What it’s like to work with us
A written plan first. Then you decide.
Before you become a client you see your whole retirement on paper: income, taxes, Social Security, and what a bad market does to it. Here is exactly how that happens, what it costs, and who it’s for.
Dan Casey on the TEDx stage: The Retirement Remedy (17 min)
How it works
Four steps. The first two cost nothing.
- 01
A 15-minute call
You tell us where you are and what you're worried about. We tell you honestly whether we can help. No pitch, no paperwork. By phone, Zoom or in our Bloomfield Hills office.
- 02
Your written plan, free
If it's a fit, an advisor builds your plan in our planning software with your real numbers: income by year, taxes by year, Social Security timing, Medicare, long-term care, and what a bad market does to it. You get it in writing before you decide anything.
- 03
The decision meeting
We walk through the plan together, including the fee in dollars. You decide whether to become a client. Most people take it home first; that's expected.
- 04
Onboarding and reviews
Our team handles the transfers and paperwork. Then we meet at least once a year to keep the plan current, and you can reach an advisor any time in between.
Who we’re the right fit for
Within ten years of retirement, with $500,000 or more saved.
That is the minimum for a full written plan, counting IRAs, 401(k)s, brokerage accounts and cash together. Most of our clients are between 55 and 70, have most of their savings in pre-tax accounts, and are more worried about a market drop than about anything else. Many are retirees of the Big Three and their suppliers; many others meet with us by Zoom from across the country.
If you’re under the minimum, the free resources at the bottom of this page cover most of what we would tell you on a call, and we mean that.
What it costs
The call and the plan are free. Here is the rest.
| Investment management, total managed assets | Per year |
|---|---|
| Up to $2,000,000 | 1.00% |
| $2,000,000 and above | 0.75% |
| $4,000,000 and above | 0.50% |
| $6,000,000 and above | 0.45% |
| Protected income (insurance products) | No advisory fee; often no fee at all, depending on the product |
- • The rate applies to your whole managed balance once it crosses a tier. It is billed quarterly from the account and shown to you in dollars, never only as a percentage.
- • Protected-income accounts carry no advisory fee, and often no fee at all, depending on the product. The insurance company pays us, about 1% a year, and nothing comes out of your balance for it.
- • Example: a $1,000,000 household with $340,000 in protected income and $660,000 managed pays about $6,600 a year, roughly 0.66% of the household.
- • No commissions on investments, no hourly charges, no fee for the plan.
What clients say
In their words, not ours.
“After you leave knowing that you're not going to outlive your money — you're going to feel real good about yourself.”
“There was no pressure. He was straightforward with everything. Our money has grown — and we've been really pleased having Dan guide us.”
“After working all that time, I just didn't want to make any more decisions. I needed somebody at the top of his game that could watch my money and make sure I didn't lose it. Dan fulfills all those obligations.”
Client testimonials; individual results vary. More at Client Results.
One question
Where are you today?
Count everything you’ve saved for retirement: IRAs, 401(k)s, brokerage accounts and cash. Pick the band and we’ll take it from there.
Prefer to talk first? Call (844) 447-2642.
Before you book
The questions people ask first.
- Do you only work with people in Michigan?
- No. We work with clients nationwide by Zoom and phone. The office is in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, and you're welcome there any time.
- Are you a fiduciary?
- Yes. Investment accounts are managed through Bridgeriver Advisors LLC, a registered investment adviser, which is legally bound to put your interests first. Every fee and every commission is disclosed before you decide.
- Do I have to move everything?
- No. The plan covers all of your money; you choose what we manage. Many clients start with the retirement accounts and keep a bank or brokerage relationship elsewhere.
- Where is my money held?
- Investment accounts are held at Charles Schwab, an independent custodian, through Bridgeriver Advisors LLC. Panic Proof Retirement never holds your money. Protected-income accounts are held by the issuing insurance company.
- Do you use annuities?
- For some clients, for part of their money. Money you'll spend in the next several years is protected; money you won't touch for a decade stays invested. We do both sides, and the plan shows you the trade-offs before you choose.
- What if I have less than $500,000?
- Start with the free training, the Roth conversion book and the IRA tax video below. If a full plan is the right next step, the call will tell us, and we'll say so either way.
Free, no call required
Start here if you’re not ready to talk.
The free tax training
About 25 minutes, on demand. How retirement income is taxed and the window most people retire through without fixing it.
Watch nowThe Roth conversion book
Dan’s book on when converting makes sense, when it doesn’t, and how to do it in pieces. Free; you cover shipping.
Get the bookThe IRA tax video
What required distributions do to your tax bill after 73, and the three ways to get ahead of it.
Watch the videoPanic Proof Retirement is a division of Bridgeriver Advisors. Investment advisory services are offered through Bridgeriver Advisors LLC, a registered investment adviser. Insurance products are offered separately. Viewing this page does not create an advisory relationship.