Our Services

Wealth Planning

Wealth planning is a process that begins with us listening to hear what our clients need. Next, we help them dream…to sense being in the place they want to get to. And then, together with our clients, we weave the plan that will help them reach their needs and their goals. By working together, our clients truly understand their plan and consequently are better equipped to implement it.

                “The beginning is the most important part of the work” - Plato

We want to know what your personal and financial goals are; what are your personal and financial experiences, fears and comfort zones; and what are your personal and financial commitments and accomplishments. We don’t want to assume anything about you. We do not have a one-size-fits-all approach to our advisory services. Once we truly understand you, and where you want to go, getting there becomes much easier for both of us.                

For most of our clients, this is not a budgeting exercise, rather it is a matter of asset and risk management, and family planning. In other words, most of our clients generally have the means to accomplish their goals, but not all the financial strategies and tools in place to maximize their potential. The process is iterative and discussion oriented. We discuss inflation, taxes, investment and insurance products – but we make it fun! We provide the pros and cons of the various alternatives so that you can choose the solutions that are appropriate for you. We are happy to go into as much detail, and spend as much time as you would like, so that you understand, and are comfortable with, your plan.

In the end, whether it takes two meetings or four, we will provide a set of specific recommendations, a detailed “to-do” list, which will comprise your wealth plan. We view wealth planning as a continuum, not as a one-time event. As your goals change, if your needs change, tax rates change – whatever, we will readdress your plan.

Do you have to do a comprehensive wealth plan? Of course not. Do we recommend it? Of course we do.

“It takes as much time to wish as it does to plan.” – Eleanor Roosevelt

Wealth Management

Wealth management is where the rubber meets the road – it puts the wealth plan into action. Wealth management has many facets – investment advisory, risk management and many other customized services.

Investment Advisory

In accordance with the time horizon and risk tolerance as described in your wealth plan, we will recommend an asset allocation strategy* and investment products that are consistent with the “modern portfolio theory”.

We are not market timers. The asset allocation strategy we recommend will generally not change from month to month or from year to year. Our asset allocation strategy will generally change only if your goals or family situation change or if there is a structural market or economic shift. We will adjust our tactical recommendations as market conditions warrant. We do not chase sector or market performance.

We only recommend investments and managers that have demonstrated consistent performance. We do not chase manager performance. If a fund manager changes his investment style or is not consistent with his investment style, we will generally recommend a new manager to achieve the intended asset allocation. Our independence gives us distinct advantage over many of our counterparts in the industry because our clients are truly the most important part of the equation.

We continually monitor your portfolio’s performance and rebalance** it to maintain the established asset allocation strategy.

Risk Management 

Another phase of wealth management involves risk management or insurance. In this phase, we plan for life’s “unexpected” events – things that can de-rail an otherwise perfect plan! Some clients want to be sure that every potential hazard is covered, others are comfortable taking some risks. Either approach is fine with us. What is important is that we discuss the various insurable risks –disability, long-term care, life, and personal liability - and the costs and benefits associated with insuring those risks. As with everything we do, if you are interested in coverage, we will present a variety of options and companies to help you select the appropriate solutions for your situation.

Other Customized Services

We are ready to assist you with a wide variety of additional specialized services including:

-          Cashless stock option exercise

-          Hedging large stock positions***

-          Retirement plans for small businesses and the self-employed

-          Charitable gift planning

-          College savings

-          Asset protection****

-          Evaluation of executive compensation packages

What About Taxes and Estate Planning?

We don’t “do taxes” but we understand the issues, and consider the tax implications of every scenario. We measure financial success on an after-tax basis. We will defer to and work closely with your tax professional as appropriate.

Similarly, we do not actually prepare estate-planning documents. However, we do understand life and family planning issues. We will be sure that you understand the importance of wills, trusts, and health care powers-of-attorney. We also understand gift and estate tax rules and will guide you to seek the advice of an estate-planning attorney when more sophisticated planning techniques are appropriate. We are certainly available to participate in meetings with our clients and their estate planning attorneys. Lastly, we will help you put your estate plan into action. Too many times, people create all the right documents but don’t re-title assets or do what’s necessary to make their plan work!

*Asset Allocation does not guarantee against loss.  It is a method used to help manage investment risk.