Joe F. Schmitz Jr., CFP®, ChFC®, CKA®
Joe F. Schmitz Jr., CFP®, ChFC®, CKA®, is the founder and CEO of Peak Retirement Planning, Inc., which was named the No. 1 fastest-growing private company in Columbus, Ohio, by Inc. 5000 in 2025. His firm focuses on serving those in the 2% Club by providing the 5 Pillars of Pension Planning.
Known as a thought leader in the industry, he is featured in TV news segments and has written three bestselling books: I Hate Taxes (request a free copy), Midwestern Millionaire (request a free copy) and The 2% Club (request a free copy).
You may have also seen Joe on YouTube, where he has one of the largest educational retirement planning channels for those in or near retirement with $1 million-plus saved and pensions.
Phone: 614.500.4121 | Email: info@peakretirementplanning.com | Website: www.peakretirementplanning.com
Investment Advisory Services and Insurance Services are offered through Peak Retirement Planning, Inc., a Securities and Exchange Commission registered investment advisor able to conduct advisory services where it is registered, exempt or excluded from registration.
Latest articles by Joe F. Schmitz Jr., CFP®, ChFC®, CKA®
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Five Opportunities if You're in the 2% Club in RetirementIf you're among the 2% of the population with both a pension and $1 million or more saved, you're in a unique yet complex position as you approach retirement.
By Joe F. Schmitz Jr., CFP®, ChFC®, CKA®
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Could You Retire at 59½? Five ConsiderationsWhile some people think they should wait until they're 65 or older to retire, retiring at 59½ could be one of the best decisions for your quality of life.
By Joe F. Schmitz Jr., CFP®, ChFC®
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Retiring With a Pension? 4 Things to KnowThe road to a secure retirement is slightly more intricate for people with pensions. Here are four key issues to consider to make the most out of yours.
By Joe F. Schmitz Jr., CFP®, ChFC®, CKA®
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Have $1M+ Saved? Consider a Financial Planning One-Stop ShopA 'one-stop shop' team — including a financial planner, estate planning lawyer, CPA and more — could serve all of your tax, estate and retirement planning needs.
By Joe F. Schmitz Jr., CFP®, ChFC®
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Want to Hire a Financial Planning Firm? Five Questions to AskThe key to finding a financial planner who will do great work for you and your family is knowing what to look for during your search.
By Joe F. Schmitz Jr., CFP®, ChFC®
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Are You a 'Midwestern Millionaire'? 4 Retirement StrategiesMidwestern Millionaires might not live in the Midwest, but they share a saver's mindset. These strategies are for those who have saved $1 million or more.
By Joe F. Schmitz Jr., CFP®, ChFC®, CKA®
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Why I Love Roth IRAs and Roth ConversionsRoth IRAs Roth IRAs truly are a gift from the government, and now is a great time to take Uncle Sam up on them. Here’s why.
By Joe F. Schmitz Jr., CFP®, ChFC®, CKA®
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Three Charitable Giving Strategies for High-Net-Worth IndividualsIf you have $1 million or more saved for retirement, these charitable giving strategies can help you give efficiently and save on taxes.
By Joe F. Schmitz Jr., CFP®, ChFC®, CKA®
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Will You Pay Taxes on Your Social Security Benefits?You might, depending on your income, but smart financial planning now can help lower or even eliminate your taxes in the future.
By Joe F. Schmitz Jr., CFP®, ChFC®, CKA®
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Should You Move Your 401(k) to an IRA Once You Hit 59½?Some 401(k)s allow for in-service withdrawals at age 59½, opening up greater investment options. Here are three reasons for taking the plunge.
By Joe F. Schmitz Jr., CFP®, ChFC®, CKA®
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You're 62 Years Old With $1 Million Saved: Can You Retire?The answer depends on several factors. The key is to create a plan that combines all aspects of retirement — income, taxes, health care and legacy planning.
By Joe F. Schmitz Jr., CFP®, ChFC®, CKA®
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How Much Do You Need for a Comfortable Retirement?What you need to be comfortable in retirement won't be the same as what your neighbor might need. Here's a scenario in which $1 million might be enough.
By Joe F. Schmitz Jr., CFP®, ChFC®, CKA®
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Should You Keep Your 401(k) When You Retire?Here are three primary reasons you might want to consider moving your retirement money from your 401(k) to an IRA once you retire.
By Joe F. Schmitz Jr., CFP®, ChFC®, CKA®
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Five Reasons Some Financial Planners Avoid Tax PlanningThey might not be allowed to do it at their company, but they also might not be willing to commit the time or are more focused on compensation. Here's how to make sure you're covered.
By Joe F. Schmitz Jr., CFP®, ChFC®, CKA®
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How a Roth Conversion Can Spare You From Medicare’s IRMAA and TaxesIf you've been a good saver and face large required minimum distributions (RMDs), then you need to plan for how to head off or limit higher Medicare premiums.
By Joe F. Schmitz Jr., CFP®, ChFC®, CKA®
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Are You a DIY Retirement Planner? Four Things You Need to KnowWhile saving is a huge part of retirement planning, tax efficiency and estate planning can be just as important, especially once you actually retire.
By Joe F. Schmitz Jr., CFP®, ChFC®, CKA®
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Should You Take Your Pension as a Lump Sum?The answer depends on multiple factors, such as what your alternative investment options would be, whether you want to leave money to a beneficiary and more.
By Joe F. Schmitz Jr., CFP®, ChFC®, CKA®
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Should You Take the Survivor Option on Your Pension?In some cases, you could buy life insurance instead and get a better deal in protecting your spouse. There are some things to keep in mind, though.
By Joe F. Schmitz Jr., CFP®, ChFC®, CKA®
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If You Have a Pension, Smart Tax Planning Should Start NowAdding pension income to Social Security benefits and income from required minimum distributions could see you facing a tax torpedo and higher Medicare costs.
By Joe F. Schmitz Jr., CFP®, ChFC®, CKA®
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What’s the Difference Between a CPA and a Tax Planner?CPAs do the important number crunching for tax preparation and filing, but tax planners look at the big picture and come up with tax-saving strategies.
By Joe F. Schmitz Jr., CFP®, ChFC®, CKA®
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When Should You Start Social Security Benefits? It DependsThe answers to these five questions can help you determine when it’s a good time to file for Social Security. The timing is different for everyone.
By Joe F. Schmitz Jr., CFP®, ChFC®
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Do You Have at Least $1 Million in Tax-Deferred Investments?If the answer is yes, then this article is for you. Find out how you can keep more of that $1 million for yourself and away from Uncle Sam.
By Joe F. Schmitz Jr., CFP®, ChFC®
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What You Can Do Now to Avoid Paying Higher Taxes in 2026Tax rates are set to increase once the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act sunsets at the end of 2025, but steps you take now could put you in a better financial position.
By Joe F. Schmitz Jr., CFP®, ChFC®
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Don’t Let the 'Widow's Penalty' Blindside You: How to PrepareIf one spouse passes away, the surviving spouse could pay nearly double the amount of income taxes. Are you planning for this?
By Joe F. Schmitz Jr., CFP®, ChFC®, CKA®
