The Value of an Objective Opinion

Sound Planning Group Team

Why Objective Financial Advice Is Essential for a Confident Retirement Plan

Retirement planning involves more than building a portfolio—it’s about creating a sustainable retirement income strategy tailored to your life. But how do you plan for an uncertain future?

Two of the biggest unknowns in retirement planning are:

• How long will I live?
• How much money will I need to live comfortably?

At Sound Planning Group, we believe these questions are best addressed through objective, fiduciary-based financial advice—the kind that’s designed with your goals in mind, not a company’s sales targets.

Retirement Timing Isn’t Always in Your Control

While many people plan to retire at age 65 or later, life often has other ideas. Whether due to a health issue, job change, or caregiving responsibility, 70% of retirees leave the workforce earlier than planned. That’s why having a flexible retirement plan matters.

A qualified financial advisor can help you prepare for different scenarios—early retirement, phased retirement, or working part-time—so you can maintain control over your financial life, even when surprises come up.

Delaying Savings Could Mean Missing Out

Many Americans struggle to save due to debt, expenses, or lack of access to employer-sponsored retirement plans. But the longer you wait, the more difficult it can be to reach your goals.

A hypothetical example shows that:

• Starting at age 28, saving $7,000/year could grow to ~$1 million by age 65 (assuming consistent contributions and a 6% average annual return).
  
• Waiting until age 50 to begin? Even with additional catch-up contributions, the account may only reach ~$216,000 by 65.
  

This demonstrates the value of early, consistent saving, but it’s never too late to begin a strategy tailored to your current stage of life.

Most Americans Are Underprepared for Retirement

A 2025 report found that:

• The average target retirement savings amount is $1.26 million
  
• The median actual savings among U.S. workers is just $65,000
  

This gap, combined with rising healthcare costs, market volatility, and inflation, makes comprehensive retirement planning more important than ever. A fiduciary financial advisor can help assess your risks, income needs, and lifestyle goals to build a plan you can trust.

Why Independent, Objective Advice Matters

Not all financial professionals operate the same way. Some are employees of financial institutions and may only recommend proprietary products. In contrast, independent financial advisors—like those at Sound Planning Group—work with a variety of financial solutions and are not bound to any one provider.

As fiduciaries, we are committed to putting our clients’ interests first, providing transparent, personalized advice that supports your long-term objectives.

Take the First Step Toward an Informed Retirement

Retirement is too important to leave to chance—or bias. Get the insights you need with our free downloadable guide:

Disclosures:

This material is for information purposes only and should not be interpreted as personalized investment, tax, or legal advice, or as a solicitation or recommendation to engage in any investment strategy. Information presented is based on sources believed to be reliable; however, no warranty is made as to its accuracy or completeness. Information is subject to change without notice.

Investing involves the risk of loss, including possible loss of principal. No investment strategy can guarantee a profit or eliminate the risk of loss. Past performance does not guarantee future results. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future outcomes and involve assumptions that may not materialize.

Advisory services are offered through SPG Advisors LLC (SPGA), an investment adviser registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Registration with the SEC or any state securities authority does not imply a certain level of skill or training.

 The material does not necessarily represent the views or official position of SPGA, and SPGA assumes no responsibility for any losses arising from reliance on the information presented. Not affiliated with the Social Security Administration or any government agency.

Investors should carefully consider their own investment objectives and consult with qualified financial, tax, and/or legal professionals before making any investment decisions.