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You've Spent Decades Building a Career in Education. Don't Leave Your Retirement to Chance.

Washington educators have unique retirement benefits, and unique blind spots. This free guide helps you see both clearly before it’s too late to act.

Download the Free Educator's Retirement Guide

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Most Educators Retire Without Knowing These Things

You’ve given your career to students, schools, and your community. But somewhere in the busyness of lesson plans, IEPs, and staff meetings, retirement planning got pushed to the back burner.

You’re not alone, but the stakes are high. Here’s what we see educators miss most often when they’re within 5 years of retirement:

  • Not understanding how TRS/PERS benefit elections work — a single decision at retirement locks in your payout for life. Choose wrong, and you can’t go back.
  • Underestimating the tax impact of multiple income streams — pension, Social Security, a 403(b) or DCP, and investment accounts can push you into a higher tax bracket than expected.
  • Missing the window to optimize Social Security timing — most people take it too early, leaving potentially tens of thousands of dollars on the table.
  • Leaving years of 403(b) contributions invested in default funds — many educators have accumulated significant savings without ever revisiting their investment strategy.
  • No plan for healthcare coverage in the gap between retirement and Medicare eligibility at 65.

These aren’t small mistakes. For educators in their final working years, these decisions can mean the difference between a retirement that feels abundant and one that feels tight.

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Free Guide

The Washington Educator's Retirement Guide

This guide was built specifically for Washington State teachers, administrators, and school staff who are 5–10 years from retirement or actively planning their exit.

Inside, you’ll learn:

  • To Focus on Rising Income Investments
  • Tips for paying your healthcare costs
  • Things to consider before you submit your retirement paperwork
  • The new government benefit for 60-63 year olds ONLY!

This guide won’t overwhelm you. It’s written in plain language, designed for real people, not finance professionals.

Yes, Send Me the Free Guide

No spam. No sales pressure. Just clear, useful information.

Why Washington Educators Respect Deep Creek Financial Planning

Caleb Stapp is a CERTIFIED PLAN FIDUCIARY ADVISOR (CPFA) serving educators and families across Washington and throughout the country. He specializes in helping people navigate the specific retirement landscape that comes with a career in Washington public education, including the PERS/TRS system that most generalist advisors may not fully understand.

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Retirement Is Closer Than You Think.
Let's Make Sure You're Ready.

If you’re within 10 years of retirement, or already thinking about when you’ll walk out those school doors for the last time, now is the time to get a clear picture of where you stand.

A 30-minute Discovery Call with Caleb is free, no-obligation, and surprisingly clarifying. You’ll leave knowing exactly what steps to take next.

What to expect:

  • We’ll review your current retirement benefit picture
  • We’ll identify any gaps or decisions you need to make before you retire
  • You’ll get honest guidance, even if we’re not the right fit for you

Schedule Your Free 30-Minute Discovery Call Below

Or call us directly: 509.241.8306