Our Approach
Financial Planning
In all life stages, clients have financial goals. Their goals vary depending on which stage they are experiencing. For example, young newly married clients may be aspiring to buy a first home, whereas a client nearing retirement may be thinking of the adequacy of their savings.
Our approach begins by listening and helping our clients identify, clarify and prioritize personal and financial goals. Usually these will be short and long-term goals. The next step is to analyze all relevant financial data such as cash flow, taxes, inheritance, life insurance, assets and risk tolerance. We then begin to develop a plan that builds on a client’s financial strengths and adjust for financial challenges.
As changes occur in a client’s life, we will adjust the plan where necessary. Different investment opportunities and changing tax laws will also prompt us to adjust a client’s plan. Our goal as a fiduciary is to continue to create a viable, flexible financial plan and investment strategy that supports a client’s evolving life stages and financial goals. Our wealth management services are also an integral part of the client’s financial plan.
Life Stages
Transitioning to Adulthood
An Exciting Time
Leaving the nest and going out on your own presents many different challenges. You will be establishing credit, building cash reserves, and possibly repaying student loan debt. An employer-sponsored qualified retirement plan may be associated with your new job. You should fully understand the plan so you can participate to take full advantage. This is also a time to establish a budget. A financial plan will follow.
Marriage and Money
Challenges and Considerations
Marriage is exciting and brings the challenge of how to merge your finances and other new obstacles. Establishing a joint budget to get on the same financial page is a first step. You will need to update accounts, review insurance, create or update wills and understand tax issues related to marriage. Employee benefits also should be reviewed and possibly updated. These topics will all impact your financial plan.
Prep for Parenthood
Budgeting for a Baby
Buying a crib and stroller is just the beginning of budgeting for a baby. There are medical costs not covered by insurance. Childcare such as in-home care or day-care centers need to be budgeted for. Wills should be updated with instructions that clarify your wishes. It is also time to set up a college fund.
Ready to Retire
Are You Ready?
This is a complex question. There are emotional aspects as well as financial aspects. Some other basic questions are: how much income will you need, are you planning to work in retirement, what are the healthcare considerations and what are the investment and tax considerations. Retirement planning should begin when you first start thinking about a new phase of life.
Single Again
Riding Solo
Going through a divorce can be an emotionally trying time and can impact your financial position. Now, more than ever, you need to make sure your finances are on the right track. Set in place the building blocks that can be the foundation for your new financial future.
Widow’s Wealth Wisdom
Facing Widowhood
Loss of a spouse is a stressful transition and brings new challenges. You will need to organize finances, file life insurance claims, and review Social Security Survivor benefits. Widows and widowers have unique concerns related to estate planning items, insurance considerations, and tax filing adjustments.
Areas of Focus
Retirement Planning
Planning for retirement begins by focusing on what a client envisions as an enjoyable lifestyle. We explore answers to questions such as how much annual income will a client need, will the client work in retirement, what will be a client’s Social Security income, does a client’s asset allocation need to be changed and what are the healthcare options.
The answers to these questions along with other considerations help us develop the client’s personalized retirement plan. A plan that can help alleviate uncertainties.
Investment Advisory Services
As a fiduciary, we will review your assets and make recommendations on how your assets should be invested in your best interest. We do not sell products.
Tax Planning
Income taxes usually have an important impact on a client’s financial plan. Our professionals not only hold the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ designations and Chartered Financial Analyst designation, but several are licensed CPAs who specialize in complex tax planning. The firm is also affiliated with Keller & Associates, CPAs, PLLC*, a firm that has earned a reputation in the accounting profession for sophisticated tax planning.
Cash Flow Management and Budgeting
Analyze cash flows and guide the client towards establishing a budget to accommodate his/her lifestyle and goals.
Insurance Planning
Reducing risk by investing in specific types of insurance helps clients stay on a secure financial path. As a fee-only advisor, we offer unbiased recommendations to clients about life, disability, annuities, and long-term care insurance. We also review a client’s current insurance products to see if it is adequate or appropriate for their life goals and financial security.
Education Planning
Discuss different education savings plans and student loan programs, as well as different investment vehicles such as 529 plans and UTMA accounts.
Wealth Management
Clients benefit from an investment process that is highly customized to meet each client’s needs based on their life stage and goals. As changes occur in a client’s lifetime, we make adjustments to the portfolio to keep the client on his/her financial path. Since we are Fee-Only, we recommend an unbiased array of investment products and do not derive any commissions from the sale of products.
Estate, Gift and Multi-Generational Planning
We work with clients to plan and implement tax-efficient strategies during their lifetimes for future generations. Part of this process includes reviewing a client’s will, trusts, beneficiary designations, power of attorney, and other related estate documents. Preserving family wealth is an ongoing and evolving process. We work with clients to help senior family members communicate their financial goals to children and other family members. We establish a plan with a vision for changes in assets and changes within the family.
Risk Analysis
We analyze your risk tolerance based on your time horizon, assets, and overall goals. A questionnaire is used to discuss your concerns and the level of risk you are willing to take. With an understanding of your risk tolerance, we can determine an appropriate asset allocation.
Portfolio Design and Monitoring
Each client’s portfolio is specifically designed to factor in his or her life stage, financial goals, risk tolerance, and tax situation. We believe in a diversified portfolio of primarily mutual funds and bonds that are low-cost and have a performance yield comparable to industry benchmarks. Portfolios are monitored and rebalanced as a client’s needs change or due to market volatility.
Charitable Giving
We believe in supporting philanthropic causes and assist clients who also hold the same beliefs. We have an in-depth knowledge of the IRS guidelines and rules for donations and work with clients to ensure their donations not only further a charity’s cause but meet these guidelines. We also have the expertise and experience to work with clients’ attorneys to establish charitable trusts and foundations.
Investment Management
Managing the assets clients have worked so diligently to accumulate is another key area of financial planning. We advise clients concerning estate taxes, minimizing probate, and setting up trusts.
Annuity and Insurance Consultation
We will help you determine if a low-cost, commission-free annuity or other insurance-related product is right for your financial planning needs. We will also review any existing annuities and insurance products you may own to evaluate their effectiveness on your overall financial plan.
DB Plans and 401(k) Plans
For businesses and non-profits, we will monitor and manage retirement plans for your employees. This involves choosing a strategy to best suit your business and managing the investments in your employees’ accounts.
XY Now Plan – Specific to Young Professionals
We designed this program specifically for young professionals and families under 45. We believe a comprehensive financial plan is essential at all life stages especially as a young professional. Our goal is to guide you towards developing practical financial habits so you can pursue your dreams.
Whether you’re just starting out on your financial journey, or you already have sizable assets, it is never too early or too late to establish a plan for the future.
Connect With Us
Reach out to learn more about us or to set up a free consultation