From Medicare planning to estate protection to income design — Silver Maple covers every dimension of your retirement so nothing is left to chance.
Most people reach retirement without a real plan — just a hope that the numbers work out. Retirement by Design™ is Thomas Smith's signature process that builds a complete, coordinated retirement strategy around your specific goals, income needs, and timeline.
We start with a complete picture of where you are today — income sources, assets, debts, Social Security, and retirement accounts.
We assess how much risk you should be carrying at your age and stage, and where adjustments need to be made.
We map out your income streams and classify assets by tax treatment — identifying opportunities to reduce lifetime tax burden.
We analyze your optimal claiming strategy to maximize lifetime Social Security benefits for you and your spouse.
We identify windows of opportunity to convert pre-tax dollars strategically — reducing future required minimum distributions and taxes.
You receive a clear written action plan — and we schedule regular reviews to keep your strategy on track as life changes.
The Retirement by Design™ process produces a full suite of personalized analysis reports, including:
Healthcare is one of the largest — and most misunderstood — expenses in retirement. Thomas helps Wisconsin families navigate Medicare with confidence, selecting the right coverage for their health needs and budget.
New to Medicare? Thomas walks you through the basics — Parts A, B, C, and D — so you understand your options before you make any enrollment decisions. No pressure, just clarity.
Already on Medicare? Thomas conducts a thorough annual review of your current coverage to make sure it still fits your needs, your doctors, and your budget — and flags anything that could save you money.
Medicare Supplement plans fill the gaps that Original Medicare leaves behind. Thomas compares plans across top carriers to find the right fit for your situation in Wisconsin.
Medicare Advantage (Part C) bundles your coverage through a private carrier and often includes extra benefits. Thomas helps you evaluate whether Advantage is right for you versus a Supplement plan.
Part D drug coverage varies significantly by plan and formulary. Thomas reviews your current prescriptions to identify the plan that covers your medications at the lowest total cost.
Medicare Annual Enrollment runs October 15 – December 7 each year. Thomas is available to help you review changes and make updates — so you never miss a better option.
Protecting what you've built — and making sure it passes to the right people, the right way — is just as important as growing it. Thomas works with families to establish digital trusts and comprehensive estate planning structures that protect assets and reduce the burden on loved ones.
A Digital Trust is a modern estate planning tool that protects your assets, maintains privacy, and avoids the time and expense of probate. Thomas guides families through the setup process.
Outdated beneficiary designations are one of the most common estate planning mistakes. Thomas reviews all your accounts to make sure assets go where you intend.
From real estate to retirement accounts to life insurance, we review how each asset is titled and positioned to minimize estate taxes and maximize what passes to heirs.
Beyond the financial mechanics, Thomas helps families think through legacy goals — charitable giving, family values, and how to pass on more than just money.
Online accounts, passwords, crypto, and digital files are often overlooked in traditional estate plans. A Digital Trust addresses these modern assets comprehensively.
Traditional wills go through probate — a public, time-consuming legal process that can take months and cost thousands. A properly structured Digital Trust keeps your estate private, passes assets quickly, and gives you control over exactly how and when beneficiaries receive their inheritance.
Thomas partners with estate planning professionals to bring this service directly to Wisconsin families — so you don't have to coordinate multiple advisors.
Learn More →Every Silver Maple client receives personalized reports that turn complex financial data into clear, actionable decisions.
Schedule a free 30-minute consultation with Thomas to discuss which services fit your situation best.