What We Do: Comprehensive Retirement Planning for the Monadnock Region.
At Monadnock Retirement Solutions, LLC, we help people in Hancock, Keene, Peterborough, and across the Monadnock Region build secure, enjoyable retirements. As an independent fiduciary advisor, Tom Villeneuve focuses on the big picture — not just products or investments, but how everything works together for your life now and in the future. We integrate Medicare, Social Security, taxes, cash flow, investments, and estate strategies into one personalized plan. The goal? Reduce stress, avoid costly mistakes, and give you confidence to enjoy retirement on your terms — without commissions or sales pressure.
What Makes Our Approach Different?
We deal with the financial matters that will affect your life now and in the future. All the services we offer — from Medicare health insurance and Social Security optimization to investment assets, tax planning, and estate strategies — tie directly into retirement solutions. Purchasing any of these in isolation (piecemeal) is not recommended. Without looking at the full retirement picture and your goals, decisions can lead to gaps, unnecessary taxes, or missed opportunities. That's why we recommend a full comprehensive retirement plan for anyone over 40. How is a financial planning advisor different from an investment advisor?
Investment planning focuses primarily on your assets — the money in your 401(k), IRA, or other accounts. Good investment advisors build and monitor a portfolio of funds or stocks, reviewing it once or twice a year to adjust as needed. This is the "money gathering" phase: growing wealth over time. Financial planning for retirement is much more comprehensive. It's about the use and enjoyment of those assets in real life. We look at:
Your investment assets, plus everything of value: real estate, artwork, antiques, collectibles, Bitcoin, your home, and more.
Income sources: Social Security, pensions, rentals, part-time work.
Expenses and lifestyle: housing, healthcare (Medicare), travel, hobbies, family support.
Cash flow in and out over time.
Risks and surprises: inflation, market volatility, health changes, longevity (outliving your money), Black Swan events, and more.
The result? A detailed cash flow analysis that shows how your money will last — and how to make it work harder for the retirement you envision. This holistic view is what sets us apart: we plan for life, not just growth.
Why Our Independent Structure Means Better Long-Term Service for You
At Monadnock Retirement Solutions, I am completely independent — there is no broker-dealer behind me directing which products, funds, or services to recommend. This freedom means every recommendation is based solely on what is best for your situation, not on what is most profitable for a brokerage firm.
Most advisors in this field work under a broker-dealer model where compensation is heavily front-loaded: they often receive 80% or more of the advisory fee in the first year, then it drops sharply (often to 20% or less) in subsequent years. In practice, this structure incentivizes advisors to focus intensely on new clients in year one, then shift attention to gathering the next new client — leaving less time for ongoing service and monitoring.
My compensation is different and designed for long-term relationships: I receive the same level fee every year (a bit lower than the area average), with no front-loading. This allows me to intentionally keep a smaller number of clients and provide consistent, high-touch service year after year — watching over your plan, making adjustments as life changes, and being available when you need guidance.
You get the attention and continuity that many clients say they've missed with other advisors.
Fully independent — no broker-dealer pushing profitable products; recommendations are 100% in your best interest.
Level, ongoing compensation — same fee every year (no front-loaded model), so I focus on fewer clients with consistent, long-term service — not chasing the next new account.
How I'm Compensated – Transparent & Client-First
I operate as a fee-only fiduciary for planning and investment advice: You pay me directly through hourly rates, project fees, or a percentage of assets under management — with full transparency and no hidden costs. When a client needs insurance or an annuity (for example, a $100,000 annuity purchase), I can act as your licensed agent and receive the standard commission from the carrier. Importantly, I do not charge my advisory fee on the money going into that product — no AUM percentage applied to the annuity amount. This means you avoid the double-billing common with many fee-based advisors: paying an ongoing advisory fee while also funding a full commission through the product. My model ensures you pay only one fair layer for the insurance/annuity itself, plus my direct fee for the rest of your planning and management — keeping advice aligned solely with your best interests.
Core Services We Provide
Comprehensive Retirement Planning
Holistic strategies that coordinate all aspects of your finances for a smooth transition into — and through — retirement.Medicare & Health Insurance Guidance
Help navigating Original Medicare, Advantage plans, Supplements, Part D, enrollment deadlines, and avoiding penalties — integrated with your overall plan.Social Security Optimization
Personalized claiming strategies (when to start, spousal/survivor benefits, taxation in NH) to maximize lifetime income.Investment & Portfolio Review
Fiduciary management of 401(k)s, IRAs, taxable accounts — focused on risk-adjusted growth and income needs.401(k)/IRA Rollovers & Roth Conversions
Tax-efficient moves to consolidate accounts, reduce fees, or shift to tax-free growth.Tax & Cash Flow Planning
Strategies to minimize taxes, manage withdrawals, and ensure steady income (NH has no state tax on Social Security — we leverage that).Estate & Legacy Planning
Basic coordination with your attorney for wills, trusts, beneficiary reviews, and protecting what you've built.
Who We Serve & Why It Matters
We specialize in helping:
Pre-retirees (50–65) planning the transition.
Recent retirees adjusting to new realities.
Professionals like police, firefighters, teachers, corporate employees, and small business owners — each with unique pensions, benefits, and risks.
Our Monadnock Region focus means we understand local factors: NH tax rules, healthcare costs, and the lifestyle many want here (outdoor activities, community, lower stress).
Ready to See How We Can Help You?
If you're over 40 and thinking about retirement — or already retired and want a second look — start with a free, no-obligation consultation. Call Tom at 603-491-4092 today or fill out the quick form below. We'll discuss your situation and see if our comprehensive approach is right for you.