Retirement Planning in Orange County, CA

A retirement plan should turn the savings you have worked for into dependable income for the years ahead. Our advisors build tax-aware retirement strategies for individuals and families in Orange County, with recommendations made in your best interest.

Request a Retirement Planning Consultation Call (949) 785-1535

FiduciaryObligated to act in your best interest
CFP^® ProfessionalsRigorous certification standards
Comprehensive PlanningIncome, Social Security, and Tax Strategies
Local OfficeCosta Mesa office, serving Orange County

Retirement Planning for Orange County Individuals and Families

After years of building savings, retirement asks a different question: how do you turn what you have into dependable income that keeps up with the cost of living in Orange County and lasts as long as you do? That answer belongs in a written plan you can see and adjust, not in a spreadsheet you revisit once a year.

We work with Costa Mesa, Newport Beach, and Irvine area professionals, executives, and retirees to coordinate withdrawals, Social Security, taxes, and investments into one strategy. Every recommendation we make is given in your best interest.

Why Retirement Planning Matters in California

California taxes matter more here than in most states, which makes the timing and mix of your retirement income a central planning decision.

$24,500

2026 401(k) contribution limit (IRS)

Up to 13.3%

California top marginal rate applied to retirement withdrawals (California Franchise Tax Board)

$0

California tax on Social Security benefits (California Franchise Tax Board)

Our Orange County Retirement Planning Services

Retirement planning is most effective as one coordinated strategy rather than a series of separate moves. These are the areas we focus on for Orange County individuals and families.

Retirement Income Planning

We build a withdrawal strategy that turns your accounts into reliable income while keeping California's tax treatment of that income in view.

Social Security Timing

We model claiming ages against your other taxable income so you can choose when to file with the whole picture in front of you.

Tax-Aware Withdrawals and Roth Conversions

Because California taxes withdrawals as ordinary income, we look closely at Roth conversions and withdrawal order to manage your lifetime tax.

Equity Compensation and Rollovers

Many Orange County professionals hold RSUs, options, and old employer plans. We help you coordinate them into your retirement strategy.

Investment Management

We manage a portfolio matched to your income needs and risk tolerance, and shift it as you move from accumulating to drawing down.

Estate and Legacy Coordination

We coordinate beneficiaries and account titling with your attorney and tax professional so your plan passes on the way you intend.

Why Orange County Families Work With Us

Choosing an advisor is a decision about whom you trust with your family's future. Our value comes from experience, transparency, and a fiduciary standard of care that puts your interests first.

We are an independent, SEC-registered firm with an office in Costa Mesa, so you get a direct relationship with your advisor and the accountability that comes with the fiduciary standard.

Fiduciary Standard of Care
Our recommendations are made in your best interest, designed around your goals rather than product sales.
CFP^® Guidance
Our planning is led by CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professionals held to the standards of the CFP Board.
Coordinated Advice
Investments, retirement income, tax awareness, and estate strategy are managed together as one plan.

Trevor McGhie, CFP^®

Financial Advisor and Private Wealth Manager

Earned his business degree from California State University, Fullerton and began his career at a major investment firm before moving to independent advice, helping Orange County individuals and businesses plan for retirement.

Richard Little, CFP^®

Managing Partner, Financial Advisor and Private Wealth Manager

As managing partner, Richard founded Serenity in 2020 after managing multiple Edward Jones branch offices, and partners with Trevor to bring a personalized, fiduciary approach to Orange County clients.

Areas We Serve

We meet with clients at our Costa Mesa office on Anton Boulevard and serve individuals and families across Orange County.

Costa Mesa
Newport Beach
Irvine
Santa Ana
Huntington Beach
Orange County

Office555 Anton Boulevard, Suite 200
Costa Mesa, CA 92626
Phone(949) 785-1535
Emailinfo@serenitywmoc.com

Request a Retirement Planning Consultation in Orange County

If you want a clear, tax-aware plan for your retirement income, we would welcome a conversation. There is no cost for the first meeting and no obligation to move forward.

Request a Retirement Planning Consultation Call (949) 785-1535

Frequently Asked Questions

Does California tax my 401(k) and IRA withdrawals?

Yes. California taxes withdrawals from 401(k)s, IRAs, and pensions as ordinary income, at rates that reach among the highest in the country (California Franchise Tax Board). Planning the order and timing of your withdrawals can reduce the tax you pay over your retirement.

Are Social Security benefits taxed in California?

No. California does not tax Social Security benefits (California Franchise Tax Board). They may still be partly taxable at the federal level depending on your total income, which is one reason the mix of your income sources matters.

How much can I contribute to my retirement accounts in 2026?

For 2026 the 401(k) elective deferral limit is $24,500, with an $8,000 catch-up at age 50 and over and a higher $11,250 catch-up for ages 60 to 63. The IRA limit is $7,500, with a $1,100 catch-up at 50 and over (IRS).

Can you help me plan around RSUs and stock options?

Yes. Many Orange County professionals hold equity compensation alongside their retirement accounts. We coordinate vesting, concentration, and tax so those holdings work with your retirement income plan rather than against it.

Where is your Orange County office?

Our office is at 555 Anton Boulevard in Costa Mesa, and we meet clients in person or by video, whichever you prefer.