Key Takeaways:
- A local financial advisor can offer tailored guidance on Georgia-specific rules—such as property tax exemptions, healthcare planning, and estate law—that national advisors might overlook.
- Relocating is a smart time to revisit your financial plan, especially when buying property, updating legal documents, or managing new healthcare choices in Georgia.
- Choosing the right advisor means more than just credentials. Look for fiduciary duty, local licensing, and experience serving Georgia retirees.
- Transitioning advisors can be simple with the right steps, including reviewing your current agreement, notifying your existing advisor, and coordinating account transfers securely.
Retirement often brings big changes. If Georgia is where you plan to settle down, there’s more to consider than packing boxes and setting up a new address. Your financial life will also need plenty of attention.
Relocating in retirement can open the door to new opportunities, but it also means adjusting your plans to fit a new home state’s tax rules, healthcare systems, and cost of living. Whether you’re already in the process of moving or just starting to explore the idea, having the right financial partner can help you stay confident and prepared as you settle into this next chapter.
Why Working with a Georgia-Based Financial Advisor Matters
Working with someone who understands Georgia’s tax rules can make a real difference in how far your retirement income goes. A local advisor can help you take advantage of the state’s retirement income exclusions and guide you through how Social Security and other sources of income are taxed, or in some cases, not taxed at all.
Georgia-based advisors also tend to be more familiar with local property tax rules, estate planning requirements, and Medicaid programs. This can be especially useful if you’re buying a home, updating your will, or thinking about long-term care planning. National advisors may not always have the right context for these state-specific details.
Moreover, an advisor in Georgia can offer recommendations that are grounded in how things work locally. Whether it’s helping you decide where to buy property or how to time a large financial move, they’re more equipped to offer advice that fits your situation.
Finally, many retirees simply appreciate having the option to meet with their advisor face-to-face. Collaborating in person with someone can bring a more personal, team-oriented feel to the process. You’ll also get access to their network of local professionals, from CPAs to estate attorneys, who can support your broader financial picture.
When Should You Make the Switch to a Local Advisor?
If you’re in the process of establishing Georgia as your new state of residence, that’s a natural time to revisit your financial advisory relationship. As soon as you become a full-time resident, your tax obligations, healthcare choices, and legal documents may need adjusting to reflect your new home state.
Buying property, making new healthcare choices, or revisiting your estate plan are also all major financial steps that benefit from local insight. A Georgia-based advisor can help you evaluate these decisions in the context of the state’s unique rules and benefits.
What to Look for in a Georgia Financial Advisor
Deciding who to trust with your finances becomes even more meaningful once you’ve entered retirement. You’ll want someone who not only meets the general standards of trust, transparency, and credentials, but also understands Georgia’s unique rules. Here are key traits to look for during your search:
Experience with Georgia Retirees: Choose an advisor who understands Georgia’s tax laws and senior programs and works regularly with retirees. They’re more likely to understand the local landscape and help you make informed retirement choices.
Fiduciary Standard: Work with someone who’s legally bound to put your interests first—consistently, not just when it suits them.
Proximity and Accessibility: A local office means you can schedule in-person meetings and get quick responses when questions arise.
Transparent Fee Structure: Clarity around how your advisor charges—whether flat fee, hourly, or percentage-based—helps prevent surprises later on.
Credentialing and Licensing: Make sure your advisor is licensed in Georgia and has recognized certifications such as the CFP® designation.
How to Transition From Your Current Advisor to a Georgia-Based One
Switching advisors doesn’t have to be complicated, but it does take some thoughtful steps. Start by reviewing your advisory agreement. Check for any exit fees, required notice periods, or pending financial tasks that need to be finalized. Being clear on these details helps avoid unnecessary delays or confusion.
Next, notify your current advisor of your intent to move on. A respectful heads-up allows for a smoother transition and gives you a chance to wrap up any open tasks or discussions.
Once you’re ready, begin meeting with Georgia-based advisors to find someone whose approach fits your needs. Ask about their experience with retirees, how they handle account transfers, and what working together would look like.
Finally, once you’ve chosen your new advisor, work with both firms to transfer your accounts and documentation securely. After everything is moved, confirm that your previous advisor no longer has access to your accounts and that all paperwork is complete.
Retirement Planning Factors That Are Unique to Georgia
Georgia offers several advantages that can make a meaningful difference in how you structure your retirement. Below are some of the most notable advantages:
No State Tax on Social Security: Georgia exempts all Social Security benefits from state income tax, helping retirees retain more of their monthly income.
Retirement Income Exclusion: Between ages 62–64, retirees can exclude up to $35,000 of retirement income per person (including pensions, IRAs, annuities, etc.). For ages 65 and older, the exclusion increases to $65,000 per person.1
Senior Property Tax Exemptions: Georgia offers a homestead exemption up to $4,000 for homeowners age 65 and older.2 Some counties offer larger exemptions (e.g. up to $25,000 in Camden County for residents 62+).3
Flat Income Tax Rate: Georgia has moved to a flat income tax system. As of 2025, the rate is 5.19%. However, the rate is set to decrease each year by 0.10% until reaching 4.99%.4
No Inheritance or Estate Tax: Retirees in Georgia benefit from the absence of a state inheritance or estate tax, making it easier to pass down assets without added state tax costs. This can be a meaningful factor when planning to leave a legacy or support future generations
FAQs About Moving to Georgia for Retirement and Finding an Advisor
Will I need to update my estate plan after moving to Georgia?
Yes, even if your current plan is valid, Georgia has its own rules regarding probate, powers of attorney, healthcare directives, and wills. Having your estate plan reviewed by a local attorney helps make sure your documents are enforceable and reflect your wishes under Georgia law.
What should I ask during my first meeting with a new advisor?
Ask about their experience working with Georgia retirees, how they structure fees, whether they act as a fiduciary, and what specific services they provide. You might also ask how they coordinate with other local professionals like tax preparers or attorneys.
Does Georgia tax retirement account withdrawals?
Yes, but Georgia offers income exclusions for retirees over age 62. Depending on your age and filing status, you may be able to exclude a substantial portion of retirement income, including IRA and 401(k) withdrawals, from state taxes.
Should I change my investment strategy once I retire in Georgia?
We Help Retirees Transition to Life in Georgia
Relocating for retirement brings new opportunities and new questions. Working with a Georgia-based financial advisor means getting guidance that reflects your state’s tax rules, property laws, and retirement planning environment. Instead of relying on general advice, you’ll have someone who understands how things work where you live.
A personalized strategy can help you take full advantage of Georgia’s retirement income exclusions, senior tax benefits, and cost-of-living differences. Whether you’re just settling in or still making plans, financial advice that fits your situation can go a long way.
Our team is proudly based in Augusta, Georgia, and we’re here to offer support that’s local, accessible, and tailored to your goals. Please feel free to schedule a complimentary consultation with one of our Georgia-based advisors today.
Clayton joined AP Wealth Management as a fee-only financial planner in 2019 bringing with him over a decade of experience working as a financial planner and investment advisor. Clayton is passionate about the commission-free business model that allows him to sit on the same side of the table as the client, serving as a fiduciary for them.
