Shotwell Rutter Baer Financial Planners

Shotwell Rutter Baer Financial Planners Independent, fee-only registered investment advisory firm.

Join us at the “kitchen table” as we help you cut through the complexity of your financial lives with practical and uncomplicated financial planning and investment advice.

07/17/2026

The Final Five Years Matter

The final five years before retirement can be some of the most important.

This is often when Michigan State University employees begin evaluating:

• Retirement timing
• Healthcare coverage
• Social Security strategies
• Roth conversion opportunities
• Income planning

Small decisions during this period can have a lasting impact.

Download Your Free MSU Faculty and Staff Retirement Guide:
https://srbadvisors.com/your-msu-retirement-benefits/

07/15/2026

Don't Wait Too Long for Your Dream Trip

Many retirees spend years dreaming about the perfect vacation, only to realize they've waited until travel becomes more difficult. In this short, Kim from Globetrotter Travel explains why your healthiest retirement years may be the best time to start checking destinations off your bucket list.

Watch the full episode here:
https://srbadvisors.com/s5e15-retirement-travel-planning-tips-with-travel-expert-kim-barber/

07/15/2026

Healthcare Could Be One of Your Biggest Retirement Expenses

Many Michigan State University employees spend years preparing financially for retirement.

Far fewer spend time planning for healthcare costs.

Understanding your options before Medicare eligibility can help you avoid surprises and make more confident decisions.

Free Retirement Guide for Michigan State University Faculty and Staff:
https://srbadvisors.com/your-msu-retirement-benefits/

07/14/2026

The investment strategy that got you to retirement isn't always the one that gets you through retirement.

As you transition from saving to spending, your portfolio often needs to evolve.

That doesn't mean eliminating growth. It means creating the right balance between:
✔ Income
✔ Stability
✔ Flexibility
✔ Long-term growth
✔ Protection during market downturns

Your retirement portfolio should reflect your goals, your comfort with risk, and the income you'll need throughout retirement.

Watch the full episode here:
https://srbadvisors.com/s5e14-retirement-questions-everyone-asks-before-leaving-work/

07/14/2026

How SpaceX Fits Into Your SOM Investment Options

The SpaceX initial public offering has captured a lot of attention over the last month, and every day, retirement investors have opinions in a way that I can’t recall happening with any other individual company in a long time. Opinions have been polarized: some folks believe in the company and want to know how to own it. Others want to avoid owning it, some for financial reasons and some for political reasons.

We created a breakdown of what to expect in the mutual funds that invest in large company stocks available within the State of Michigan retirement plan

Check it out here: https://srbadvisors.com/thoughts-on-the-state-of-michigan-retirement-plan-spacex-stock-and-upcoming-ai-ipos/

If you have any other questions about the State of Michigan retirement plan or retirement in general, please reach out to us.

Call: 517-321-4832
Email: [email protected]

07/13/2026

Saving for retirement is only half the journey.

The next challenge is figuring out how to turn those savings into a reliable paycheck.

It's more than just deciding how much to withdraw each month. You'll also want to consider:
✔ Which accounts to withdraw from first
✔ How taxes affect your income
✔ Investment strategy during retirement
✔ Safe withdrawal rates
✔ Creating income that can last for decades

The right withdrawal strategy can make a significant difference in how long your retirement savings last.

Watch the full episode here:
https://srbadvisors.com/s5e14-retirement-questions-everyone-asks-before-leaving-work/

07/13/2026

After years of helping State of Michigan employees prepare for retirement, we've noticed a pattern.

Many people have excellent benefits.

Few people receive a clear explanation of how those benefits work together.

That's exactly why we created our State of Michigan Benefits Guide.

No jargon. No confusing language. Just practical information designed to help you better understand your retirement benefits.

Download your free copy today:
https://srbadvisors.com/state-of-michigan-benefits/

07/10/2026

How much will healthcare cost in retirement?

For many people, it's one of the biggest unknowns when planning for retirement.

The reality?

Some people assume it will cost far more than it actually will. Others don't budget nearly enough.

Your costs can depend on:
✔ Whether you retire before age 65
✔ When Medicare begins
✔ Employer retiree health benefits
✔ The amount of coverage you choose
✔ Your overall health and risk tolerance

The good news is that with proper planning, healthcare costs don't have to derail your retirement.

Watch the full episode here:
https://srbadvisors.com/s5e14-retirement-questions-everyone-asks-before-leaving-work/

Address

6350 West Michigan Avenue Suite 200
Lansing, MI
48917

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 4pm
Tuesday 9am - 4pm
Wednesday 9am - 4pm
Thursday 9am - 4pm
Friday 9am - 4pm

Telephone

+15173214832

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Shotwell Rutter Baer Financial Planners posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Business

Send a message to Shotwell Rutter Baer Financial Planners:

Share