Mike Schessler - Founder & Wealth Manager

03/23/2026

Just published my latest article in ThinkAdvisor.
A timely look at helping retirees navigate market volatility.

03/14/2026

Most people think retirement is about hitting a magic number.

$1 million.
$2 million.
Some random amount they heard on TV.

But the real question is much more important:

Have you saved enough to create the income you need for the rest of your life?

In this short video, I explain a simple way to think about retirement readiness that most people overlook.

If you’re within 10–15 years of retirement, this is a question you absolutely want clarity on.

▶ Watch the video below.

One of the most common retirement questions is: “Have I saved enough?”The truth is, retirement readiness is not just about reaching a certain dollar amount -...

11/19/2025

Most retirees don’t struggle because of a lack of assets — they struggle because no one ever taught them how to turn those assets into predictable, confident income. After 40+ years of saving, spending down feels uncomfortable… and it can hold people back from fully enjoying retirement.

I just wrote a new article breaking down why income, not assets, is the real key to a secure and stress-free retirement — and why so many people hesitate to spend the money they’ve worked so hard to save.

If you’re nearing retirement (or already there), this is worth a read.

For most of our working lives, we operate within a simple system: a paycheck comes in, and we use it to live our lives. Bills get paid, vacations happen, savings are set aside, and the cycle repeats every two weeks. It’s predictable. It’s structured. And frankly, it’s comforting.Then retiremen...

10/08/2025

You could average 7% a year and still run out of money in retirement. Shocking, right? That’s sequence of returns risk—and most retirees have never heard of it. Find out why it matters before you retire

When planning for retirement, many people focus on average returns. They might think, "If I get a 6% return each year, I'll be fine." But what if those returns don't come evenly? What if the market takes a downturn just as you start withdrawing from your portfolio? This is where the concept of "Sequ...

09/25/2025

Your child may be off at college, but are you still able to help them in a medical emergency?
Most parents don’t realize that once their child turns 18, they may no longer have legal authority to make healthcare decisions. A Healthcare Power of Attorney can make all the difference.

👉 Read my blog to learn why this simple step is so important for families with college students.

When we think of Healthcare Power of Attorneys (HCPAs), the first image that often comes to mind is an elderly individual preparing for the later stages of life. However, the reality is that these legal documents are just as crucial for young adults, including those embarking on their journey to col...

06/19/2025

Estate planning isn’t just for the wealthy—it’s for anyone who wants to make sure their wishes are honored and their loved ones are protected. Click below to learn the basics and why it’s never too early to start

When most people hear “estate planning,” they assume it’s something only the wealthy need. But in reality, estate planning isn’t about how much you have — it’s about making sure your wishes are carried out and your loved ones are protected, no matter your net worth.At its core, estate pl...

11/20/2023

https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbesfinancecouncil/2023/11/15/is-it-time-to-replace-traditional-bonds-with-fixed-indexed-annuities/?sh=74b946442c99

In light of the recent volatility of traditional bank bonds, one popular strategy involves substituting them with resilient and reliable fixed-indexed annuities.

05/12/2021

It is essential to address Inflation Risk in retirement planning.

INFLATION is soaring in America, prompting more market jitters and fresh talk that interest rates might have to rise, strangling the economic recovery. While that inflation is a sign that the economy is swimming back into life, it could spook the US Federal Reserve into raising rates, increasing bor...