Peggy A Lusk, CFO/Vice President Finance and Jim Lusk, PresidentAt Retirement Nationwide, the goal is simple: provide security, clarity, and confidence to individuals navigating their financial futures.
Retirement Nationwide was founded in 1985, under the leadership of President/CEO Jim Lusk, CFP, CLU, ChFC, CLF. Unlike firms that focus primarily on aggressive investment strategies, Retirement Nationwide emphasizes a defensive planning approach that prioritizes risk mitigation and asset protection.
“We have developed strategies that allow pension holders to provide for their survivors without taking a significant reduction in their own pension benefits,” says Jim. “This approach sets us apart from traditional financial advisors and makes us a valuable resource for clients seeking comprehensive retirement solutions.”
A Personal Mission
For Jim, retirement planning isn’t just a business—it’s personal. His journey into financial services began over four decades ago, driven by a desire to help people make better financial choices.
Early in his career, Jim witnessed firsthand how improper planning left families vulnerable, often forcing them to make devastating sacrifices after the loss of a loved one or a sudden economic downturn. He knew there had to be a better way.
Our approach ensures that retirees do not outlive their savings and that they can maintain the lifestyle they worked so hard to achieve
Determined to find a solution, Jim explored alternative strategies that would allow individuals to maximize their retirement benefits without unnecessary risk.
That’s how Retirement Nationwide was born—a firm built on a foundation of financial security and peace of mind.
When Jims sister, Vice-President/CFO Peggy A Lusk, CLTC, CPA-Retired, joined the firm; She brought another layer of expertise. With a background in auditing, forensic accounting, and tax planning, she recognized the hidden financial pitfalls that often went unnoticed in traditional retirement planning.
“Together, we set out to redefine how people approach retirement, ensuring that every client receives a customized, strategic plan that safeguards their financial future,” says Peggy.
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We have developed strategies that allow pension holders to provide for their survivors without taking a significant reduction in their own pension benefits
The Power of Defensive Planning
Traditional financial firms tend to focus heavily on growing investments through stocks, bonds, and mutual funds. While growth is important, it doesn’t always guarantee security. Markets fluctuate, recessions happen, and unexpected life events can derail even the best-laid financial plans.
Retirement Nationwide takes a different approach—one that places risk assessment and asset protection at the forefront.
A cornerstone of the firm’s strategy is working with individuals who hold defined benefit pension plans. These plans, still common among government employees and large corporations, provide a stable income in retirement but often come with difficult choices.
“We specialize in creating private plans that allow individuals to retain full pension benefits while ensuring financial security for their loved ones,” says Jim.
Helping Families at Every Stage of Life
One of the hallmarks of Retirement Nationwide’s approach is its commitment to serving clients at all stages of life—not just those nearing retirement.
Many people in their 20s and 30s believe retirement planning is something to worry about later. However, unexpected disabilities, job changes, and economic shifts can all impact future financial stability. Retirement Nationwide helps young professionals build strong financial foundations, ensuring they are protected against unforeseen circumstances.
For business owners and entrepreneurs, financial planning is about more than just personal retirement—it’s about securing the future of their firm and employees. The firm provides expert guidance on succession planning, business continuity, and employee benefits, helping business owners create lasting legacies that will support future generations.
As individuals approach retirement, the decisions they make become even more critical. The transition from earning a paycheck to living on savings and investments can be daunting. From maximizing pension benefits to estate planning and wealth transfer, Retirement Nationwide helps retirees navigate these complex financial choices with confidence.
“Our approach ensures that retirees do not outlive their savings and that they can maintain the lifestyle they worked so hard to achieve,” says Peggy.
A Personalized, Client-First Approach
At the heart of Retirement Nationwide’s philosophy is a deep commitment to personalized service. Financial planning is not a one-size-fits-all endeavor, and every client has unique goals, challenges, and risk tolerances. The firm’s engagement process reflects this individualized approach.
The journey begins with an in-depth, two-hour consultation where clients can discuss their financial landscape, career trajectory, retirement aspirations, and concerns. This consultation serves as the foundation for crafting a financial plan tailored to the client’s specific needs. By identifying gaps in planning and developing a strategy that ensures both short-term stability and long-term financial security, Retirement Nationwide provides clients with peace of mind.
Financial planning is not a single transaction—it’s a lifelong journey. The firm provides continuous support, adapting strategies as life circumstances and economic conditions change. Whether it’s adjusting plans due to an unexpected job loss, health changes, or market fluctuations, Retirement Nationwide remains a trusted partner every step of the way.
Empowering Financial Professionals Nationwide
Beyond serving clients, Retirement Nationwide is also deeply invested in educating financial professionals. Many traditional advisors focus exclusively on investment growth without considering risk assessment.
To bridge this gap, the firm offers extensive training programs that equip advisors with expertise in pension planning, survivor benefits, and defensive strategies. These training sessions, held three times a week, have established the firm as a leader in financial education.
By fostering a community of knowledgeable professionals, Retirement Nationwide ensures that more individuals have access to sound financial advice. The firm’s emphasis on education reflects its commitment to long-term financial stability, not just for individual clients but for the broader financial planning industry.
A Growing Nationwide Presence
While Retirement Nationwide has strong roots in Eastern Washington, California, Minnesota, and Wyoming, its influence extends far beyond those states. With a team of dedicated agents operating across the country, the firm is committed to expanding its reach and impact.
New agents undergo rigorous training to ensure they align with the firm’s philosophy of defensive planning. Most recruits have at least five years of experience in financial services but receive specialized education in pension optimization and risk management before joining the team.
Over the next decade, the firm plans to continue expanding while maintaining its commitment to personalized service. A structured succession plan ensures that the firm’s core values and mission will be preserved for generations to come.
A Legacy of Trust and Financial Security
For Jim and Peggy, Retirement Nationwide is more than just a business—it’s a legacy. Jim’s decades of experience in pension planning, combined with Peggy’s deep knowledge of tax strategy and forensic accounting, have positioned the firm as a trusted partner for individuals seeking financial security.
Jim’s passion for educating clients and financial professionals is evident in his published works, including two books on retirement planning. His belief in empowering people with knowledge drives every aspect of the business.
Under their leadership, Retirement Nationwide isn’t just about numbers and financial statements—it’s about people, their dreams, and their futures.
“By helping individuals and businesses navigate the complexities of retirement, risk management, and succession planning, we ensure that financial security is not left to chance but strategically designed for long-term stability,” says Jim.
As the firm continues to grow, its mission remains clear—to redefine financial security and help individuals across the nation retire with confidence.
