Federal employees · Retirees · Families who built something
Built for what’s next.
We show you how much of your retirement the IRS still has a claim on — and how to settle it on your terms.
Where does your money live?
Start with the one that sounds like you. All three lead to the same conversation.
Federal, military, or postal
Your TSP
Your TSP is probably the largest pre-tax balance you own, and every dollar of it is on the IRS clock. Since January 28, 2026 you can convert it to Roth without leaving the plan — up to 26 times a year, $500 minimum, in pieces small enough to stay inside your bracket.
See the TSP mathIRA or old 401(k)
Roth & TFRA
The IRS owns a piece of every dollar in a traditional IRA, and it collects when RMDs begin — at 73 if you were born 1951 to 1959, or 75 if you were born in 1960 or later. We move it out of the tax code on your timeline, not theirs.
See the Roth mathYou've built something
Estate & Trusts
A will is not a plan. Without the right structure your family meets probate and your heirs meet the IRS. We do not hand you documents and walk away — we make sure the structure actually works.
See the estate planTen ways we design your financial life.
Each strategy modeled, math shown, executed together. Click any to see how it works.
Social Security Optimization
When you claim Social Security can swing your lifetime benefits by $150,000–$300,000 per couple. The trust fun…
Roth Conversion (TFRA)
Convert your IRA to a Roth on your timeline — not the IRS's. Use FIA bonus credits to soften the tax. Grow tax…
Fixed Indexed Annuities
Lock in a guaranteed income for life with principal protection, market-linked growth, and a 100% spousal benef…
Estate Planning & Trusts
Protecting your family is easier than you think — three steps, one partner, done right.
Business Exit Planning
Most business owners hand 30–50% of their sale proceeds to the IRS because they engaged a tax structure 90 day…
Guaranteed Income
Markets crash. Inflation spikes. Companies cut pensions. The one thing that doesn't stop is a contractually gu…
Family Office & Wealth Transfer
Multi-generational wealth doesn't happen by accident. It happens when one generation makes the decision to coo…
Life Insurance as a Wealth Tool
Life insurance designed correctly is one of the most powerful wealth-transfer tools in the tax code. Designed …
Alternative Investments
When stocks and bonds move together — like they did in 2022 — the standard portfolio fails. Hedge funds, hard …
The New Frontier
The next ten years will reshape how money works. Digital currency, AGI-driven markets, quantum disruption to e…
How It Works
A clear path to a tax-free retirement — in just three steps.
Get Your Free Score
Take our 2-minute Tax-Free Retirement Score quiz and instantly see how much more you could retire with — tax free.
Get Your Custom Plan
Book a free consultation with Scott. We'll analyze your situation and build a personalized roadmap to minimize taxes and maximize income.
Retire Tax-Free
Implement your plan with confidence. We handle the complexity so you can enjoy the retirement you've worked your whole life for.
Everyone Deserves an Amazing Retirement
At Smart Life Financial, we believe securing your future shouldn't mean sacrificing your present. We take the stress—and the fees—out of retirement planning by building a personalized roadmap for you at absolutely no cost, all without stretching your current budget.
We also believe in transparency and earning your trust. That's why our custom plans come with zero obligation. You are completely free to take the roadmap we build and implement it on your own, or you can choose to partner with us to bring it to life. Either way, our mission remains the same: improving lives through smart, effective retirement planning.
Headshot
At the DeskScott R. Borhauer
Managing Partner · NPN: 20016169 · MN Lic: 40782087
Born and raised in the Midwest, Scott founded Smart Life Financial on a simple premise: financial planning shouldn't feel intimidating, and protecting your hard-earned wealth should be a given.
Having seen firsthand the life-changing impact a proactive financial expert can make, Scott is driven by a deep belief that family is at the core of everything. He treats his clients' financial futures with the exact same care and dedication he gives his own. By demystifying the complex world of finance, Scott specializes in creating highly customized retirement plans designed to build lasting confidence and help clients achieve their ultimate goal: retiring tax-free.
Because Scott operates a modern, virtual practice, you don't have to be local to get expert, personalized advice. Whether you are just down the street or across the country, he is always just a video call away.
Book a Call with Scott →"I genuinely enjoy helping people. Whether you are just starting out, aiming to retire in the next five years, or managing a complex financial portfolio, my goal is to provide clarity and guide you safely along your path."
Our Services
Comprehensive financial planning and wealth management solutions tailored to your needs.
Average tax savings per client
More wealth to heirs, tax-free
Retirement funds last longer
Tax-Free Retirement
Strategies
Taxes are often your largest retirement expense. Our comprehensive TFRA strategies are designed to keep more of your wealth working for you, not the government.
Minimize Taxes
Strategic planning to reduce your tax burden throughout retirement
Maximize Growth
Tax-free compounding on more of your wealth
Optimize Timing
Perfect the sequencing of your income and withdrawals
5 Critical Retirement Planning Mistakes to Avoid
Even the best savers can derail their retirement with a single costly mistake. Get our free checklist to ensure you're on the right path.
Get Your Free Checklist
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Who We Serve
No matter where you are in life, we have a strategy built specifically for your situation.
One Relationship. The Nation's Best Carriers. The Right Solution for You.
We partner with the top names in retirement, income, and estate planning so you get options matched to your goals — not a one-size-fits-all plan from a single provider.
F&G
Protect your savings from market losses while still capturing growth. F&G helps you build retirement income that won't drop when the market does.
Allianz
Confidence that your income lasts and your family is protected. Allianz specializes in guaranteed income and care solutions so you can enjoy retirement without the fear of running out.
Athene
Turn your savings into a paycheck that never stops. Athene focuses on creating reliable retirement income so you can live confidently without watching the markets every day.
Wealth.com
Make sure your wishes are honored and your family is prepared. Wealth.com gives you a secure, organized home for your estate documents and legacy plans — all in one place.
Fidelity
Grow your wealth with one of the most trusted names in investing. Fidelity gives you access to professional-grade investment management and retirement tools, all at your fingertips.
Nationwide
Protect your family's future with a name you already know. Nationwide offers life insurance and income solutions designed to keep your loved ones secure no matter what happens.
You get the best of every option — not just the one a single company happens to sell. We match the right carrier to your goals, your timeline, and your family.
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Expert financial tips, retirement strategies, and market updates.
Are You Actually Ready
to Retire?
Most people think they're on track — until they run the numbers. Take our free Retirement Readiness Quiz and find out exactly where you stand in under 2 minutes.
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Get In Touch
Initial consultations are always free and without obligation. Ready to start planning the retirement you deserve? We'd love to hear from you.