Helping Others Navigate Retirement
After years in the financial services industry, Paul Levin saw a clear need: retirees needed a dedicated plan for how to live well, spend wisely, and stay engaged in retirement.
That insight led to Retirement Refined.
For over 15 years, Paul has focused exclusively on retirement income planning. He works closely with each client to organize their finances and map out a retirement that supports both their financial and personal goals.
It’s a specialized approach, shaped by experience and built on trust.
The Retirement Refined Approach
Active Management for Life in Retirement
We actively manage portfolios with a clear goal: to support your retirement income needs today, and your financial goals long into the future.
That means adjusting for market changes, tax opportunities, and life transitions.
We use a three-phase process to develop a plan based on how you actually want to use your money in retirement.
What Sets Retirement Refined Apart?
Exclusively Focused on Retirement
We don’t try to be all things to all people. For over 15 years, we have exclusively worked with people approaching retirement and those currently in retirement, because this stage of life deserves more than general advice. Every strategy is designed with your retirement lifestyle in mind.
Proactive Partnership
You’ll never have to wonder when it’s time to check in. We reach out proactively to review your portfolio, income plan, tax strategies, and life changes, so your plan always stays current and intentional.
Planning Beyond the Portfolio
We guide clients through tax strategies, estate planning, philanthropy, and major life decisions. The goal: reduce your lifetime tax bill and create clarity about the future. Every part of your financial life works better when it’s planned together.
Personal Guidance With a Professional Team
You work directly with an experienced team of credentialed professionals who provide support in tax, estate, and investment planning. Every recommendation is made with your full financial picture in mind.
Our Focus
To Guide Every Client Toward a Retirement That Works for Them
Our mission is simple: provide retirement income planning that works in real life. That means helping you stay on track, avoid costly mistakes, and make the most of the assets you’ve built.
Our Difference
Why Clients Work with Us
Client-First
Your best interests: always our priority.
Period.
Tax-Focused Approach
Attempting to have the lowest lifetime income tax bill should be a top priority. Strategic annual and long-term tax planning can result in keeping more of your hard-earned money in your wallet.
Expertise & Credentials
Retirement income planning is our exclusive focus. Paul Levin holds the CFP®, ChFC®, RICP®, and TPCP® designations, providing specialized expertise to design a retirement plan aligned with your goals and this stage of life.
Tailored Planning
Your Retirement Income Plan and Investment Management will place you in the center of all recommendations and will be specific to your needs and desires. We’ll take a comprehensive view of every aspect of your retirement and your portfolio. Having confidence to live your desired lifestyle is paramount to a happy retirement.
Competitive Pricing
Our Retirement Income Planning and Investment Management services are competitively priced and transparently disclosed.
Accountability
Our quarterly reviews for Investment Management clients provide ongoing transparency regarding fees and performance. Proactive planning updates ensure you are prepared for upcoming life changes. It also helps us be prepared to address changes outside of our control, such as changes to income tax brackets or other laws.
Patience
We have the patience and understanding to guide you through the multitude of decisions and life’s transitions that will be necessary during your retirement.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes your approach to retirement planning different?
We focus exclusively on retirement income planning rather than general financial planning. This specialization allows us to develop deep knowledge in tax-efficient distribution strategies, Social Security optimization, and retirement cash flow management and more.
What types of clients do you typically work with?
We primarily serve retirees and pre-retirees with over $1 million in investable assets who want to minimize their lifetime tax burden while maintaining an active, engaged retirement lifestyle.
How do you help with tax planning in retirement?
We provide ongoing tax planning including Roth conversions, strategic distribution timing, tax-loss harvesting, and coordination with charitable giving to help minimize your lifetime tax liability.
Do you help clients figure out what to do in retirement beyond the financial aspects?
Yes, we believe retirement should be purposeful and engaging. We help clients think through how they want to spend their time and stay active, because this affects both their financial needs and overall satisfaction in retirement.
What credentials do you hold?
Paul Levin holds the CFP® (Certified Financial Planner), ChFC® (Chartered Financial Consultant), RICP® (Retirement Income Certified Professional)*, and TPCP® (Tax Planning Certified Professional) designations, all focused on retirement and financial planning.
*RICP conferred by The American College
How often do you meet with clients?
We schedule regular review meetings based on each client’s needs and preferences, typically quarterly or semi-annually, with additional meetings as circumstances change.
Do you work with clients who are still working but planning for retirement?
Yes, we work with pre-retirees who are typically within 5-10 years of retirement and want to develop strategies for transitioning from asset accumulation to income distribution.
What is your investment management approach?
Our investment approach is designed to generate reliable retirement income efficiently, with careful attention to tax implications. We also pursue prudent growth to help preserve your purchasing power and offset the long-term impact of inflation.
