Financial Planning

It is our view that a truly customized investment portfolio is one which is constructed in accordance with a client’s financial and life goals. While investments are certainly an important piece of the pie, we believe that they should be managed within the context of a more comprehensive financial plan. We provide financial planning services, often in conjunction with other financial professionals, in the below domains, and are glad to discuss any other areas that may be important to you.

RETIREMENT PLANNING

As retirement planning often goes part and parcel with a client’s investments (we manage and advise on clients’ company retirement accounts, such as 401(k)s, 403(b)s, and 457s), we offer advice regarding Social Security strategies, the timing of distributions from IRAs and other retirement accounts (and the associated tax consequences), and distribution and gift planning.  Our experience in this area ranges from working with clients to develop budgets, to running high-level retirement projections, to constructing comprehensive retirement plans, to helping clients determine how best to leave assets to younger generations (children, grandchildren).

ESTATE PLANNING

A well constructed will provides the foundation for a strong estate plan, as ensuring that beneficiary, power of attorney, and healthcare proxy designations, among others, are in order is critical, but estate plans should also include distribution strategies (i.e. how assets might most effectively be distributed to heirs and/or charities), the potential need to establish trusts, as well as, again, the tax consequences of such decisions or transactions.

TAX PLANNING

Tax planning touches all areas of financial planning.  Helping clients navigate their tax situations is essential to developing the framework for a successful financial plan.  For example, might it make sense for a client to begin taking distributions from an IRA prior to RMD (required minimum distribution) age if they expect their taxable income to increase in coming years?  How might a Roth conversion from an IRA be beneficial from an estate planning, as well as a tax planning standpoint?  How might future changes in tax law impact a client’s plan?  Considerations in this area are bountiful and touch all areas of a client’s financial plan.

INSURANCE PLANNING

We provide clients with advice and guidance regarding health insurance (including Medicare), life insurance, and long-term care insurance.  Property and casualty and disability insurance may also be important considerations depending on the client’s circumstances.

EDUCATION PLANNING

A common goal of clients is to fund, or support, the education of younger generations, whether through 529 plans, custodial accounts, or separate investment accounts and subsequently gifting assets.