With over 35 years of experience in investment management and financial planning expertise, Alexandria resident Greg Sullivan's new book guides retirees through the potential monetary pitfalls that challenge individuals when making life decisions.
Retirement Fail: The 9 Reasons People Flunk Post-Work Life and How To Ace Your Own provides first-hand encounters of economic hardships in the face of life-changing events.
After graduating from Pennsylvania State in 1979 with a degree in accounting, Sullivan has been recognized by Washingtonian Magazine as one of the Top Wealth Advisors in Washington, DC.
Sullivan wears many hats, from entrepreneur to father and most recently, author. He is the president and CEO of SBSB, Sullivan Bruyette Speros & Blayney, a financial advisory firm that prides itself on executing "thoughtful growth" - a personalized and proactive approach to financial planning. SBSB works with families, attorneys, corporate executives, and entrepreneurs to provide portfolio management and tax and fiduciary services to help them make smart financial decisions.
Sullivan writes from firsthand experience, bringing his family, clients, and home life into the foreground of his strategies for financial decision-making, leaving no subject matter off the table.
His book is at once an outline on what situations to avoid and at the same time, an inspirational how-to guide for financial success and stability. As a parent himself, Sullivan understands that having a family comes with unique trials and tribulations, many of which can play a significant role in personal finances.
Sullivan explains of his relationship with his clients, “You’re really just a guide to help them create success. I call it 'Retirement Fail' because these are the issues that might trip you up; the point of the whole thing is about success... Everyone will stumble on one of these items; the question is how you pick up and move on so you can work towards your hopes and dreams.”
For years, Sullivan has seen clients who were well prepared for retirement. They had their savings under control and were essentially doing all the right things. Then, not everything proceeded as they had planned and they got tripped up due to decisions that they had either avoided or simply needed more guidance on. He is passionate about bringing awareness to issues that not everyone is comfortable speaking about or admitting to.
In his book, Sullivan covers topics ranging from "Graying Divorce," stories of tackling divorce at a time when you should be preparing for vacations with your partner, to "The Nest That Won't Empty," which recounts how parents base financial decisions around their children.
One of the most universal reasons people tend to flunk post-work life, however, is actually quite simple: "Life's Unpredictabilities." It is the "oh my gosh, I just didn't know that that would happen!" moments that manage to throw people into the most turmoil. Life's unpredictabilities, as Sullivan explains, are actually quite predictable.
Although Sullivan has been dealing with these issues for years, even he admits that he can't cover everything there is to know about the many issues that could surface when confronting retirement.
When asked what advice he would give to someone on the cusps of retirement, he said, "The first thing I’d say is to read my book." Through a chuckle, he added, "Success is accomplished with greater awareness, deeper conversations and a thoughtful plan of action.”
The book, Retirement Fail, is available at Amazon, Audible.com, and other ebook locations.
