like ABC Wealth. We will show you which accounts to take withdrawals from first, because withdrawing the same amount from each has very different outcomes.
Covers: Account sequencing, taxable vs tax-deferred vs tax-free, IRA rollover
Taxes Are Silent Killers in Retirement
They sneak up slowly — until your nest egg isn't secure
Taxes sneak up on you slowly over time until suddenly your nest egg doesn't feel so secure anymore. Combined with market volatility, you could be facing the real possibility of running out of money later in life — especially if you are taking withdrawals from accounts that may drop 10% to 20% in Bear Markets. We will eliminate that risk financially and give you confidence emotionally that your income will never run out.
Covers: Tax planning, ROTH conversion, RMDs, sequence of returns risk
Who The Back 9 Wealth Plan Is Built For
Most people are not prepared to face this level of complexity. And everybody's retirement plan is different — yours must be customized. The Back 9 Wealth Plan is designed for retirees and those approaching retirement with $250,000 or more in investable assets or $200,000 combined household income. Doug works with a limited number of clients so that every plan receives his direct attention.
Retirees age 55+ who need to convert savings into reliable income
Anyone asking: 'Do I know my income gap?'
People who want to grow assets while taking income — without running out
NYC public sector employees with pension decisions pending
Anyone taking withdrawals from accounts that could drop in a Bear Market
Anyone who has never had a fiduciary — only a broker or a large firm
How It Works
Look at Your Accounts
Take a moment and ask yourself: Do I know my income gap? Do I understand how each account is taxed? Do I have a clear strategy on which accounts to start withdrawals from?
Understand the Risk
Do you understand the amount of risk you are taking? If you are taking withdrawals from accounts that may drop 10–20% in a Bear Market, you could accelerate the reduction of your asset value — and eliminate your income later.
Build the Plan
Doug sets up the right accounts — taxable, tax-deferred, and tax-free — and shows you which to draw from first. These accounts are unavailable from large firms. They are available through a fiduciary like ABC Wealth.
Freedom Without Fear
It's not just about the money. It's about freedom and waking up without fear. Knowing that whatever happens, you will be OK. And that is priceless.
Not Tomorrow. Not Someday. Today.
Here's what we want you to do — not tomorrow, not someday, but today. Take a moment, look at your accounts, and ask yourself if you have a plan. If the answer is no, that's OK. This is where it starts. $250,000 in investable assets or $200,000 combined household income. No obligation. You speak directly with Doug.