Financial Planning with Purpose: How financial planning works at BMM

Curious what a complete retirement plan really looks like? In this video, we walk through the financial plan of a fictional couple, Charlie and Sam, to show how Berkshire Money Management helps clients simplify their finances, avoid costly mistakes, and retire with clarity and confidence.

What’s in a Complete Financial Plan?

Your financial plan = a roadmap for your retirement

Retirement planning shouldn’t feel like guesswork. We create complete financial plans rooted in real data, so you can make informed decisions about your future and step into retirement with clarity and confidence.

Your plan is also more than just numbers on a page. It’s a reflection of your goals, your values, and the lifestyle you want to enjoy now and in retirement. Whether you’re just starting to think about retirement or wondering if now is the right time, having a plan in place can take the stress out of the process by giving you answers, not guesses.

Comprehensive financial analysis

Every financial plan we create includes:

• A detailed cash flow analysis to estimate future income and expenses
• Tax-efficient withdrawal strategies to help reduce the amount of hard-earned savings you have to hand over to Uncle Sam
• Social Security optimization based on your unique situation
• Healthcare planning, including Medicare and long-term cost projections
• Legacy and estate planning recommendations
• An income strategy—what we call your Paycheck Replacement Plan—so you know where each dollar will come from once your paychecks stop

Your plan is built around real information you provide, including tax returns, pay stubs, and Social Security records. From there, we do the behind-the-scenes number crunching and present it in plain English so you can take action confidently.

Your real goals, not dreams or “shoulds”

We don’t stop at “Do I have enough?” Instead, we help you define what a meaningful retirement looks like to you. That might include things like:

• Traveling more often
• Helping pay for your grandchild’s education
• Supporting causes you care about
• Transitioning out of work on your terms

We also account for concerns like debt, rising healthcare costs, and the possibility of selling a business or downsizing your home. Retirement planning is about much more than investments—it’s about aligning your money with your life.

Interactive tools that keep your financial plan on track

Your plan comes with access to your own online financial portal, which includes interactive tools like:

• Play Zone – Test out scenarios like retiring earlier or spending more on travel
• “What Are You Afraid Of?” – Explore how market drops, changes in benefits, or rising expenses could impact your plan

These tools offer real-time feedback and peace of mind, so you’re never left wondering where you stand. (And, of course, your team is always here to help!)

Real, human support every step of the way

We don’t just hand you a document and call it a day. Our financial planning team works closely with your advisor to help implement the recommendations, and we’re here for ongoing check-ins and updates as life evolves.

What are you waiting for?

The confidence and clarity that comes with having a complete financial plan is within your reach. And it all starts with a free, 15-minute phone call.