Retirement Planning

Create a roadmap for your next chapter

Retirement looks different for everyone — whether you picture traveling, spending time with family, or simply slowing down. At Cox, Klugh & Company, we help clients plan for a retirement that feels rewarding, secure, and aligned with their vision of freedom.

Turning goals into numbers that work

Personalized planning for every stage of life

Successful retirement planning starts long before you stop working. We begin by estimating how much income you’ll need to maintain your lifestyle, factoring in inflation, healthcare, travel, and longevity. Then we analyze your current savings — from 401(k)s and IRAs to other investments — to see how close you are to meeting that target.


If there’s a gap, we’ll help you close it. That might mean adjusting savings rates, rebalancing investments, or extending your working years by choice. Our goal is to keep you in control and confident that you’re on track — not just hoping things work out.


We also ensure your plan is efficient and flexible. Whether that means maximizing 401(k) matches, funding Roth IRAs, or taking advantage of catch-up contributions after age 50, we help you make the most of every opportunity available.

Preparing for the shift from saving to spending

Strategies for those nearing retirement

Five to ten years before retirement is when your plan becomes more detailed. We focus on protecting your portfolio from large market swings while maintaining growth potential. This may involve rebalancing investments, evaluating pension options, and creating a tax-efficient withdrawal plan.


We also guide you through key decisions such as when to take Social Security, how to bridge to Medicare if retiring before 65, and which health coverage options to consider afterward. South Carolina’s favorable tax treatment for retirement income is factored in to help you keep more of what you’ve earned.


Our advisors bring clarity to each step — from maximizing your final years of savings to managing Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs). By the time you retire, you’ll have a detailed, step-by-step income plan built to support the lifestyle you’ve worked toward.

What your retirement plan includes

Key areas that drive your long-term success

Income Planning

We calculate how much income you’ll need and identify sustainable ways to generate it. Our approach blends guaranteed sources like Social Security with flexible investment withdrawals for stability and growth.

Tax & Withdrawal Strategy

Smart sequencing of withdrawals can reduce your tax burden and extend the life of your savings. We coordinate account distributions and RMDs to minimize taxes and maintain consistent income.

Every retirement plan we design is comprehensive and built to adapt over time. These four areas form the foundation of a financially confident retirement:

Investment Management

We help ensure your portfolio supports your goals while managing risk. Through active oversight and diversification, we aim to preserve your savings and position you for steady long-term returns.

Healthcare & Longevity Planning

Healthcare costs are one of retirement’s biggest unknowns. We include Medicare planning, long-term care considerations, and longevity projections so your plan remains realistic through your 80s and beyond.

Retirement Planning FAQs

Common questions from pre-retirees and retirees

  • I’m 55 with little saved — is it too late to catch up?

    It’s not too late. We help clients in their 50s create aggressive but realistic catch-up strategies, maximizing contributions to retirement accounts and optimizing investment growth. Sometimes delaying retirement a few years or adjusting spending goals makes a huge difference. With a clear plan, it’s possible to turn limited savings into long-term security.

  • How much can I safely withdraw each year?

    The traditional guideline is around 4% of your portfolio in the first year, adjusted for inflation annually. But we customize this for every client. Your ideal rate depends on market performance, age, and risk tolerance. By reviewing annually, we adjust withdrawals to keep your income sustainable no matter what the market does.

  • When should I take Social Security?

    That decision depends on your health, longevity, income needs, and other resources. Claiming early at 62 reduces benefits, while waiting until 70 can increase monthly payments by roughly 76%. We run personalized break-even analyses to help determine the most strategic time for you to claim benefits.

  • How does Medicare fit into retirement planning?

    We factor in healthcare costs, including Medicare premiums and supplemental coverage. While we don’t sell Medicare policies, we partner with trusted professionals who can help you choose the right plan. Accounting for healthcare expenses ensures your retirement budget stays accurate and complete.

  • What should I do with my old 401(k)?

    You have several options — keep it where it is, roll it into an IRA, or move it into a new employer’s plan if you’re still working. Many clients prefer IRAs for greater control and investment flexibility. We handle rollovers to ensure they’re done tax-free and aligned with your broader retirement strategy.