Mayo Clinic Retirement Planning | Fortress Financial Group
What Makes Mayo Retirement Unique

Complex benefits. Clear path forward.

Mayo's pension options, multi-plan 403(b)/457 structure, and healthcare timing create choices that demand specialized guidance. We turn complexity into clarity—and build a coordinated, tax-smart plan you can act on with confidence.

Pension Decision Modeling

Lump sum vs. annuity isn't a coin flip—it's a multi-variable equation. We model your specific numbers across survivor benefits, interest rates, longevity assumptions, and tax scenarios.

  • Compare monthly income security vs. rollover flexibility
  • Analyze survivor, COLA, and rate environment impacts
  • Coordinate with Social Security & portfolio strategy
See how we model your pension

403(b) & 457 Optimization

Mayo's multi-provider structure means fragmented accounts, varied investment menus, and hidden fees. We consolidate, optimize allocations, and align pre- and post-retirement strategies.

  • Maximize contributions & match across both plans
  • Select best institutional-share funds in each menu
  • Plan tax-efficient rollovers at retirement
Review your 403(b)/457 strategy

Tax-Aware Income & Healthcare Strategy

Replacing your Mayo paycheck requires orchestrating multiple income sources while managing taxes, Medicare/IRMAA, and Social Security timing—not guesswork, but precision.

  • Design withdrawal order & cash buffer strategy
  • Execute Roth conversions, tax-loss/gain harvesting
  • Optimize Social Security age & Medicare/IRMAA
Explore retirement income planning
Your Proven Process

From uncertainty to action—in four focused steps.

We've guided hundreds of professionals through retirement. Our process is tailored to Mayo's benefit structure—pension illustrations, 403(b)/457 menus, healthcare timing—then coordinated into one tax-smart plan.

Quick, Actionable Tools

Take the next step in under 10 minutes.

Choose a quick-start option below. We'll analyze your specific situation and review results with you—no obligation, just clarity.

Model Your Pension Options

Share your basics—we'll run lump sum vs. annuity scenarios with survivor/COLA options, interest-rate sensitivity, and tax impacts for your specific situation.

Schedule pension analysis

Find Your Optimal Social Security Age

We analyze your claiming options (62–70) factoring in longevity, taxes, spousal benefits, and coordination with your Mayo pension and portfolio.

Get Social Security analysis

Plan Tax-Smart Roth Conversions

See when Roth conversions make sense—and when they don't. Includes coordination with tax-gain/loss harvesting and IRMAA considerations.

Schedule conversion review
Mayo-Focused Resources

Plain-English help for Mayo employees.

Guides and articles specifically for Mayo Clinic professionals navigating retirement decisions.

Your Mayo Retirement Questions—Answered

The clarity you need to move forward.

These cover the questions we hear most from Mayo employees—pensions, 403(b) rollovers, paycheck replacement, healthcare timing, and Social Security optimization.

Should I take my Mayo pension as a lump sum or an annuity?

There's no universal "right" answer—it depends on your specific situation. We model both options using your numbers: cash-flow needs, survivor benefits, interest-rate sensitivity, longevity assumptions, and taxes.

Then we coordinate the decision with your portfolio strategy and Social Security timing. The goal is to identify the best-fit choice for your goals and constraints, not a one-size-fits-all recommendation.

How "safe" is my Mayo pension?

Safety depends on plan provisions, funding status, and available protections outlined in your Summary Plan Description (SPD). We review your SPD and statements with you, explain what protections apply, and build contingency plans into your retirement income strategy so you're not solely reliant on one source.

What are the tax implications of rolling over my Mayo 403(b)?

A direct rollover from a traditional 403(b) to a traditional IRA is generally not taxable. Roth 403(b) dollars can roll to a Roth IRA.

If funds are paid to you first (indirect rollover), mandatory withholding and potential taxes can apply. We plan the rollover path and timing to avoid unwanted tax surprises and align with your broader allocation and tax strategy.

How do I replace my Mayo paycheck after retirement?

We create a tax-aware income plan using a combination of:

  • Dividends and interest from your portfolio
  • Systematic withdrawals from retirement accounts
  • A cash buffer for market volatility
  • Coordination with pension/annuity payments and Social Security

The result: a predictable monthly "paycheck" that adjusts as your life changes.

What should I do for healthcare before and after Medicare?

Before 65: Options may include COBRA continuation coverage or ACA Marketplace plans, depending on your situation and budget.

After 65: We time Medicare enrollment carefully and manage IRMAA (Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount) exposure through strategic income planning.

We map premiums, deductibles, and tax impacts into your plan and coordinate HSA use where applicable.

When should I claim Social Security?

It depends on longevity assumptions, spousal benefits, income needs, and taxes. We run scenarios from age 62 through 70, compare after-tax lifetime outcomes, and recommend a strategy that coordinates with your Mayo pension and portfolio withdrawals.

The right timing can mean tens of thousands of dollars in additional lifetime benefits.

Can I really retire from Mayo with confidence?

Yes—but confidence comes from clarity and coordination, not guesswork. We align your pension decision, 403(b)/457/IRA assets, Social Security strategy, and healthcare planning into one comprehensive, tax-smart plan.

Then we review and adjust annually (and when life changes) so you stay on track. That's how Mayo professionals retire with confidence.

Ready to retire from Mayo with clarity, not confusion?

Schedule a complimentary call. We'll review your situation, answer your questions, and show you what a coordinated retirement plan looks like—no pressure, just clarity.

Fee-Only Fiduciary
200+ Families Served
Established 2007
Important Disclosure: The views on this page are those of Fortress Financial Group and not those of Mayo Clinic. Mayo Clinic and Fortress Financial Group are not affiliated.