If you’re in your early 50s and living in Tennessee, retirement is probably on your mind, and for many, so are the worries that come with it. Our article, “Gen X: Stop Worrying and Start Retirement Planning Today,” isn’t just a catchy phrase; it’s the reality many clients embrace as they take control of their financial future.

As a fee-only financial advisor in Greeneville, TN, we’ve heard from more Gen Xers than ever. Many ask, “Do I still have enough time to get my retirement plan on track?” 

The answer is yes.

If you’re between 50 and 55, you still have a strong window of opportunity to make adjustments that can shape your retirement for the better. Unlike waiting until a year or two before stepping away from work, you still have the gift of time, and time is one of the most potent tools in financial planning.

In this article, we’ll explore why Gen X still has room to build the retirement they want, how a comprehensive plan makes all the difference, and how paying for financial advice (fees vs. commissions) can impact your success.

Why Gen Xers Are Starting to Worry

You may not have always put retirement planning at the top of your list. Between building your career, raising kids, and tackling student loans, plenty of other demands were on your plate. But now that retirement feels much closer than it used to, it’s natural to start worrying about whether you’ve saved enough, when to claim Social Security, and how healthcare costs might impact your future.

Here’s the reality:

• You still have 10–15 years before retirement, sufficient time to course-correct.
• You may be in your peak earning years, which means higher savings capacity.
• Smart decisions today (investment strategy, tax planning, debt reduction) can compound into a much more comfortable retirement tomorrow.
  

At Sapiat, many Gen Xers who call us aren’t just looking for a quick fix. They want full, comprehensive financial planning because they recognize the stakes are too high for piecemeal advice.

The Value of Comprehensive Financial Planning

At this stage of life, retirement planning isn’t just about how your portfolio performs. It’s about how all the pieces of your financial life fit together in a way that works for you. That’s where comprehensive financial planning can make a difference. 

Instead of looking at investments in isolation, it connects all your finances into one coordinated plan. Your financial  plan should give you clarity around:

• Where your retirement income will come from, whether it’s your 401(k), IRAs, or the right timing for Social Security.
• How to keep more of what you earn through smart tax strategies that stretch your dollars further.
• How your investments are managed so they grow while matching the level of risk you’re comfortable with.
• What could healthcare and long-term care cost, and how can you prepare for those expenses.
• How your estate will be handled to protect your family and carry out your wishes.
  

Comprehensive financial planning isn’t a one-time checklist. It’s an ongoing process that adapts as your life, family, and priorities evolve. That’s why working with a fee-only fiduciary advisor in Greeneville, TN, can be valuable: you get advice built around your best interests, not product sales, and a partner to guide you every step.

Fees vs. Commissions: Why It Matters

When you think about retirement planning, you probably focus on savings goals, investment returns, or when to take Social Security. However, another factor can quietly shape your long-term results: how your financial advisor gets paid. 

The choice between fees and commissions isn’t just a technical detail; it can influence the advice you receive, the strategies recommended, and ultimately, how much of your money stays working for you.

Let’s look at how financial advisors can be compensated:

Commission-Based Financial Advisors

Some financial professionals are compensated through product commissions, such as mutual funds with upfront sales charges, annuities with surrender fees, or stock trades with per-trade costs. While this model can work in certain situations, it’s important to understand the potential drawbacks before committing:

• Research shows that the average investor holds a mutual fund for only about 15–17 months, yet it can take years to recoup an upfront commission.
• A handful of stock trades with commission charges can quickly add up, sometimes equaling what you might pay for an entire year of professional management under a fee-only arrangement.
  
• Some products, like annuities, may be marketed as “no upfront commission,” but often include back-end surrender penalties limiting flexibility.
  
• Because compensation is tied to product sales, recommendations may be influenced by the commission earned rather than what’s best for your needs.
  

Understanding how commissions work means asking the right questions so you know exactly what you’re paying for and how it impacts your long-term retirement plan.

Fee-Only Financial Advisors

With a fee-only advisor, you pay directly for advice, whether a flat fee, an hourly rate, or a percentage of the assets you want managed. They don’t earn commissions for selling products, so their compensation is tied to you, not a transaction. 

That means the structure is built to stay aligned with your long-term interests.

Here’s what that looks like for you:

• You should know precisely what you’re paying and what services are included, no surprises.
  
• Instead of being tied to one-time product sales, the relationship is centered on continuous planning and guidance as your needs change.
  
• Commission-driven incentives don’t limit recommendations, giving you access to a wider range of strategies and solutions.
  
• When your wealth grows, your advisor grows too, keeping the focus on your goals.
  

Yes, fees are still a cost that can add up over time. However, many people find the trade-off worthwhile for the clarity, objectivity, and ongoing support this model provides, especially when planning for retirement. 

Five Ways Gen X Can Kick-Start Retirement Planning Today

Here are five practical steps Gen Xers can take today to start boosting retirement planning efforts:

1. Max Out Catch-Up Contributions: Once you hit age 50, you can put extra money into retirement accounts beyond the standard limits. For 2025, that means an additional $7,500 into your 401(k) and $1,000 into your IRA. These “catch-up” contributions can significantly increase your savings in the final stretch before retirement.
2. Revisit Your Investment Mix: Your 50s are a good time to review whether your portfolio matches your risk tolerance and timeline. Too much risk could expose you to significant market swings, while too little risk could stall growth. A financial advisor in Tennessee can help rebalance your investments to align with your retirement goals.
3. Build a Healthcare and Long-Term Care Plan: Healthcare is one of the most significant retirement expenses. Plan by researching coverage options, Health Savings Accounts (HSAs), and long-term care insurance to avoid last-minute scrambling and unexpected costs.
4. Get Strategic with Social Security: Don’t assume you should claim Social Security at 62. The timing of your benefits can dramatically impact your lifetime income. Run the numbers, or work with a fiduciary advisor to find the best time to claim your benefits. 
5. Eliminate High-Interest Debt: Paying down credit cards, personal loans, or even student debt before retirement can free up cash flow and reduce stress. The less debt you carry into retirement, the more flexibility you’ll have with your income and lifestyle choices.

Why Work With Sapiat Asset Management

At Sapiat Asset Management, we specialize in helping Gen X and pre-retirees in Tennessee stop worrying and start planning for a successful retirement. 

Here’s how our approach is different:

• We’re a fee-only fiduciary firm, meaning we don’t sell products or earn commissions.
  
• We provide comprehensive planning, not one-time advice. We cover your whole financial life, from investments to taxes to legacy planning.
  
• We focus on actionable strategies you can implement now to make the next 10–15 years work for you.
  

Retirement doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. You can replace worry with clarity and confidence with the right plan and financial advisor. Don’t leave your retirement to chance or an advisor motivated by commissions. Choose a fee-only fiduciary who works for you, not against you.

Ready to take the next step? Schedule your consultation with Sapiat Asset Management in Greeneville, TN.