Financial Planning Services
We offer the full services of a Certified Financial Planner ™ All financial planning services are included in the agreed upon fee and are also available on an hourly basis for financial consulting clients. Services frequently requested are:
Retirement Planning
These services involve extensive gathering and analyzing of financial and non-financial data to generate multi-year projections. These estimates determine feasibility and various conditionals with respect to retirement at a given age and the probability of success (likelihood) to achieve financial goals. We utilize financial planning software that includes a randomized simulator of hundreds of variables in market return and life expectancy. This offers clients a more realistic evaluation than one based simply on an assumed constant annual rate of return. In the event of an undesirable result, we will make recommendations to adjust the inputs (working longer, reducing expenses, saving more, modifying goals, taking more/less investment risk, etc). For clients near or in retirement already, recommendations can be made on withdrawal strategies to ensure the funds are allocated appropriately and will not be depleted too soon.
Cash-Flow Planning
To help clients determine the near and long-term effects of a proposed major change in income, expenses, assets, or liabilities, we offer a cash-flow review. Many clients find this especially useful when evaluating a major purchase, such as a new home or vacation home, car purchase and whether to lease or buy, re-financing a mortgage due to lower interest rates, or in relation to future college costs and retirement. We will offer recommendations to help make these decisions.
Investment Planning
These services involve designing customized investment portfolios for each client that are tailored to their financial goals, life objectives, time horizons, risk profiles and cash management needs. We conduct a risk survey that analyzes the risk appetite of the client and assesses how much market loss can be tolerated in a downturn. These are not meant to be set it and forget it and we will re-visit the survey on a periodic basis and as material changes occur in life. We also review outside managed portfolios and employer sponsored retirement accounts and make investment recommendations based on current market conditions and client specific considerations. The client is responsible for implementing any trade recommendations. These services can also include a review of employee benefits, including stock options, restricted stock units, etc. and developing an action plan that defines when to execute or sell the shares.
Estate Planning
This involves gathering and preparing asset and balance sheet information for the execution of a will or trust by a qualified attorney. This may also involve a review of an existing estate plan to identify any gaps or omissions, such as Powers of Attorney, Health Care proxies, homesteads, etc. This review comes with a focus on minimizing future estate taxation or asset protection. We have no business connection with any attorney although we have worked with several in this community. We can also review proposed estate plans and help clients integrate them with their investment accounts.
Life Planning
Life Planning is the way we work with clients as whole people. The effects of a financial situation permeate all aspects of life. Our comprehensive knowledge and skills can help a client through the financially stressful times that occur even in carefully managed lives. We help clients identify and prioritize financial goals, and work together to determine how to achieve them. As lives change, we may offer connections to other professional services as well.