Your Local Financial Planning Team in Delaware
Straight Forward Retirement Planning
Your Retirement, Your Way. Retirement shouldn’t feel uncertain. We help pre-retirees and retirees create clear, personalized strategies so they can enjoy the lifestyle they’ve worked hard for—with confidence and clarity.
What We Do
ALIGN your financial goals and personal values
At Straight Forward Financial, we specialize in retirement planning for Delaware professionals and families transitioning into retirement. Our firm is dedicated to serving pre-retirees and retirees, particularly those retiring from DuPont, W.L. Gore, and AstraZeneca, by offering personalized guidance tailored to your benefits, pensions, and savings options. Based in Middletown, Delaware, we work with clients across the state—especially in Wilmington, Newark, Bethany Beach and Middletown.
We help you navigate investments, retirement income strategies, tax-efficient withdrawals, and legacy planning to align your goals. If you're looking for a retirement-focused financial advisor in Delaware, who truly understands your benefits and puts your goals first, schedule your free consultation today.
Who We Serve
Our Solutions
Strategies for the Real Financial Moments in Life
Start Planning for Your Future
Financial Education
- Retirement Planning
- Tax Planning
- Wealth Transfer
- Estate Analysis
Investments
- Stock
- Bonds
- Mutual Funds / ETF's
- Custom Portfolios
- College Planning
Personal Insurance
- Life & Annuities
- Long Term Care
- Disability
- Healthcare
Business Ownership Protection
- Deferred Compensation
- Split Dollar Bonus Plans
- Long/Short Term Disability
- SEPS box-empty
Business Benefit Plans
- Life Insurance Trusts
- Charitable Requests
- Trust Administration
- Family Gifting box-empty
Benefit Services
- 401k
- Pension Enrollment
What Our Clients Say
I HAVE BEEN WORKING WITH JOHN
AND PAUL FOR SEVERAL YEARS.
THEIR KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERTISE
HAVE BEEN A GREAT ASSET IN
HELPING WITH MY FINANCIAL
NEEDS. ALWAYS AVAILABLE TO
ANSWER ANY OF MY QUESTIONS.
GREAT TEAM!!
Donna D.
This statement is a testimonial by a client of the financial professional as of
06/10/2026. The client has not been paid or received any other
compensation for making these statements. As a result, the client does not
receive any material incentives or benefits for providing the testimonial.
These views may not be representative of the views of other clients and are
not indicative of future performance or success.
Paul and John at Straight Forward
Financial have been very patient, very
understanding of my financial situation,
and extremely knowledgeable about
investment strategies. Most importantly,
Paul took his time educating me. He and I
set up a plan together that would work
best for me to grow my investment
portfolio for the present and future. I've
been a client for about three years now,
and I couldn't be happier.
Jimi A.
This statement is a testimonial by a client of the financial professional as of
09/16/2025. The client has not been paid or received any other compensation
for making these statements. As a result, the client does not receive any
material incentives or benefits for providing the testimonial. These views may
not be representative of the views of other clients and are not indicative of
future performance or success.
John is just one of those kinds of guys that
you feel very fortunate to have met. He's
insightful and proactive and has been very
helpful to me in navigating my finances
leading up to, and in my, retirement.
Wouldn't hesitate to recommend!
Rick A.
This statement is a testimonial by a client of the financial professional as of
04/28/2026. The client has not been paid or received any other
compensation for making these statements. As a result, the client does not
receive any material incentives or benefits for providing the testimonial.
These views may not be representative of the views of other clients and are
not indicative of future performance or success.
John has been fantastic at getting to know us
- our goals, our plans, our risk tolerance,
everything. When I retired, he worked through
endless detailed forms with me. We're not
particularly financially literate, but he
explains clearly and answers all our
questions. He's offered us creative options for
different scenarios. We never imagined we'd
be in the position we are now when we began
working with him some years ago, and feel
secure in knowing we have long-term care,
income (with inflation hedges built-in) and
savings. It's great to work with him!
Nancy K.
This statement is a testimonial by a client of the financial professional as of
04/27/2026. The client has not been paid or received any other compensation
for making these statements. As a result, the client does not receive any
material incentives or benefits for providing the testimonial. These views may
not be representative of the views of other clients and are not indicative of
future performance or success.
Straight Forward Financial has
managed both my personal and
business retirement and life
insurance needs for many
years. They are consistently
responsive, knowledgeable,
and always helpful with any
questions we have.
Amanda M.
This statement is a testimonial by a client of the financial professional as of
08/13/2025. The client has not been paid or received any other
compensation for making these statements. As a result, the client does not
receive any material incentives or benefits for providing the testimonial.
These views may not be representative of the views of other clients and are
not indicative of future performance or success.
John Hilmer is terrific! He's been our advisor
for over 10 years and he went through
certification to continue to work with us when
we moved from Delaware to Arizona. He
explains things in a way we can easily
understand and he is both personable and
genuine. We feel very fortunate to work with
him.
Heidi A.
This statement is a testimonial by a client of the financial professional as of
04/28/2026. The client has not been paid or received any other
compensation for making these statements. As a result, the client does not
receive any material incentives or benefits for providing the testimonial.
These views may not be representative of the views of other clients and are
not indicative of future performance or success.
Our Process
Here's What It's Like to Work Together
Our process is designed to bring clarity and structure to your financial life — starting with a simple conversation.
Step 1
Let's Review Where You Stand
We'll take a thorough look at your finances, your goals, and your risk tolerance to build a complete understanding of your current situation.
Step 2
Let's Build Your Strategy
Using what we've uncovered, our team will design a customized plan aligned with your objectives, your timeline, and the life you're building.
Step 3
Let's Keep You on Track
As your life and goals evolve, we'll provide ongoing oversight and adjustments so your strategy stays aligned with where you're headed.
About Our Firm
Valued Locally,
Built on Discipline
We built our practice here because this is the community we want to serve. Over the years, our team has worked with families, professionals, and business owners to develop financial strategies that are as structured as they are personal. Our approach is rooted in analysis and driven by your goals — not trends, not shortcuts, and not one-size-fits-all thinking. When you work with us, you're working with a team that is committed to helping you pursue the financial outcomes that matter most.
Ready? Let’s Talk
If You Have Any Questions,
Feel Free to Contact Us
We'd welcome the opportunity to sit down, learn about your goals, and show you what a structured, locally focused financial team can do. No pressure, no obligation — just a conversation.