Our Services
Federal Retirement Planning, Refined
Nigel Valdez · Certified Financial Fiduciary® (CFF®), Federal Retirement Consultant (FRC®)
Many people approach retirement asking, “what now?”—content to simply stop working and hope their savings are enough. Our clients learn to expect more. They want their retirement to be intentional, optimized, and built to thrive.
At Better Federal Retirement® we follow a mandate of Sophisticated Simplicity. We help our clients turn complex benefits and investment options into a cohesive, purpose-driven wealth strategy. As a Certified Financial Fiduciary® and Federal Retirement Consultant®, Nigel Valdez provides guidance grounded in independence, precision, and long-term partnership.
Where We (Usually) Start
Most of our clients have built their own success. They’ve managed their investments, navigated their benefits, and made thoughtful financial decisions on their own. For many, Better Federal Retirement® is the first truly holistic advisory relationship they’ve ever experienced.
That’s why we start simply—with a chance to “kick the tires.”
Our introductory process is designed to give you genuine value, not a sales pitch.
It begins with a 10–20 minute Discovery Call where we learn more about your goals and determine whether there’s a potential fit. Generally our clients are within ten years of retirement and have at least $250,000 (preferably $500,000+) in investable assets. If there’s a potential fit, we’ll move forward with a Federal Retirement Benefits Analysis (FRBA).
A Free Federal Retirement Benefits Analysis
Discover if you’re on track for a Better Federal Retirement®
The FRBA includes personalized pension and Social Security estimates and an Income Gap Assessment—giving you a “10,000-foot view” of your retirement readiness. You’ll see whether or not you’re on track, and much more.
In the Discovery Call Nigel will gather information for the FRBA, then you’ll schedule a 60–90 minute follow-up meeting, where Nigel walks you through your results as if you were already a client. This is your opportunity to experience the depth, clarity, and fiduciary care that define our work—no pressure, no sales agenda. At the end, one of two things happens: we agree that it’s the right fit and discuss next steps, or we part ways as friends, with you having gained insight and confidence.
Determine Your Retirement Income Style
The RISA® assessment can help personalize your retirement plan
You can also begin with a RISA® profile—a research-backed assessment that helps identify your retirement income personality and the strategies that best align with your natural preferences.
Either way, your first step with Better Federal Retirement® is designed to inform, not to sell—and to give you a real sense of what working with a fiduciary truly feels like.
Better Federal Retirement Plan®
Holistic, tax-efficient retirement planning for federal employees
At Better Federal Retirement®, we take a comprehensive and personalized approach to guiding federal employees toward their ideal retirement. Rather than a flat fee, your Plan is priced on a sliding scale—from $400 to $2,000—depending on the complexity of your situation and your income.
We use a four-stage process—Discover, Design, Deliver, Dedicated—together with The Bucket Plan® framework, to ensure no detail is overlooked in creating an income plan that is efficient and sustainable throughout your retirement.
Focused Services
Start working towards a Better Federal Retirement® today!
Want an experienced partner you can trust to protect your interests and provide a holistic financial plan to help maximize your benefits?
You can have both by scheduling a free call with our team today!
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