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Joe Schmitz, a Certified Financial Planner, established Peak Retirement Planning Inc. with one clear objective: he saw a growing need for personalized, comprehensive financial advice tailored specifically for the years after retirement and wanted to bridge this gap for clients.
“Far too many people enter retirement without a proper strategy,” Schmitz explains. “All too often, this results in unnecessary taxation and financial stress during what should be the most relaxing years of a person’s life.”
Schmitz saw an opportunity to change this narrative and build a firm that prioritizes the unique financial needs of retirees. His mission is to ensure that retirees and those approaching retirement can access the tools, guidance, and strategies they need to live out their golden years in comfort and financial security.
Peak Retirement Planning’s 5 Pillar Approach is a collaborative planning process designed to address all major aspects of retirement. The team’s strategic tax planning utilizes specialized software to reduce lifetime taxes, review tax returns, plan for Required Minimum Distributions, execute Roth conversions, and implement charitable planning strategies.
Through smart investment planning, the team helps clients protect and grow their savings while reducing fees. The team’s income planning secures clients a lifelong paycheck, and its health care planning empowers clients to manage out-of-pocket expenses.
Finally, the team’s estate planning helps clients prepare essential documents and minimize taxes for beneficiaries. The combination of this comprehensive planning enables Peak Retirement to create resilient retirement plans that support individuals and even provide financial security for generations to come.
A mission steeped in expertise and empathy leads to exponential growth
During Peak Retirement Planning’s first year, it grew beyond all expectations. Schmitz attributes the firm’s astounding 400% growth rate to an incredible team and unwavering standard of excellence.
“Our clients deserved the best, so we determined to hold ourselves to the highest standard of service,” recalls Schmitz. “I was also able to bring on an incredible team of like-minded professionals. Every team member contributed to our exponential growth. Together, we hold ourselves to a standard of excellence that sets us apart from our competition.”
For many startups, rapid growth is a blessing and a curse. As these companies scale, they often lose that original spark that ignited their success.
Schmitz determined that this would not be the path for Peak Retirement Planning. “Our goal has never been to be the biggest. Instead, we aim to be the best. We will never sacrifice our client service to grow. Our focus will always be to ensure our clients receive the highest quality of planning and care possible.”
Growth through narrowed focus
To deliver the highest level of service, Schmitz and his team decided to narrow their focus. Their target client is what they call the “Midwestern Millionaire:” diligent savers who have worked hard, are prepared for retirement, and want to maximize their savings.
Though many clients who come to Peak Retirement Planning are millionaires, they are not the flashy high-wealth stereotype that first comes to mind. They have simply made years of conscious lifestyle choices that build wealth.
Nestled in the heart of America, Peak Retirement Planning supports these unsung heroes of the US economy. Their typical clients rarely flaunt success, are more likely to be seen driving a reliable pickup truck than a flashy sports car, and value hard work, practicality, and humility. Known for their strong work ethic, they rise early, roll up their sleeves, and exhibit a hands-on approach to business and investments. Their fortunes are built over decades of steady, incremental growth rather than overnight tech booms or speculative investments. This methodical approach to wealth-building underscores a broader Midwestern sensibility that prizes reliability over risk.
Unlike the stereotype of the isolated, self-made tycoon, they are deeply embedded in their communities. They recognize that true wealth encompasses more than just financial assets and includes strong family ties, lasting friendships, and a commitment to community development.
“Our clients understand that maintaining their financial standing during retirement requires the same discipline that built it in the first place,” says Schmitz. “They rank high in financial literacy and know that knowledge is crucial to financial success. Many are avid readers of financial literature, and they are quick to seek advice from trusted advisors. They instill the value of financial education in their children, ensuring that the next generation is equipped to manage and grow the family wealth.”
Peak Retirement Planning’s commitment to fiduciary duty and unparalleled service
The term “fiduciary duty” is often bandied about in financial circles, but at Peak Retirement Planning, it is a guiding principle. Fiduciary duty demands that financial advisors put their clients’ interests above their own, ensuring transparent, ethical, and client-focused advice.
From the very beginning, Schmitz instilled a strict adherence to this principle within the company. Today, it separates them from other financial advisory services that prioritize sales over service.
“You have to have a servant’s heart,” concludes Schmitz. “If you’re not entering this industry to make a positive impact on people’s lives, you should consider a different career path. At Peak Retirement Planning, we put our clients first and pride ourselves on providing the highest level of service. Our growth is a direct result of our passion for impacting and helping the people we serve.”
Schmitz built Peak Retirement Planning because he understood the necessity of a fortified and principled approach to retirement in an ever-evolving financial landscape. By specializing in retirement planning, emphasizing fiduciary duty, educating clients, and maintaining transparency, Peak Retirement Planning ensures that hardworking individuals can face their future with confidence, dignity, and security. Its mission is not just about managing wealth but fostering peace of mind and enabling people to own their retirement, free from financial worry.
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This content is brought to you by Scott Bartnick
Photo provided by the author.
