How They Retired On Their Terms
Client Experience. Ellen and Wade are clients of MDRN Capital. Their experience may not be representative of all clients, and no compensation was provided for their participation.
When workplace shifts accelerated their timeline, MDRN Capital helped Ellen and Wade retire three years ahead of schedule.
In this article:
- Retirement doesn’t always come on your timeline. Sometimes it comes sooner than expected.
- In some situations, personalized planning can make early retirement possible, even when it isn’t part of your original plan.
- It’s okay if spouses have different comfort levels with risk. Financial professionals can build a plan that suits both.
- An advisor who has your best interests at heart doesn’t just watch the markets. They watch out for you.
Many people believe retirement only becomes an option when they hit a specific age or account balance. But life happens, which means you could end up retiring sooner than you planned. Job changes, burnout, illness, or other unexpected events can suddenly turn retirement from “someday” into “right now.” That’s when the big question becomes: Can you afford to walk away from work before you’re fully ready to retire?
That was the case for Ellen and Wade.
They had spent decades working for the same company, contributing steadily to their 401(k)s, and taking advantage of the employer match. Their plan was to retire at 65. But as their company changed and their job satisfaction declined five years out from their planned retirement date, the couple began to wonder if they had to stick it out that long.
Thanks to their diligent saving and a solid plan, it turns out they didn’t have to wait after all.
When Five Years Became Three
Ellen and Wade had their retirement plan mapped out. Five more years at their company, then they’d walk away at 65 and enjoy the next chapter. But when the culture at their workplace shifted, it sparked a serious conversation about whether they could accelerate the timeline.
Ellen began researching financial advisors and found MDRN Capital and Aaron Cirksena, its founder and CEO, through a video on Facebook. His direct, down-to-earth approach immediately resonated with her. She shared the video with Wade. The couple agreed it was worth having a conversation.
After reviewing their numbers, Aaron delivered the kind of news most people hope for:
“You can work until you’re 65 if you want,” he said. “But you don’t have to.”
With that reassurance, Ellen and Wade made the decision to retire at 62. Three years early. No guesswork. No fear. Just a well-thought-out plan built around their real goals.
Built for two different risk styles
Like many couples, Ellen and Wade approach investing very differently.
“I want to throw it all in and see what happens,” Ellen said. “[Wade is] more reserved.”
Aaron created a strategy that worked for both Ellen and Wade. Her investment account leaned more aggressive. His was designed with more caution.
“[Aaron] gets that we’re different,” Ellen said. “And our investments reflect that.”
When the markets shifted, Wade’s account balance dipped. But Ellen’s held steady. Their investment strategy gave them the flexibility to adjust without disrupting their overall plan. They were able to draw from Ellen’s account while Wade’s recovered.
Genuine care reflected in a hands-on approach
Wade had worked with 401(k) providers in the past, but said it always felt one-sided.
“They say they’re watching your money, but you never hear from them unless you call,” he said.
With MDRN Capital, the experience was different. Aaron proactively reached out when he saw opportunities, walking the couple through changes, explaining the impact, and helping them make informed decisions.
That same level of care extended beyond their investments. When it was time to navigate Medicare, MDRN connected them with a trusted resource to help guide them through the process.
“We didn’t have to deal with all the junk mail or random people calling us,” Ellen said. “Aaron’s team had someone ready to help. That saved us a ton of stress.”
Local Roots. Remote Support That Still Feels Personal
Ellen and Wade were born and raised in Maryland. When they started looking for a financial advisor, finding someone who felt local and relatable was important.
“[Aaron’s] from Maryland, and that meant something to us,” Ellen said. “We wanted someone we could trust with our money. Someone who felt like they were in our world.”
Although Aaron is nearby, all their meetings have been virtual. And that’s been just fine with Ellen and Wade.
“We’ve had plenty of video time,” Wade said. “Even though we haven’t met face to face, we never felt the need to push for it. The service is that good.”
Their text messages get answered at all times of the day and night. Their emails get prompt replies. They feel connected, supported, and prioritized.
“It’s not about where someone’s office is,” Ellen added. “It’s about whether they show up when you need them.”
What Ellen and Wade’s Story Could Mean for Your Retirement
If you’re questioning whether your current retirement plan is your only option, Ellen and Wade might prompt you to start thinking differently. Their experience shows that:
1. You might be closer than you think.
They’d planned for five more years of work. It turns out, they could retire sooner than later.
2. Your differences shouldn’t be a barrier.
Spouses don’t have to agree on how their retirement savings are invested. The right plan can fit both your investor personalities, even if one of you has a bigger appetite for risk and the other prefers to play it safe.
3. An advisor who puts your best interests first watches more than your balance.
Ellen and Wade didn’t want to chase investment performance. They wanted someone to keep watch and let them know when they needed to take action.
4. Retirement planning is about more than money.
Healthcare decisions. Timing strategies. Investment planning. Ongoing support. True financial planning brings it all together.
5. Responsiveness isn’t a nice-to-have, it’s necessary.
Whether it’s Medicare questions or portfolio adjustments, timely responses should be a given when it comes to delivering a quality client experience.
Retiring on their terms
Today, Ellen and Wade are living the retirement they planned for. Their house is paid off. Their investments are aligned with their individual appetites for risk. Their plan is built to last.
Most importantly, they didn’t have to wait for the perfect time. And they didn’t have to guess when they could retire.
With the right guidance, they turned “maybe someday” into “right now.”
Would you retire sooner if you had the option?
Hear Ellen and Wade’s story in their own words. Click here to watch their testimonial video on our YouTube channel.
Do you have clarity and confidence in your retirement strategy? Whether you’re just starting to plan, approaching retirement, or already retired, MDRN Capital’s personalized approach helps you make the most of what you’ve worked so hard to save. We take the time to understand your unique situation, consolidate and optimize your resources, and support you every step of the way so you can move forward with confidence.
Get started today by connecting with our team and discovering what’s possible for your retirement.
This testimonial may not be representative of the experience of other clients and is not a guarantee of future performance or success. No compensation was provided for this testimonial.
MDRN Capital LLC (“MDRN Capital”) is a Registered Investment Adviser. This content is intended to provide general information about MDRN Capital and should not be construed as investment advice. Information regarding investment services is provided solely to gain an understanding of our investment philosophy, our strategies, and to be able to contact us for further information. All information has been obtained from sources believed to be reliable, but its accuracy is not guaranteed. Past performance is no guarantee of future returns. Different types of investments involve varying degrees of risk, and it should not be assumed that future performance of any specific investment or investment strategy will be profitable. Additional important disclosures may be found in the MDRN Capital Form ADV Part 2A.
