Meet Melissa, an Omaha-based orthodontist who had $72,400 in savings, an old 401(k) from a previous employer, and no clear investment strategy. She earned good income but wasn’t sure how to grow or protect it. She described her planning approach as “crossing my fingers and hoping for the best.”
Here’s how we helped Melissa create a real plan:
Defined short- and long-term goals
We outlined her top priorities: saving for a second property within five years, funding retirement by 60, and managing cash flow to support part-time work as she transitions out of clinical care.
Consolidated and reinvested old accounts
We rolled over her 401(k) into a diversified, low-fee investment portfolio and aligned it with her target retirement age and risk profile.
Set up automated contributions
We established $1,250/month contributions to a SEP IRA and opened a taxable brokerage account to support her second-home savings goal.
Reduced her 2024 tax liability by $5,210
By leveraging retirement contributions and strategic timing on a planned equipment purchase, we created real-time tax savings that supported her financial plan.
Created a simple tracking dashboard
Melissa now tracks her portfolio, goals, and net worth through a secure portal with quarterly reviews to adjust as needed.
Results:
- Total investment value grew by 17% over 12 months
- Down payment fund now sits at $38,000
- She now feels confident in both her retirement and lifestyle goals
“I always felt like I was doing okay—but now I know I’m actually building something with direction. It’s empowering.”
— Melissa F., Omaha Business Owner