Independent, fiduciary retirement-income planning — serving Sterling Heights and Macomb County, MI. Book a free Retirement Check-Up with Dan Casey, in person or on Zoom.
Sterling Heights is one of the largest cities in Michigan — home to long-tenure GM, Stellantis, and supplier workforces, plus a substantial small-business community. Our Sterling Heights client profile is more working-class-wealth than the typical Oakland County client: stable lifetime jobs, meaningful pensions, paid-off homes, and 401(k) balances that reflect decades of steady contribution rather than executive bonuses.
Our Sterling Heights clients come from across the city but cluster in the 48310 and 48313 zips, often near the Lakeside area or around the Utica-Sterling Heights border. The single most common planning decision we work through: whether to take the pension as a single-life annuity, joint-and-survivor, or lump-sum — a choice that's usually irrevocable and worth six figures over a lifetime.
UAW and salaried retirees of the Detroit 3 often have a complex benefits package — pension, retiree medical (where still offered), supplemental unemployment, and a 401(k). Each has its own distribution rules. Rolling everything to an IRA on day one is the default move, and often the wrong one. A one-hour planning conversation before you sign the paperwork is worth many hours of conversation after.
Every plan is written, not pitched. We start with a 30–60 minute discovery conversation — no product talk, no pressure, no cost. From there, if we're a mutual fit, we build a comprehensive plan covering guaranteed-income design, tax-efficient withdrawals, Social Security filing strategy, Medicare, long-term-care exposure, and legacy planning. Every piece is optional. You implement only what you agree with, and we review it all free, every year, for life.
Our primary office is in Bloomfield Hills, roughly 15–25 minutes from most Sterling Heights neighborhoods. You can also meet us:
National press — local client base
I have been working with Dan Casey of Panic Proof Retirement for quite a few years now. Being someone who is not that great at understanding finances, it has been very valuable to have him guiding me into feeling comfortable in my financial readiness for retirement. He is always available to talk to me and answer all my questions. Thank you, Dan!
Dan was very easy to work with in helping us plan for retirement. We discussed all our options and now feel much more confident for the upcoming retirement years knowing that the money will be there when we need it. We developed a plan that will provide a steady stream of income so we can continue living as we are accustomed to.
Dan is following our agreement completely. We have been working with him for 4 years. He is able to answer all our questions with great skill and guidance. He has a great sense of humor. It is a joy to work with him.
Book a free Retirement Check-Up and walk away with a clear picture of where you stand — in person, on Zoom, or over the phone. Whichever works for you.
