Client Stories

Jack and Judy don’t have a set retirement date. 

Our first priority is helping you take care of yourself and your family. We want to learn more about your personal situation, identify your dreams and goals, and understand your tolerance for risk. Long-term relationships that encourage open and honest communication have been the cornerstone of my foundation of success.

The challenge

This isn’t about overcoming financial mistakes or limitations; they’ve been doing all the right things: 

• Generating high six-figure incomes
• Maxing out retirement vehicles and other investments
• Growing sizeable equity in their primary home
• Protecting themselves with the right types of insurance

So, what’s the problem?

Jack and Judy wonder if they’re missing something. Is their current plan right for them? They admit that they don’t know what they don’t know. 

As they approach the next stage of life, they want a professional to help them make strategic decisions with their money. They also want help navigating taxes in retirement. While Jack and Judy aren’t in a hurry to retire, they want to know they have the option. 

The approach

Jack and Judy weren’t sure where to begin, which is why they pursued professional help from a financial planner. Plus, they’re busy. They don’t want to get bogged down trying to figure everything out on their own. 

The results

When Jack and Judy hired a financial planner, they were concerned about more than just their investments, they wanted help with the entire financial picture. A comprehensive plan was put together to help meet all their needs: 

• A tax-efficient investment strategy to help reduce risk and improve returns
• Improved asset allocation to help better align with their goals
• A smart, sustainable rebalancing strategy
• Reduction of tax liabilities through charitable giving, social security timing, and more

Jack and Judy now enjoy the confidence that comes from a clear financial plan. They have more energy and mental space to dedicate toward what they enjoy — knowing they have the choice to retire when the time is right. 

Sam and Rose retired from rewarding careers and have lots of plans for the future. 

They want to help ensure that their retirement plan not only enables the lifestyle they have envisioned but to also leave a portion of their wealth to their heirs and create a meaningful legacy through their local charity.  

Strategic wealth transfer beyond their retirement lifestyle was their priority.

The challenge

Sam devoted 40 years to his company before deciding it was time to move into the next phase of his life. With two children and five grandchildren, they were looking forward to traveling, especially to see their family, while giving back to their community. Although they were confident that they wouldn't outlive their wealth, they were uncertain about how to simultaneously plan for their own needs, their heirs' futures, and their charitable goals. 

The approach

It was important to help make Sam and Rose’s planning process stress-free. The first step was to help them organize and quantify their priorities. 

Working together with their CPA and estate planning attorney, they were able to understand all of their options. They could move forward with their plans, confident in knowing that everything was well looked after. 

The results

The solutions adopted by Sam and Rose helped them to: 

• Devote a portion of their money to an income stream they could not outlive
• Reduce estate tax liabilities through annual gifts and trust strategies
• Make flexible charitable contributions over time with the benefit of an immediate tax deduction

Today, Sam and Rose are having the time of their lives. They travel and spend time with their grandchildren every chance they get. They have the confidence of knowing that their financial plan is sustainable and thoughtfully designed to address all of their priorities.

Sam and Rose’s plan is reviewed regularly. Most importantly, new tax laws are being monitored each year to help ensure they are taking advantage of any opportunities available to them. 

Holly has accumulated wealth throughout her years as an insurance executive, with retirement in the not-so-distant future.

She currently holds a variety of investment accounts, including 401(k) plans from her current and former employers, stock options, and multiple brokerage accounts. She has two children, one still in college and the other newly out of the house. Holly lives modestly but comfortably. 

The challenge

Holly has been focused on working her way up the corporate ladder to provide for her children. She knew she was accumulating a nest egg but desired a better plan that ensured all of her finances were organized and aligned.  

Holly had more questions than answers: 

• How do I consolidate retirement funds?
• What is my money invested in?
• How and when should I exercise my stock options?
• Are there any changes I need to make now while I still have time?
• At what age can I securely retire?

She knew seeking professional financial help was the right choice to ease her mind and create a plan that gave her a path toward retirement. 

The approach

The first step for Holly was to sit down with someone who would listen to her questions and concerns. She wanted to be heard and not sold to. There is an understandable mixture of excitement and uncertainty when it comes to a retirement transition. Once her goals were clearly documented, a personalized plan that aligned with her values and priorities could be created. 

The results

In collaboration with her tax professional, Holly was able to: 

• Establish an efficient retirement timeline
• Organize her assets so she knows she has enough money to fund what matters most
• Help reduce potential taxes through the systematic sale of her stock options
• Help maximize the effectiveness of her savings during her remaining working years

With a plan in place, Holly is able to bring back a sense of purpose and confidence to her remaining working years. In the near future, she will be able to fully embrace retirement knowing she made the right choices now.