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Retirement Planning

Fee-based CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professionals helping Western Pennsylvania pre-retirees and retirees turn savings into a clear, tax-aware income plan for the years ahead.

Request A Retirement Planning Consultation
30+ YearsOf experience
CFP™Certified professionals
FiduciaryYour interests first
LocalJohnstown-based advisors

Planning For The Next Chapter

The years leading into retirement carry a different set of questions than the years spent building a nest egg. The focus shifts from how much you are saving to how you will convert what you have into dependable income, protect it from taxes and market swings, and make it last across the decades ahead.

For three decades, Centennial Financial Group has served pre-retirees and retirees across Western Pennsylvania from our office in Johnstown. As a fee-based, independent firm, we answer to the people we serve rather than to a product quota, so our retirement guidance stays focused on your goals. We help you see the whole picture, when to claim Social Security, how to draw from your accounts in a tax-aware order, and how to keep your plan on course as your needs change.

Why Retirement Planning Matters

Retirement is one of the few financial goals with no second chance to build it. The decisions you make in the years around it, when to retire, when to claim benefits, and how to draw income, are difficult to undo. A coordinated plan gives those decisions a framework instead of guesswork.

70% to 80%

Of pre-retirement income the Social Security Administration suggests many people will need each year to maintain their standard of living in retirement, counting Social Security, investments, and savings together.Source: Social Security Administration, Understanding the Benefits.

40%

The top federal estate and gift tax rate that applies to the value of an estate above the exclusion amount, which the IRS sets at $15 million per individual for 2026. For families with substantial assets, the order and timing of withdrawals and transfers can meaningfully affect what passes to heirs.Source: Internal Revenue Service, tax year 2026 inflation adjustments.

Those figures point to the same reality: retirement income and the wealth you intend to pass on are shaped by decisions made years in advance. Bridging the gap between what benefits provide and what your goals require, while managing taxes on both the income and the transfer side, takes coordinated planning around withdrawal timing, healthcare costs, market risk, and estate strategy. Working with a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional gives you a clear read on where you stand today and the steps to keep more of what you have built.

Our Services

Retirement planning is not a single decision but a set of connected ones. We coordinate the pieces below into one plan so your income, taxes, and accounts work together rather than in separate silos.

Retirement Income Planning

We map your savings, pensions, and Social Security into a dependable paycheck, then set a withdrawal order that supports your lifestyle while helping your money last.

Social Security Timing

The age you claim can meaningfully change your lifetime benefit. We model the tradeoffs for your situation so the choice is informed, not guessed.

401(k) Rollover Options

Leaving a job or nearing retirement means deciding what to do with an old plan. We walk through the choices and their tax effects.

Learn More About 401(k) Rollover Options

Roth Conversions

Converting pre-tax savings to a Roth can lower future taxes when timed well. We help you weigh whether, and when, it fits your plan.

Learn More About Roth Conversions

IRA Services

Traditional, Roth, SEP, and SIMPLE IRAs each play a different role. We help you choose, fund, and manage the accounts that fit your goals.

Learn More About IRA Services

Tax-Efficient Withdrawals

Which account you draw from, and in what order, affects how much you keep. We build a withdrawal sequence with taxes and required distributions in view.

Why Pre-Retirees and Retirees Choose Us

Choosing a retirement advisor is a decision about whom you trust with the income you will live on for decades. Our value comes from experience, transparency, and a standard of care that keeps your interests first.

We are a local Johnstown firm, independent and fee-based, so the advice you receive is measured against your goals rather than a product quota.

  • Fiduciary Standard Of Care

    Our advisory recommendations are made in your best interest, with guidance shaped around your retirement goals rather than product sales.

  • 30+ Years of Experience

    Serving families and Business owners with more than 30 years of financial planning experience.

  • National Services

    Proudly serving clients nationwide by secure video meetings. 

  • Coordinated, Whole-Picture Advice

    Income, taxes, investments, and estate strategy are planned together, so each part of your retirement plan reinforces the others.

Ethan Stewart, CFP, CEPA, Managing Partner of Centennial Financial Group

Ethan Stewart, CFP®, CEPA®

Managing Partner

A CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional with Centennial Financial Group since 2014 and Managing Partner since 2021, Ethan guides retirement, tax, and estate coordination for individuals, families, and business owners across Western Pennsylvania. As a business owner himself, he brings a practical, whole-picture perspective to the transition into retirement.

Areas We Serve

From our office in Johnstown, and we help pre-retirees and retirees plan across Western Pennsylvania. We also meet with clients nationwide by secure video appointment.

Johnstown Canonsburg Westmont Southmont Greensburg Ebensburg Somerset Indiana, PA Greater Pittsburgh Nationwide

Start Your Retirement Plan With Centennial

A clear retirement plan begins with a conversation about where you are and where you want to go. We would welcome the chance to review your goals, your accounts, and your timeline, then map the income and tax strategy to match. There is no cost or obligation to start.

Prefer to talk now? Call 814-536-4200
Request A Retirement Planning Consultation

Frequently Asked Questions

When Should I Start Retirement Planning?

The best time is well before you plan to stop working, ideally in your fifties or earlier, when there is still time to adjust savings, tax strategy, and timing. That said, planning is worthwhile at any stage. Whether you are a decade out or already retired, a coordinated plan can help you make clearer decisions about income, taxes, and withdrawals.

How Much Income Will I Need In Retirement?

The Social Security Administration suggests many people will need roughly 70 to 80 percent of their pre-retirement income each year to maintain their standard of living, counting Social Security, investments, and savings together. Your target depends on your goals, health, and lifestyle, which is why we build the figure around your situation rather than a rule of thumb.

When Should I Claim Social Security?

The age you claim can meaningfully change your lifetime benefit, and the right choice depends on your health, other income, and whether you are married. We model the tradeoffs of claiming earlier versus waiting so the decision fits your full retirement income plan rather than being made on its own.

What Should I Do With An Old 401(k)?

You generally have several options, including leaving it in the former plan, rolling it into a new employer plan, rolling it into an IRA, or cashing it out, and each carries different tax and investment consequences. We walk through the choices for your circumstances so you understand the tradeoffs before you act. You can read more on our 401(k) Rollover Options page.

How Does Centennial Financial Group Charge For Its Services?

Centennial Financial Group is an independent, fee-based financial planning firm. Securities are offered through Cetera Wealth Services, LLC, Member FINRA/SIPC, and advisory services through Cetera Investment Advisers LLC, a registered investment adviser. Our advisory recommendations are made in your best interest.

Do You Work With Clients Outside Johnstown?

Yes. Our office is on Franklin Street in Johnstown, and we serve pre-retirees and retirees throughout Western Pennsylvania, including Greensburg, Ebensburg, Somerset, Indiana, and the Greater Pittsburgh area. We also meet with clients nationwide by online appointment.

Retirement Planning

Mastering Your Future: Comprehensive Retirement Planning with Centennial Financial Group

Mastering Your Future: Comprehensive Retirement Planning with Centennial Financial Group

Retirement planning is more than saving money and making the right investment choices. We believe that effective retirement planning uses financial tools and strategies to help you achieve your life’s goals and ambitions. Whether that means traveling, philanthropic work, or spending more time with your family. At Centennial Financial Group, we are here to support you in setting and achieving those goals. 

Retirement Planning - Centennial Financial Group

Retirement Strategies

Imagine a future where your retirement is not just a phase but a masterpiece. At Centennial Financial Group, we guide you through the art of retirement planning, emphasizing strategies that go beyond the financial aspects. Our retirement planning services are designed to help you achieve a secure and fulfilling retirement.

Key Considerations of Retirement Planning

Key Considerations of Retirement Planning

Starting Early and Regularly Reviewing

Begin your journey early and harness the power of compounding. The longer you are actively saving and investing, the greater the returns. Regular reviews ensure your plan adapts to life's changes and evolves with your dreams.

Assessing Retirement Income Needs

Together, we take a closer look at your retirement goals so we can get a clearer picture of what your retirement income needs to be. We help you understand your lifestyle aspirations, estimate retirement expenses, and explore income sources like Social Security, pensions, and strategic investments. Knowing how much to save for retirement is crucial, and our retirement financial advisor can provide personalized guidance to ensure you're on track.

Navigating Diversification and Risk Management

Navigating Diversification and Risk Management

Strive for financial security through a truly diversified investment portfolio. We highlight the significance of asset allocation and periodic rebalancing to navigate risks effectively. Your retirement plan is a dynamic roadmap, not a static blueprint. Our agile approach and continued monitoring helps keep you on track while adjusting to changes.

Long-Term Care Planning

With healthcare costs on the rise and knowing you will need more care as time goes on, it is essential to have enough savings or insurance to cover those impending expenses. Our team assists you in planning for potential long-term care needs, ensuring your retirement journey remains stress-free.

Retirement Planning with a Certified Financial Planner

Partner with Centennial Financial Group to create a secure retirement future. Explore the CFP® difference and understand the transformative role of professional advice in crafting personalized retirement strategies. As fiduciaries, we only act and advise with your best interest at heart.

Our services encompass a suite of financial help, including:

  • Investment portfolio analysis and management
  • Retirement income planning
  • Risk management and insurance coverage
  • Estate planning and wealth transfer strategies
  • Long-term care planning

Utilizing Tax-Advantaged Retirement Accounts

We can show you the benefits of tax-advantaged retirement accounts and how to use them. Our experts guide you through strategies that not only minimize tax liabilities but also safeguard your wealth intelligently. Understanding the difference between qualified retirement plans and non-qualified retirement plans is essential in optimizing your tax strategy.

We help you to take advantage of any of the many tax-advantaged retirement accounts you may have access to. We will advise you on how to optimize your contributions, and in retirement, we can help you plan for the best withdrawal strategies. Some of the accounts you may have or have access to could include:

  • 401(k): Employer-sponsored retirement plan where contributions are deducted from your pre-tax income. Earnings grow tax-deferred until withdrawal during retirement.
  • Traditional Individual Retirement Account (IRA): Personal retirement account with tax-deductible contributions, subject to annual limits. Earnings accumulate tax-deferred until withdrawal in retirement.
  • Roth Individual Retirement Account (Roth IRA): Personal retirement account with after-tax contributions. Qualified withdrawals, including earnings, are tax-free during retirement.
  • 403(b): Similar to a 401(k) but designed for employees of non-profit organizations, schools, and certain governmental entities. Contributions are made on a pre-tax basis.
  • 457 Plan: A retirement plan for governmental and certain non-governmental employees. Contributions are made on a pre-tax basis, and earnings grow tax-deferred.
  • SIMPLE IRA (Savings Incentive Match Plan for Employees): Geared towards small businesses. Both employers and employees can make tax-deductible contributions.
  • SEP IRA (Simplified Employee Pension): Simplified retirement plan for self-employed individuals and small business owners. Contributions are tax-deductible, and earnings grow tax-deferred.
  • Defined Benefit Plans: Employer-sponsored plans promise a specific benefit amount upon retirement. Contributions are tax-deductible, and earnings grow tax-deferred.
The Advantages of Qualified Retirement Plans

The Advantages of Qualified Retirement Plans

Qualified retirement plans offer significant tax advantages and benefits for both employees and employers. For employers, the advantage to qualified plans is the ability to attract and retain top talent by offering competitive retirement benefits. Additionally, contributions to these plans are tax-deductible, providing a financial incentive for businesses to establish and maintain them. For individuals, qualified employer-sponsored retirement plans can offer tax exemptions on your contributions. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is a Qualified Retirement Plan?
A qualified retirement plan is a retirement savings plan that meets the requirements set by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA). These plans, such as 401(k)s and defined benefit plans, offer tax advantages to both employers and employees, helping to build a secure financial future.

When should I start planning for retirement?
It's never too early to start planning for retirement. The earlier you begin, the more time your investments have to grow. Ideally, start in your 20s or 30s to take advantage of compounding interest and ensure a more substantial retirement fund.

How much should I save for retirement?
The amount varies for each person based on factors like lifestyle, expected retirement age, and current income. A common recommendation is to save at least 15% of your annual income, but consulting with a financial advisor can provide personalized guidance.

What is the role of Social Security in retirement planning?
Social Security provides a safety net, but it may not be enough to cover all expenses. It's crucial to consider additional savings and investments to supplement Social Security income and maintain your desired standard of living.

Is it too late to start retirement planning if I'm in my 40s or 50s?
While it's ideal to start early, it's never too late to begin retirement planning. Adjust your strategy by saving more aggressively and considering diversified investments to make the most of the time you have left before retirement.

Why should I choose Centennial Financial Group as my retirement advisor?
Choosing the right retirement advisor is crucial for achieving your financial goals. At Centennial Financial Group, we offer personalized service, expertise in retirement planning, and a commitment to acting in your best interest.

Retirement Advisor Near Me

Retirement Advisor Near Me

Searching for a local retirement advisor can be overwhelming. We want you to feel confident that Centennial Financial is your friend and partner in helping you achieve your retirement dreams. Contact us today to schedule a time to meet and talk about your goals. Let us help you paint a vivid picture of financial security and fulfillment during your retirement years–and then let us help you go after it. It’s your retirement–live it the way you want by planning now! 

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How is Your Financial Plan Looking?

Get started on your financial plan, or help ensure your current plan is up to date, with our interactive 7 Pillars of a Financial Plan workbook.

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About Us

We are an independent, fee-based financial planning firm with expertise in client education, retirement planning and exit planning.

About Us

Our Team

Our professional advisors thrive on a foundation of trust, authenticity and transparency that prioritizes your happiness at every life stage.

Meet the Team

Contact Us

Ready to work with transparent financial professionals who prioritize your best interests? Reach out to Centennial Financial Group today.

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Disclosures:

Investment risk: All investing involves risk, including the possible loss of principal. There is no assurance that any investment strategy will be successful.
Diversification: A diversified portfolio does not assure a profit or protect against loss in a declining market.
401(k): Before deciding whether to retain assets in a 401(k) or roll over to an IRA, an investor should consider various factors including, but not limited to, investment options, fees and expenses, services, withdrawal penalties, protection from creditors and legal judgments, required minimum distributions and possession of employer stock. Please view the Investor Alerts section of the FINRA website for additional information.
IRA limitation & early withdrawals: Some IRA’s have contribution limitations and tax consequences for early withdrawals. For complete details, consult your tax advisor or attorney.
Retirement Plans: Distributions from traditional IRA’s and employer sponsored retirement plans are taxed as ordinary income and, if taken prior to reaching age 59½, may be subject to an additional 10% IRS tax penalty.
Roth IRA: Converting from a traditional IRA to a Roth IRA is a taxable event. A Roth IRA offers tax free withdrawals on taxable contributions. To qualify for the tax-free and penalty-free withdrawal or earnings, a Roth IRA must be in place for at least five tax years, and the distribution must take place after age 59½ or due to death, disability, or a first time home purchase (up to a $10,000 lifetime maximum). Depending on state law, Roth IRA distributions may be subject to state taxes.

Free Retirement Guide

It's never too soon to start preparing for retirement. But do you know what to look out for? Download our free ebook, "Retire Happy: A Simple Guide to Your Next Big Adventure."
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