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Financial Planning

Financial Planning

Our Financial Planning Advisers have the technical skills, the industry knowledge and the proven experience to promote the long-term financial well being of our clients. We've built a team of experts to provide holistic comprehensive service. We work closely with you to help you identify, manage and meet your goals and objectives so that you and your family may enjoy a secure financial future.

Goal Setting

Identifying and prioritizing personal financial goals is the first step in a successful financial plan. We help answer a multitude of questions as diverse as our clients themselves, such as: Are we prepared for a comfortable retirement? Can we afford a second home? Can we provide for our children's or grandchildren's educations? Are we spending too much? We also consider your resources, risk profile and current lifestyle to develop a balanced and realistic plan to meet your goals, thereby maximizing your potential for financial security and success.

Investment Planning

Our Financial Planning Advisers work with you and your advisers to develop a savings and investment strategy that maximizes your return on investments. We review your current investment holdings, including asset allocation, risk levels and performance, and how each investment fits into your overall portfolio. Developing a savings and investing strategy that you are comfortable with must take into consideration your acceptable level of risk and your personal tolerance for market volatility. Based on your stated risk tolerance, long- and short-term goals, tax considerations and the performance of your current investments, we may recommend re-positioning investments to align your objectives and risk tolerance with your stated goals.

Retirement Planning

Retirement planning continues to be an integral step in the financial planning process and the need for prudent and knowledgeable retirement planning has never been higher. Whether it is planning for the asset accumulation necessary to fund retirement, structuring portfolios between taxable and tax-deferred accounts, or utilizing tax-efficient strategies in the distribution of those assets, financial planning advisers can guide you each step of the way. The topics and questions included in the retirement planning process include the following and more:

  • Cash flow analysis
  • Wealth accumulation strategies for retirement
  • The effect of financial well-being on the quality of life
  • Utilizing employer-provided retirement plan options
  • Social Security considerations
  • Asset allocation and risk
  • Personal savings and investments as part of the mix
  • Tax issues, including distributions and other distribution issues
  • Health insurance planning, including gap insurance and long-term care insurance

Survivorship Planning

Providing financial stability and continuity because of illness, injury or death is paramount to achieving your short- and long-term financial goals and objectives. We will identify general and potential risks that can negatively effect even the most carefully designed plan and how best to address and plan for those risks. We will review and assess your insurance coverage, identify current and potential liabilities, and discuss your needs and preferences. We will work with licensed insurance professionals to determine whether you are adequately protected and recommend changes to the amount(s) and type(s) of coverage that are appropriate for you and your family.

Tax Planning

Effective tax planning is an important component of a properly balanced financial plan. Proper planning can assist you in reducing the amount of taxes you pay, as well as helping you reach your financial goals. Because tax laws are complex and frequently change, we monitor how updates and intricate rules might impact your personal situation. We will work with you and your advisers to utilize all legal strategies available in order to minimize tax liabilities at the federal and state levels. Your Financial Planner can also identify life's circumstances and events that can affect the amount of taxes you pay. They include: changing jobs, retirement, moving from being an employee to being self-employed or an independent contractor, an inheritance, getting married or divorced, selling or leasing property, selling a business, signing an oil lease, or taking a withdrawal from a retirement account.

Estate Planning

Estate planning encompasses the accumulation, conservation, and distribution of an estate. The overall purpose of the estate planning process is to develop a plan that will enhance and maintain the financial security for our clients and their families. Comprehensive estate planning should provide financial security during retirement years and facilitate the intended and orderly disposition of property after you are gone. It can also be the most important thing you do for your loved ones. A financial planning adviser can work with you and your other advisers to minimize taxable income, restructure investments with tax efficiency in mind, and suggest, develop and employ strategies to secure and ensure a lasting legacy.

Education Planning

For many of our clients, their most important investment is their children's futures, by providing for their education. With tuition rates rising each year, having a solid, well-thought-out education plan should be a priority for everyone, no matter what the child's age. With so many new college savings alternatives available, it is critical to choose the one that is appropriate for you. Selecting the wrong plan, or not investing properly within the right one, can prohibit you from maximizing your savings.

Charitable Planning

Many of our clients are committed to giving to a variety of charitable endeavors. By thinking strategically and planning your charitable giving you can maximize the personal, financial and tax benefits of your gifts. While there are many ways to give, our advisers will help you evaluate which is right for you taking your budget and tax issues into consideration. In addition, we can coordinate your gifts with the gift and planned giving programs of your designated charity.

Charitable planning options include:

  • Gifts of appreciated assets
  • Charitable trusts
  • Donor advised funds
  • Private foundations