Milford, CT · Fiduciary Financial Planning
Financial Advisor in Milford, CT Focused on Retirement That Lasts
Skinner Wealth Strategies is a fiduciary-based financial services firm based in Milford, CT. Led by Brian Skinner, CFP®, CRPC®, we provide retirement planning, tax-sensitive income distribution, and investment management for individuals and families aged 50 and older with $1 million or more in retirement savings. Our planning is personalized to your situation — not a template applied to everyone.
Key Takeaways
What to Know Before Choosing a Financial Advisor in Milford, CT
-
1
A fiduciary financial advisor is legally required to act in your best interest at all times — not all financial advisors in Milford operate under this standard.
-
2
The CFP® (Certified Financial Planner™) credential requires rigorous education, a comprehensive examination, verified experience, and ongoing ethics requirements — it is among the most widely recognized designations in financial planning.
-
3
For pre-retirees with $1M+ in savings, retirement planning goes well beyond selecting investments — it requires coordinating income distribution, tax strategy, Social Security timing, and risk management into one plan.
-
4
Connecticut taxes Social Security benefits for higher-income filers and taxes pension and retirement account distributions — making state-specific tax planning a meaningful part of any Milford-area retirement strategy. Individual situations vary; consult a qualified tax professional.
-
5
Skinner Wealth Strategies is locally rooted in Milford — Brian Skinner teaches retirement planning classes across Connecticut communities and is an active member of the Milford Rotary Club.
Who We Serve
A Milford-Based Advisor Built for Pre-Retirees, Not the General Public
Not every financial advisor in Milford, CT is the right fit for every client. Skinner Wealth Strategies works specifically with individuals and families aged 50 and older who have accumulated $1 million or more in retirement savings and are approaching — or already navigating — the shift from saving to spending.
This is a fundamentally different phase of financial life. The question shifts from "How do I grow my savings?" to "How do I turn what I've built into reliable income without running out of money or paying more than necessary in taxes?" That transition demands a specialist, not a generalist.
We also serve Gartner employees in Connecticut navigating 401(k) decisions, Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP) elections, and retirement planning specific to their benefits package. Learn more about ESPP guidance for high earners and our dedicated Gartner employee planning resources.
Our Clients Typically
-
A
Are aged 50 or older with $1M+ in retirement savings across 401(k)s, IRAs, and taxable accounts
-
B
Are concerned about taxes in retirement — particularly Connecticut's treatment of Social Security and pension income for higher earners
-
C
Want a clear, plain-language retirement income plan — explained in straightforward terms, not financial jargon
-
D
Are Gartner employees in Connecticut with complex benefits decisions around 401(k), ESPP, or deferred compensation
-
E
Want a long-term advisory relationship — not a one-time plan that sits in a drawer
Our Services
An Integrated Approach to Retirement Financial Planning
Most advisors manage investments. We connect your investments, income, and taxes into one coordinated strategy designed to sustain your retirement — potentially for decades. Outcomes depend on individual circumstances, including market conditions and tax law changes.
Retirement Planning
Comprehensive planning for the transition from accumulation to distribution — including Social Security timing, withdrawal sequencing, and income sustainability strategies tailored to your goals.
Tax-Sensitive Income Distribution
Strategies designed to help manage your tax burden as you draw income in retirement — coordinating account withdrawals, Roth conversions, and Connecticut-specific tax considerations. Individual results vary. Learn more about our tax-sensitive income distribution planning approach.
Investment Management
Portfolio assessment and ongoing management aligned with your retirement income needs, risk tolerance, and time horizon. Investing involves risk, including the possible loss of principal.
Comprehensive Financial Planning
A fully personalized financial plan covering retirement income, risk planning, estate coordination, and beneficiary strategy — explained in plain language, without financial jargon.
Gartner Employee Benefits Guidance
Specialized planning for Gartner employees in Connecticut — including 401(k) contribution strategy, ESPP enrollment decisions, and integrating employer benefits into a broader retirement plan.
Risk Planning
Analysis of insurance and protection needs — including long-term care, life insurance, and disability considerations — as part of a complete retirement strategy.
Why Skinner Wealth Strategies
How We Compare to Other Financial Advisors in Milford, CT
There are several financial advisors serving the Milford area. Here is how Skinner Wealth Strategies compares on the factors that matter most to pre-retirees evaluating their options.
| What to Look For | Skinner Wealth Strategies | Typical General Advisor |
|---|---|---|
| Fiduciary Commitment | Yes — legally required to act in your best interest at all times | Not always — some advisors operate under a suitability standard instead |
| Retirement Specialization | Dedicated focus on pre-retirees and retirees aged 50+ with $1M+ in savings | Often serves all life stages; retirement may not be a primary focus |
| Credentials | CFP®, CRPC® — rigorous designation requirements specific to financial and retirement planning | Credentials vary widely; not all advisors hold CFP® or retirement-specific designations |
| Tax Integration | Tax-sensitive income distribution is a core service, not an optional add-on | Tax planning is often handled separately or referred to another professional |
| Local Presence | Based in Milford, CT — teaches retirement planning classes across Connecticut communities | May be local or a branch of a national firm without deep local roots |
| Client Focus | Designed for clients with $1M+ in retirement savings approaching or in retirement | Often no minimum — serves a broad range of asset levels and life stages |
Our Process
How We Work With Milford-Area Clients
We use a structured three-step process to ensure every client relationship is built on mutual understanding before any commitment is made.
Discovery
We start with a focused conversation to understand where you are, where you want to go, and what is standing in the way. There is no obligation and no sales pressure — just a genuine effort to understand your situation and whether we are the right fit.
Assessment
We analyze your current financial picture — savings, income sources, tax situation, investment allocation, and risk exposure — to identify where your plan is strong and where meaningful gaps exist.
Opportunity
We present a clear picture of what an optimized retirement strategy could look like for your specific situation. We agree to move forward only if it is a strong mutual fit — no obligation until both sides are confident.
About the Team
Locally Rooted. Credentialed. Retirement-Focused.
Brian Skinner is a Certified Financial Planner™ (CFP®) and Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor (CRPC®) based in Milford, CT. His practice is dedicated to helping pre-retirees and retirees navigate the financial complexity of retirement — from tax-sensitive income planning to investment alignment to risk management.
Brian is an active member of the Milford Rotary Club and teaches retirement planning classes across Connecticut communities, including in Milford, Fairfield, and the surrounding Fairfield County area. His commitment to financial education reflects his belief that every client deserves to understand their own plan.
The team also includes Jeff Costa, CFP® (Financial Planner), Jessie Morotto, FPQP® (Operations Manager), and Margo Bivins (Relationship Manager) — each with defined roles to support a high-touch client experience.
Connecticut Community Presence
Serving Milford and Fairfield County
Skinner Wealth Strategies works with clients across Connecticut's Fairfield County and surrounding communities, including:
- Milford · Fairfield · Bridgeport · Cheshire
- Branford · Bethany · Beacon Falls · Orange
- Woodbridge · Shelton · Trumbull · West Hartford
Whether you prefer to meet in person at our Milford office or work with us remotely, we accommodate both.
Milford Office: 472 Wheelers Farms Road, Suite 305, Milford, CT 06461
Contact Our Milford OfficeRetirement Planning in Connecticut
Why Connecticut Retirees Face Distinct Financial Planning Challenges
Retiring in Connecticut carries specific planning considerations that generic, national retirement guidance often overlooks. These factors are particularly relevant for Milford-area residents approaching or entering retirement.
Connecticut Taxes Retirement Income
Connecticut is one of a small number of states that taxes Social Security benefits for higher-income filers. As of 2026, CT also taxes pension and retirement account distributions, with income thresholds determining the level of exemption — according to the Connecticut Department of Revenue Services. This makes tax-aware distribution planning especially meaningful for retirees with substantial savings. Individual tax situations vary; consult a qualified tax professional for guidance specific to your circumstances.
Cost of Living Requires Realistic Income Planning
Fairfield County consistently ranks among the higher cost-of-living areas in the Northeast. For retirees in Milford and surrounding towns, healthcare, property taxes, and everyday expenses may require more deliberate income planning than national benchmarks suggest. A retirement income strategy calibrated to Connecticut living costs — not national averages — may help your plan remain realistic over time. See our guide on how much money you need to retire in Connecticut.
The Paycheck-to-Portfolio Transition
Many pre-retirees in Milford have spent decades building wealth through steady employment and find the shift to drawing down assets genuinely complex. Which accounts to draw from first, when to claim Social Security, and how to sequence withdrawals to manage tax exposure are interconnected decisions. A coordinated strategy is designed to address these questions — though outcomes depend on market conditions and individual circumstances. Understanding the most common retirement mistake can help you avoid costly errors during this transition.
Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs)
Under IRS rules updated by SECURE 2.0, individuals must generally begin taking Required Minimum Distributions from traditional IRAs and 401(k)s at age 73. For those with $1M+ in pre-tax retirement accounts, RMDs can push taxable income into higher brackets and affect Medicare premium surcharges (IRMAA). Planning ahead — including potential Roth conversion strategies — may help manage this exposure, though results depend on individual tax and income situations. Additionally, retirees who retire before age 65 may benefit from understanding health insurance premium tax credit options before Medicare eligibility begins.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common Questions About Financial Advisors in Milford, CT
What is the average fee to pay a financial advisor?
Fee structures vary widely depending on the advisor's model and services. Fee-only advisors typically charge a percentage of assets under management (often in the range of 0.5% to 1.5% annually, depending on the firm and asset level), a flat annual retainer, or an hourly rate. According to published industry surveys, the cost of a comprehensive financial plan can range from approximately $2,000 to $7,500 or more, depending on complexity. At Skinner Wealth Strategies, we believe in transparent pricing — contact us to discuss our specific fee structure for your situation.
What is a red flag for a financial advisor?
Key red flags include: an advisor who is not a fiduciary (meaning they are not legally required to act in your best interest); unclear or opaque fee disclosures; pressure to purchase specific insurance or investment products; a lack of relevant credentials or regulatory registration; and unwillingness to provide a Form ADV — the regulatory disclosure document all registered investment advisors must file with the SEC or state regulators. Always verify credentials through FINRA BrokerCheck or the SEC's Investment Adviser Public Disclosure database before engaging any advisor.
Is it worth paying a financial advisor?
For many people approaching retirement with substantial savings, the complexity of coordinating multiple accounts, managing tax exposure across income sources, planning for RMDs, navigating Medicare premium surcharges, and making Social Security timing decisions creates meaningful value for a credentialed advisor. Whether that value exceeds the advisory cost depends on your specific situation, the complexity of your financial picture, and how well you are positioned to manage these decisions independently. A no-obligation Discovery conversation can help you assess whether professional guidance makes sense for your circumstances.
What is the usual cost of a financial advisor for retirement planning?
For ongoing retirement planning and investment management, the most common fee model is a percentage of assets under management. As a general market reference, fees for comprehensive ongoing advisory relationships frequently range from approximately 0.75% to 1.25% annually for portfolios in the $1M to $3M range, though this varies by firm, services included, and portfolio size. Some advisors also charge flat retainer fees for planning-only relationships. Transparent fee disclosure is a hallmark of fiduciary advisors — always ask for a complete fee schedule in writing before engaging any advisor.
How much money do you need to retire comfortably in Connecticut?
There is no single answer — the amount depends on your anticipated lifestyle, healthcare costs, existing income sources (Social Security, pensions), Connecticut income tax exposure, and longevity. A commonly referenced framework is the 4% guideline, which suggests withdrawing approximately 4% of your portfolio annually may — under certain market conditions — support a 30-year retirement. For a $1 million portfolio, that implies approximately $40,000 per year from savings. However, given Connecticut's cost of living and state income tax considerations, many retirees find that a personalized analysis accounting for actual expenses and income sources yields a more useful planning target. Outcomes vary based on market conditions, inflation, and individual circumstances. See our dedicated guide on how much money you need to retire in Connecticut.
What is the difference between a financial advisor and a financial planner?
"Financial advisor" is a broad term that can apply to brokers, insurance agents, and investment managers alike. "Financial planner" — particularly a Certified Financial Planner™ (CFP®) — refers to a professional who has completed specific education requirements, passed a comprehensive examination, met experience criteria, and adheres to ongoing ethics standards set by the CFP Board. A CFP® is trained to take a holistic view of your financial life, not just manage a portfolio or sell a product.
Take the Next Step
Ready to Talk With a Fiduciary CFP® in Milford, CT?
If you are approaching retirement with $1 million or more in savings and want a clear, tax-aware strategy for turning that wealth into lasting income, we would welcome a conversation. Our three-step process begins with a no-obligation Discovery meeting designed to determine whether we are a strong fit for each other.
Serving Milford, Fairfield, Bridgeport, Cheshire, Branford, Orange, Woodbridge, and surrounding Fairfield County communities.