Life rarely unfolds exactly as we expect it to. Careers shift, families grow, opportunities arise—and sometimes, challenges do too. A strong financial foundation and a flexible plan can make all the difference.
Take Colin and Erin, a couple I’ve had the privilege of working with for the past five years. Their journey is one of resilience, thoughtful planning, and the incredible value of starting early.
Starting Strong
Erin’s parents instilled the value of saving from an early age. They’re also clients of RTD and have experienced the power of planning firsthand. As soon as Erin landed her first job, she began contributing to her Roth IRA and 401(k). That early initiative gave her a solid financial base—one that would serve her well.
Erin met Colin their freshman year of college, moving to New York City upon graduation. They got married and moved into an apartment in Brooklyn. They began working with RTD to ensure they were saving appropriately for retirement and thinking ahead to their future. After their daughter, Charlotte, was born, we helped them draft estate documents, obtain life insurance, and fund a 529 plan for her education.
Planning Around Uncertainty
Erin worked in medical sales and commuted long distances to her territory. She and Colin were eager to move to the suburbs to gain more space and start building equity—but coordinating a job change and a home search at the same time proved challenging.
Eventually, Erin landed a new job, and they found a home within her new sales territory. It felt like everything was finally falling into place.
An Unexpected Setback
Less than a month after closing on their home, Erin was laid off. Suddenly, they were facing a mortgage on a single income.
Fortunately, we’d prioritized maintaining their emergency fund throughout the home-buying process. That cushion gave them room to breathe. They temporarily pulled Charlotte from daycare and focused on stabilizing their finances while searching for a new position. Fortunately, four months later, Erin was rehired by the same company that had let her go.
And Then There Were Five
Shortly after returning to work, they were met with another surprise: Erin was pregnant with identical twin boys. Soon, Colin and Erin would be parents to three children under the age of three.
The questions came flooding in: How would they afford childcare? What would this mean for their long-term goals? Would they still be able to retire on schedule?
Thanks to Colin and Erin’s diligent saving early in their careers, they had options. They were able to temporarily scale back on savings to increase monthly cash flow. We ran updated projections and adjusted their plan accordingly. Yes, there would be short-term tradeoffs, like pausing 401(k) maximization and scaling back Backdoor Roth contributions. But the long-term picture remained strong, and knowing that gave them a sense of confidence in an otherwise overwhelming moment.
The twins haven’t arrived just yet, but we’re excited to continue supporting Colin and Erin as they embrace this new chapter—adjusting their plan and staying focused on what matters most.
The Takeaway
Colin and Erin’s experience is a reminder of how early planning and intentional saving can provide a sense of stability and confidence during life’s unexpected turns.
Here’s what their journey can teach us:
- Start saving as early as possible. Even small contributions early on can create meaningful flexibility later.
- Build an emergency fund before you need it. You never know when life will throw a curveball.
- Work with a financial planner. Having a partner to guide you through major life transitions and adjust your plan along the way is invaluable.
- Stay flexible. A financial plan isn’t a one-time document—it’s a living, breathing strategy designed to evolve with your life.
At RTD, we’re here to help you prepare for the expected and adapt to the unexpected. Because thriving through transition isn’t about having all the answers—it’s about having a plan that can withstand change.
RTD Financial Advisors, Inc (“RTD”) is a SEC registered investment adviser. Information presented is for educational purposes only intended for a broad audience. The information does not intend to make an offer or solicitation for the sale or purchase of any specific securities, investments, or investment strategies. Investments involve risk and are not guaranteed. RTD has reasonable belief that this marketing does not include any false or material misleading statements or omissions of facts regarding services, investment, or client experience. RTD has reasonable belief that the content as a whole will not cause an untrue or misleading implication regarding the adviser’s services, investments, or client experiences. RTD has presented information in a fair and balanced manner. RTD is not giving tax, legal or accounting advice, consult a professional tax or legal representative if needed.