retirement planning resources

Practical guidance on retirement income, tax strategy, Social Security, and more — written for those in the years before and during retirement who want to make confident, well-informed financial decisions.

Schedule Your Discovery Call

How to Pay Less Tax in Retirement Using Arizona's Tax Laws

Arizona is one of the more tax-friendly states for retirees — but favorable rules only help if you use them. I break down what Arizona's tax environment means for your retirement income plan.
Christian Harris, CFP®, CKA®
June 1, 2026

Charitable Giving in Retirement: Strategies That Maximize Impact and Minimize Taxes

Retirement opens up powerful charitable giving tools most people don't know exist. I cover QCDs, Donor Advised Funds, and how to give generously and plan wisely at the same time.
Christian Harris, CFP®, CKA®
May 4, 2026

The Retirement Paycheck: How to Turn Your Savings into Monthly Income

Turning savings into a reliable monthly paycheck is harder than it sounds. I walk through how to build a retirement income plan that lasts — and the risks most people don't see coming.
Christian Harris, CFP®, CKA®
April 6, 2026

Roth Conversions & the planning window before rmds begin

The window between retirement and your first RMD may be the most important tax planning period of your life. I explain why Roth conversions deserve a serious look before that window closes.
Christian Harris, CFP®, CKA®
March 2, 2026

When Should I Take Social Security? A Guide for Phoenix-Area Retirees

Social Security timing is one of the most consequential decisions in retirement. I break down what claiming at 62, 67, or 70 means for your benefit — and how to think through the decision for your situation.
Christian Harris, CFP®, CKA®
February 2, 2026

How Do I Know If I Have Enough to Retire? A Framework for Phoenix Pre-Retirees

A practical framework for answering the question every pre-retiree asks: do I actually have enough? I walk through how to think about your income gap, withdrawal rate, and what retirement readiness really means.
Christian Harris, CFP®, CKA®
January 5, 2026

THE JOURNEY TO STILLWATER How I Got Here

My story with financial planning started earlier than most - my dad is a financial advisor, and I grew up around the business. But like a lot of kids, I had dreams of setting my own course.

After college, I worked at a marketing agency, spent time overseas, and eventually served on staff with Young Life. Ministry taught me the value of walking with people through the ups and downs of life. I loved that work - and I started to realize I wanted to find a career where I could keep helping people in meaningful, practical ways.

That’s what led me to financial planning.

I went back to school, earned my MBA and became a CFP®. After working at a major investment firm, I joined a high-end private family office, where I got to work closely with attorneys, CPAs, and clients on everything from tax and estate planning to charitable giving.

Both experiences were valuable - but they also exposed two ends of a spectrum. One was too templated and sales-focused. The other was custom and thoughtful, but only accessible to a very small, very wealthy group.

I wanted to serve real people - families in transition, professionals navigating complexity, couples trying to be wise stewards of what they’ve built. So I started Stillwater Financial Planning.

Next Steps

Let’s Have a Conversation

You don’t have to figure this out on your own. If you’re looking for financial guidance that’s personal, clear, and grounded in what matters most - I’d be honored to connect.

Let’s talk about where you are, where you want to go, and how to build a plan that gets you there with peace and confidence.

Schedule Your Discovery Call
No pressure. Just honest, helpful guidance.