OUR MISSION
Driving Financial Success
Our mission is to provide lasting peace of mind through intelligent, personalized financial strategies grounded in experience, integrity and proven expertise.
OUR SERVICES
01.
Retirement Income
We specialize in converting portions of your retirement assets -- whether from a 401(k), 403 (b), 457 plan or lump-sum pension distribution -- into a guaranteed stream of income that's built to last a lifetime. It's like designing a personal paycheck that never runs out and isn't subject to stock market fluctuations.
02.
Retiree Health Care
We offer a comprehensive range of Medicare Supplement and Individual Plans and then guide clients through evaluation, selection, enrollment and ongoing management. Our service combines expert advice, carrier comparisons, enrollment execution and persistent advocacy so clients maintain predictable out-of-pocket costs and uninterrupted access to care.
03.
Long-Term Care Funding
We help clients confront rising long-term costs with proactive funding strategies that protect retirement income and preserve wealth. Addressing long-term care risks proactively is a wise decision, as it helps prevent financial erosion and preserves care options during challenging times.
04.
Asset Preservation & Estate Planning
Our planning services help retirees, business owners and high-net-worth individuals and families protect their wealth from financial erosion while minimizing taxes, legal complications and family disputes. These services offer peace of mind and strategic control to ensure that your financial legacy remains intact across generations.
05.
Business Succession Planning
We help you design a strategic process of preparing for the transfer of leadership, ownership or control of a business -- whether due to retirement, unexpected events or long-term growth goals. It's about protecting the business's continuity, legacy and value while ensuring a smooth transition for employees, clients and stakeholders.
OUR TEAM
Meet Our Experts
Meet the experienced professionals who define NextPhase. Our team combines advanced credentials, strategic insight and genuine care to deliver clarity, confidence and lasting peace of mind for every client.
Kenneth J. Hurtt
CLU, ChFC, RHU
Managing Principal
As the Managing Partner of NextPhase, Ken is dedicated to helping individuals and closely held business owners achieve financial clarity, stability and peace of mind through tactical retirement and succession planning. With more than three decades of experience in the insurance and financial services industry, Ken leads NextPhase with a philosophy that effective planning must be both sound and simple, grounded in expertise, yet guided by empathy. His commitment to technical excellence, creative problem-solving and a client-first approach transforms complex financial challenges into clear, actionable strategies. Ken continues to advance the NextPhase mission of delivering intelligent, strategic and forward-thinking financial guidance for every stage of life. Education & Certifications: * B.S. Engineering - Michigan State University * Executive Education - The Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth * Industry designations as a Chartered Life Underwriter, Chartered Financial Consultant and Registered Health Underwriter - American College
Michael I. Brennan
MBA
Principal
Michael Brennan is a seasoned financial professional recognized for his ability to merge strategic insight with creative design to deliver tailored insurance and retirement planning solutions for his clients. After launching his career at IBM and attending business school, Mike transitioned into the insurance and financial services industry, where he has built over two decades of expertise in areas such as Roth conversions, asset preservation and buy-sell funding for closely held businesses. His analytical precision and innovative thinking enable him to craft strategies that align clients' financial objectives with their long-term life goals. He incorporates intellectual rigor and creativity into every client engagement involving strategic financial modeling and advanced planning initiatives, thus helping clients navigate complex financial decisions with clarity and confidence to render solutions that are as effective as they are enduring. Education: * B.S. Engineering & Economics - Carnegie Mellon University * MBA in Finance - Harvard Business School
David S. Lutman
CPA, MST
Associate
With over 25 years of experience as a Certified Public Accountant and financial services professional, Dave has built a career grounded in technical excellence and strategic insight. His early tenure at one of the "Big Four" global accounting and professional service firms provided exposure to high-level transactions and complex tax matters. These experiences laid the foundation for his transition into comprehensive financial planning, focusing on retirement readiness and wealth preservation. Today, Dave's professional mission is to serve as a trusted ambassador for financial stability within his community, ensuring that every client receives a personalized plan aligned with their goals and legacy aspirations. Leveraging his deep expertise in tax and financial structures, Dave specializes in Roth conversions, long-term care funding and asset preservation. His approach combines technical proficiency with a commitment to empowering families, helping them navigate financial complexities and secure a future of confidence and security. Education & Certifications: * B.S. Accountancy - University of Maryland * M.S. in Taxation - The American University * Professional Affiliations - American Institute of Certified Public Accountants