How one firm helped clients retire confidently with sustainable withdrawal strategies

Client Context

A well-established financial planning firm specialised in helping clients transition into retirement. Many clients were nervous about drawing down on their pensions and investments — they feared running out of money too soon or being too cautious and not enjoying their retirement years.

The firm had always explained strategies verbally and backed them up with reports. But they noticed clients still left meetings unsure. The partners wanted a way to show clients exactly how different withdrawal strategies could play out over time.

The Challenge

The firm’s challenges centred around three key issues:

• Clients struggling to visualise how withdrawals would affect their long-term wealth
• Fear of overspending leading to clients underliving in retirement
• Advisers spending extra time revisiting the same concerns at every review

They needed a clearer, more efficient way to build client confidence.

The Turning Point

During a review, a long-standing client admitted she still didn’t feel sure about her drawdown plan despite years of advice. That moment confirmed for the partners that words and numbers weren’t enough — they needed visuals that clients could connect with.

The Solution

The firm partnered with Plus Group for cashflow modelling support. We:

• Built models showing multiple withdrawal strategies side by side
• Illustrated sustainable spending levels without depleting assets too early
• Allowed advisers to adjust scenarios live during client meetings to answer “what if” questions

Implementation Insight

We began with a client due to retire within six months. By modelling three withdrawal options — cautious, balanced, and ambitious — the client could instantly see how each choice would affect their financial security over time. For the first time, she felt confident about enjoying retirement without fear.

Results

• Clients reassured about the sustainability of their income
• Faster, clearer retirement planning conversations
• Advisers saved time by addressing concerns visually rather than repeating explanations

Emotional Impact

For the advisers, the biggest win was peace of mind — not just for their clients, but for themselves. They knew they were no longer leaving clients with unanswered worries. Clients left meetings confident, reassured, and ready to live their retirement fully.

Before vs After

Barriers Addressed

The firm initially worried clients might find models too complex. Instead, they discovered the visuals simplified difficult conversations, creating moments of clarity that words and reports alone couldn’t achieve.

If your clients are approaching retirement and worried about running out of money, Plus Group’s cashflow modelling support shows them exactly how their plan will work — giving them confidence to live fully in retirement.