Retirement Planning
Build a Retirement Plan Around Your Real Numbers.
Retirement planning for young professionals who want real answers, not just “save 15%.” 401(k) optimization, Roth strategy, and a real projection of what retirement actually looks like for you.
Most people in their 20s and 30s know they should be saving for retirement. Very few know if they're actually on track.
The generic advice is to “save 15% of your income” and “start early.” That's not a plan. It doesn't tell you whether your current 401(k) allocation makes sense, whether Roth or pre-tax is right for your bracket, or what number you're actually trying to hit.
The decisions that compound most dramatically happen in your 20s and 30s: which accounts to prioritize, when to start Roth conversions, how to balance student loan payoff versus maxing retirement accounts. Getting these right makes a significant difference in where you end up at 65.
What Retirement Planning Looks Like in Practice
401(k) and workplace plan optimization
We review your plan's fund lineup, find the lowest-cost options available, and build the right allocation. For 2026, the contribution limit is $24,500, or up to $35,750 for those 60-63 under the SECURE 2.0 super catch-up.
Roth vs. pre-tax decisions
Whether to go Roth or pre-tax is one of the most consequential choices in your financial life, and the right answer changes as your income and tax situation shift. We run the numbers and tell you what to do.
IRA strategy
Traditional IRA, Roth IRA, backdoor Roth for high earners, spousal IRA. We build the optimal IRA strategy for your household and handle the mechanics of every contribution.
Retirement income projection
We build a model showing what retirement looks like based on your current savings rate, projected returns, and expected spending. Not a generic calculator, a real projection built around your numbers.
RMD planning
Under SECURE 2.0, required minimum distributions now start at age 73. We plan years in advance to minimize the tax impact, including Roth conversions in the years before RMDs begin.
HSA as a retirement tool
If you're on a high-deductible health plan, an HSA is one of the most powerful retirement accounts available. We build it into your long-term strategy instead of treating it like a medical spending account.
Retirement Planning FAQ
How much should I have saved for retirement by 30?
The common benchmark is 1x your salary saved by 30 and 3x by 40, but benchmarks are blunt instruments. What matters is whether your savings rate, investment growth, and expected expenses will produce the income you need at the age you want to retire. We build a projection around your specific numbers, not industry averages.
Should I do a Roth IRA or a Traditional IRA?
It comes down to whether you expect to be in a higher or lower tax bracket in retirement. Roth contributions are taxed now but grow and come out tax-free. Traditional contributions reduce your taxes now but are taxed when you withdraw. For most people in their 20s and 30s with room to grow their income, Roth tends to win. But the right answer depends on your specific situation.
What is a backdoor Roth IRA and should I do one?
If your income is above the Roth IRA limit (around $168,000 for single filers in 2026), you cannot contribute directly. A backdoor Roth is a legal workaround: you contribute to a Traditional IRA, then convert it to Roth. It requires some care, especially if you have other pre-tax IRA money. We run through it each year so nothing creates an unexpected tax bill.
I am switching jobs. What do I do with my 401(k)?
You have a few options: roll it into your new employer's plan, roll it into an IRA, or leave it where it is if the old plan has strong investment options. Each has trade-offs depending on the investment options, fees, and your overall plan. We walk through the decision with you and handle the rollover paperwork so nothing gets lost.
Can I actually retire early if I start saving in my 30s?
It depends on your income, savings rate, lifestyle, and what early retirement actually means to you. Retiring at 55 is very different from retiring at 45. We run the projections honestly and show you what is realistic at different savings rates and timelines. Some people find they are closer than they thought. Others realize they need to adjust. Either way, you end up with clarity.
Am I saving enough for retirement?
Most people have no idea if they are actually on track. The 10-to-15-percent rule is a starting point, not a plan. We calculate what you specifically need based on your target retirement age, expected expenses, current savings, and projected investment growth, then tell you exactly what to do with your next dollar.
What clients say about working with Chris
"Chris is one of the most genuine people you will meet in the financial services industry. I trust him to do what is right and he is considerate with all his clients. Working with Chris has been nothing but easy and comforting, I know that my finances are in great hands!"
"My wife and I have been working with Chris for a few years now. He's been absolutely incredible with helping us manage our finances. I highly recommend Chris to anyone who is looking for a faith-based and trustworthy advisor!"
"Thankful for Chris and his financial literacy and help, but most importantly thankful for his heart to get to know his clients on a personal level outside of financial help as well. He really knows what he is doing and has a passion to help you meet your goals!"
Testimonials from current clients of Villaire Financial, LLC. No compensation was provided for these reviews. Individual experiences and results will vary. These testimonials may not be representative of the experience of other clients.
A fiduciary CFP® who built this firm for people in their 20s and 30s.
Chris Villaire started Villaire Financial because most wealth management firms won't work with you until you have $250,000 or more. The decisions that matter most, how to allocate your first 401(k), when to start Roth conversions, how to handle a job change, happen well before that. He built this firm specifically to help people in the wealth-building stage, not after it's already done.
Based in Grand Rapids, MI. Serving clients nationwide.
Simple to get started. Straightforward from there.
Book a free 30-minute intro call
Tell us what's going on. We'll answer your questions honestly and tell you upfront whether we think working together makes sense.
Build your financial plan
We go deep on your income, spending, investments, debt, and goals, then deliver a complete financial plan in about 30 days. You understand every piece of it.
Ongoing planning and support
Twice-a-year reviews, ongoing investment management, and an advisor who's available when something comes up between meetings.
* Retirement projections are based on stated assumptions including savings rate, investment returns, and spending. They are hypothetical, not guaranteed, and actual results will vary.
Know Your Number. Build a Plan to Hit It.
Book a free 30-minute call and we'll talk through your retirement situation. You'll leave with a clear answer on where you stand.
Guides on Retirement Planning
Roth IRA vs. 401(k): Which Should You Prioritize in Your 20s and 30s?
Roth IRA or 401(k) first? Most young professionals get this wrong. Learn how to decide based on your tax bracket, employer match, and income trajectory.
How Much Should You Have Saved for Retirement by 30? By 40?
Wondering how much you should have saved for retirement by 30 or 40? General benchmarks exist, but your real number depends on your income, goals, and timeline.
What Is a Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) and How Do I Plan for It?
RMDs force withdrawals from pre-tax retirement accounts at 73. Here's why that matters in your 30s and 40s.