with Mike Breitfeller, CFP®

When you live near the water, it's easy to focus on today — the boat, the house, the lifestyle. But what does that look like 20 years from now? In Wilmington, we're surrounded by people who move here to retire. But if you already live here, are you actually positioned to retire well here?

That's exactly what I sat down to talk about in Episode 009 with Mike Breitfeller, Certified Financial Planner® and Principal of The Breit Group, an independent wealth management firm in Wrightsville Beach. Because your home isn't just where you live — it's one of the biggest financial decisions you'll ever make, and if it isn't connected to a long-term plan, you're missing an opportunity.

Hey friend — I'm Tabetha (Tabi) Klein, aka theILMrealtor. I help people buy and sell homes in Wilmington, North Carolina (and all over New Hanover, Brunswick, and Pender), and I love connecting real estate decisions to the bigger financial picture.

Watch or listen: YouTube · Spotify · makingilmhome.com · @theILMrealtor

Why Real Estate Should Be Part of Your Retirement Plan

In Wilmington, real estate appreciation has been strong over the past several years, and many homeowners are sitting on significant equity — but equity alone is not a retirement strategy. Mike explained that retirement planning isn't just about hitting a number in your 401(k). It's about cash flow in retirement, risk tolerance, diversification, lifestyle goals, and estate intentions — and your home plays into all of it. Should you pay off your mortgage early? Downsize? Keep a rental for income? Tap equity strategically? The answer isn't one-size-fits-all; it depends on your bigger financial picture.

Diversification: Don't Put All Your Wealth in One Place

One key takeaway was simple: diversify assets to reduce risk. In coastal markets like Wilmington, it's tempting to believe real estate is always the safest bet, but planning works best when assets are balanced across real estate, retirement accounts, brokerage accounts, cash reserves, and business ownership (if applicable). Real estate can absolutely build wealth — especially here — but it should be part of a coordinated plan.

Retirement Planning in a Coastal Lifestyle Market

Wilmington is a lifestyle-driven market — beachfront homes, golf course communities, riverfront properties, low-maintenance townhomes, and second homes. Mike emphasized starting with values first: “Start with your core values and goals.” Do you want to retire near Wrightsville Beach, travel frequently, leave property to your children, downsize and simplify, or generate passive rental income? Once the lifestyle is clear, the financial strategy can be reverse-engineered to support it. That's where real estate and financial planning meet.

Estate Planning: The Piece Most Homeowners Ignore

If you own property, you need estate planning — period. It doesn't have to be dramatic; it means a will, possibly a trust, beneficiary designations, and a clear asset structure. Without it, your home (your largest asset) may not transfer the way you intend. In North Carolina, probate and estate distribution can get complicated if documents aren't in place, so aligning your property ownership with your estate plan helps protect your legacy.

Rental Properties & Investment Strategy

Investment property can be powerful for cash flow, long-term appreciation, and tax advantages — but it also carries risk: vacancy, market shifts, maintenance costs, and liquidity challenges. A strong strategy weighs real estate returns against other opportunities analytically, not emotionally. Disciplined planning is the key.

Mortgage Strategy: Pay It Off or Invest?

Should you aggressively pay off your mortgage, or invest instead? It depends on your interest rate, risk tolerance, retirement timeline, and liquidity needs. In a low-rate environment, investing excess capital may produce greater long-term growth; in other scenarios, eliminating debt provides peace of mind and lower risk. There isn't a universal answer — only a strategy that fits your life.

The Bottom Line

Living near the water is a dream — but financial freedom at the water takes intention. If you already own in Wilmington (or you're thinking about it), make sure your real estate decisions support your retirement goals, not just your current lifestyle. Between the river and the sea, you deserve a plan that lasts.

About our guest: Mike Breitfeller (The Breit Group)

Mike Breitfeller, CFP® — Principal of The Breit Group, an independent Registered Investment Advisory firm in Wrightsville Beach. After more than 15 years in the industry, Mike and his wife Lauren launched The Breit Group in 2025 to create a more personalized, independent planning experience for Wilmington families. He specializes in wealth management, corporate retirement plan consulting, estate planning, investment strategy, and risk management, and has been recognized by 401k Specialist Magazine. Mike and Lauren have lived in Wilmington since attending UNCW in 2005 and are raising their two children here.

Website: thebreitgroup.com

Email: mike@thebreitgroup.com

Phone: 910-599-1732

Instagram: @thebreitgroup

Let's Talk About Your Next Step

Whether it's choosing the right home, planning your next move, or evaluating how a property fits into your long-term strategy — let's talk it through. Call or text me at 910-983-8963, visit www.makingilmhome.com, or DM me on Instagram @theILMrealtor.

Tabi | Making ILM Home — REALTOR® • Coldwell Banker Sea Coast Advantage • 910-983-8963 • www.makingilmhome.com • @theILMrealtor

This podcast is for general education and local insight, not financial, tax, legal, or investment advice. Everyone's situation is different — always consult a qualified financial planner, attorney, or tax professional about your specific circumstances. Coldwell Banker Sea Coast Advantage. Each office is independently owned and operated. Equal Housing Opportunity.