Retirement Starts with a Plan

Retirement isn’t a date — it’s a decision. And the right decision starts with knowing your numbers, your options, and your goals. At BCN, we help public safety professionals retire strategically — with a clear plan, the right documents, and realistic expectations about income, taxes, healthcare, and benefits.

Step 1: Start with a Strategy

Before you retire, meet with a BCN advisor to build a personalized plan. We’ll confirm your eligibility, explain how your pension grows, and identify contract-specific pay items that can boost your final compensation. We also show how service credit, sick leave, and reciprocity factor into your benefit. The earlier you plan, the better your outcome.

Step 2: Gather the Right Information

We help you collect the key records and documents needed to retire smoothly — including employment history, service credit, sick leave, beneficiary info, and any supporting documents for disability or prior service. Missing details can delay your retirement — we make sure nothing falls through the cracks.

Step 3: Understand Your Full Income

Your pension is just one piece. We model your full retirement income, including deferred compensation, Social Security (if eligible), investment accounts, healthcare benefits, and any income from reciprocal service. You’ll know what to expect — after taxes and deductions — so you can plan your lifestyle with confidence.

Step 4: Make Informed Elections

We help you choose the best retirement date, survivor option, and benefit structure for your situation. We also guide you on cashouts, COLAs, and how to coordinate Industrial Disability Retirement if eligible. These decisions can shape your income for decades — we make sure they’re informed and intentional.

Step 5: Manage Your Investments in Retirement

Once the paycheck stops, your investments take over. We offer professional investment management to help you transition from saving to spending, while balancing growth, income, and protection. We coordinate your strategy with your pension and 457(b) withdrawals, account for taxes and inflation, and ensure your plan supports both you and your family long term.

Step 6: Retire with Confidence

We guide you through the entire transition — from submitting your application to setting up health coverage and building a retirement budget. Our goal isn’t just to help you retire — it’s to help you stay retired.