As fiduciary financial planners, we offer many services to help our clients achieve their financial goals. Our goal is to consistently think and act in the best interest of clients in all the services we provide. That is why we have taken a sworn oath to accept no commissions or fees that might influence our choices. We are committed to transparency and integrity. We understand that we are only successful through the success of our clients.
For clients, all services listed below are included in the monthly management fee at no additional cost.
Our Certified Financial Planner® creates plans for every stage of life. We help our clients define goals and then develop calculated plans to achieve them. Everything in a client’s financial life is reviewed to determine what recommendations are best for their life circumstances.
The holistic plan begins with a review of assets and liabilities. This includes bank accounts, investments, real estate, business interest, valuables, and loans/debts. Our planners compare assets/liabilities to the financial needs of the client. Tax strategies, a retirement analysis, investment review, insurance coverage analysis, and an estate review are included in the plan. Tactics for education savings, business ownership, and charitable giving may also be included if relevant. These areas are all important variables for effective long-term financial planning. Once the comprehensive analysis is completed, our clients are well prepared with a step-by-step plan to achieve their goals. After a plan is presented, the financial advisor’s job isn’t done. They discuss any questions and help implement the recommendations.
The world of investments is ever-changing and becoming more complex each year. The economy, political climate, fiscal policy, and corporate earnings can impact investments. To effectively manage investments, it’s important to be up to date on what’s happening. This can be confusing and time-consuming to most. That is why we use our expertise to create investment strategies and manage investments for our clients.
Our investment management services are designed to match each client’s risk/return requirements. Each investment portfolio is based on client goals, whether it be to save for college, retirement, a home, or to create a retirement income stream. Our team designs portfolios that utilize many investment asset classes, investing styles, and portfolio managers. Every week our advisors meet to evaluate current options and make adjustments. This is key because fund companies’ management, fees, and performance are in constant flux. We then monitor and manage each account to achieve our client’s long-term investment objectives. Because life is ever-changing, we meet with clients to reevaluate and restructure investments as needed.
We also provide investment advice on specific asset classes. Our advisors are well versed in providing advice on mutual funds, stocks, bonds, ETFs, precious metals, socially responsible investments (ESG), and digital currencies (cryptocurrencies). For those who have accounts held outside of our firm, our advisors are happy to review these accounts. For example, a client, who is currently working, can bring in a 401(k) statement and our advisors will review to see if the asset allocation or contributions should be adjusted. You’re working hard, but is your money working for you, too?
We coach our clients through a process to set priorities to make sure that they’re on the right track. Understanding what is most important in the lives of our clients is the start of financial success. Because no two people are alike, no two goals are identical. It’s important to have a counselor to help create a game plan for specific goals. We create plans to help clients get out of debt, create an effective budget, and to jumpstart their savings. Additionally, we also help counsel our clients through one-off financial questions at no additional cost to them.
Some questions we help answer are:
- Should I finance a new car or pay cash?
- Should I sell my rental property?
- I just received an inheritance, what do I do with it?
- My insurance premiums are going up, which option should I choose?
- Is this letter/email I received a scam?
Will I outlive my money? How much do I need saved? What will my retirement look like? How much can I spend? Our advisors answer these questions for our clients every day to help them prepare for a secure retirement. Because retirement isn’t something many Americans do multiple times, it can be a scary transition. While you only retire once, our advisors have walked through hundreds of retirement journeys with our clients. Our experiences can help our clients avoid many pitfalls that arise.
Like most areas of financial planning, retirement planning begins with defining goals. Our advisors then develop, review, and revise a plan for our clients to achieve success. Through retirement planning, our advisors look at many aspects of a client’s financial life. We determine how long money will last, factor in health care costs, assess how much needs saved, determine a tax-efficient withdrawal plan, and recommend investment allocations. Because many individuals can no longer count on Social Security or pensions to meet their needs, having a personal retirement plan is key. Having a plan can ease anxieties and increase chances for a successful retirement.
When is best to begin drawing from social security? This is a question many have that is quite serious. Choosing when to begin drawing on social security is an important decision that cannot be changed once it has begun. The question of when to begin cannot be answered using a one-size-fits-all approach. All circumstances are unique. During a retirement analysis, our advisors will review when the optimal age to receive social security is. They will also analyze retirement scenarios without social security income incase benefits are reduced or eliminated. If the social security benefits are altered our clients can be ahead of the game because they have a game plan and advisors to help walk them through the changes.
We provide wealth management for individuals, families, and businesses. To help a client manage their wealth, a team is required with different areas of expertise. We work directly with our client’s attorneys, estate planning specialists, lenders, bankers, insurance representatives, and accountants to execute our clients’ financial plans. Wealth management helps clients enjoy a relaxed, worry-free life with enough income to maintain a comfortable lifestyle.
While estate planning is not a fun subject, having a plan is a gift to those you leave behind. We help our clients with a wealth transition plan so loved ones aren’t stuck with a mess to clean up once you’re gone. We also collaborate with estate planning specialists and accountants to plan for the seamless transfer of assets.
We offer guidance for these questions and much more:
- How do I make sure my family is taken care of if I pass away?
- Should I leave my money to my kids equally or leave more to those who need it most?
- Will taxes destroy the assets I have saved?
- Will the family business have to be sold?
- What is the best way to donate to my favorite charitable causes?
- What team of professionals will help guide me in all aspects of my estate plan?