Scope of Financial Advice

Our core business is the design and management of investment portfolios. However, a comprehensive financial plan is about more than investments; it should encompass your entire financial life.

The scope of our financial plans are illustrated below as chapters in your financial story:

  • Chapter One: Current View What is Happening Now?

    The current situation is organized and illustrated.  Inventory is taken of the assets and liabilities; inflows and outflows, and key income tax data.  Advice is given regarding cash reserve levels, liability management, and income tax strategies.

  • Chapter Two: Goal Projections What Happens Next?

    Important life goals are identified.  Financial resources are compared to future demands on those resources, such as the cost of a successful retirement, higher education, a new home or other purchase.  A straight-line projection is developed using reasonable assumptions.  Monte Carlo simulations are run to evaluate the probability of various outcomes.   Based upon those projections,  optimal strategies are selected, and advice is given regarding these choices.  These  may include saving and withdrawal strategies, the choice of retirement date, the Social Security claiming strategy, the feasibility of various purchases and lifestyle choices, and the structuring of asset or business sales,  among others.

  • Chapter Three: Portfolio Design How Do We Get There?

    A world-class portfolio is tailor-made to optimally address your goals, risk tolerance, time horizon, and personal values. Through factor investing, cutting-edge research is utilized to develop a massively diversified, cost efficient, low turnover, low overlap portfolio that avoids the pitfalls of the conventional predictive approach.  Holdings are optimally located in the various accounts based upon their tax efficiency and the tax characteristics of taxable, tax deferred, and tax free accounts.  The impact of risks, costs, and taxes are  controlled in order to achieve higher returns.  Disciplined asset allocation is maintained through rebalancing.  Accounts are easily viewable online or via paper statements.

  • Chapter Four: Risk Management What happens If?

    Risks are identified and a plan is developed to appropriately address risks that may derail your financial future. Asset protection strategies are evaluated and asset registrations or business structures may be changed to a form that affords more protection from lawsuits.  Current insurance policies are scrutinized for appropriate levels of coverage and cost effectiveness. Gaps in coverage are identified in the areas of life, disability, long term care, medical, liability, and property casualty insurance.  We provide introductions to competent, independent insurance agents to facilitate changes.  If a trusting relationship with an insurance agent exists, we communicate with your agent to implement changes in your coverage. In many cases mitigating the risk through self-funding may also be a viable alternative.

  • Chapter Five: Estate Disposition What Happens After?

    Your wishes regarding the ultimate disposition of your assets are determined.  Charitable intent, attitude toward the estate tax, and your plans to give to heirs while living or after your passing are discussed.  An introduction is made to a competent estate planning attorney. Working with the estate attorney,  ownership and beneficiary designations are reviewed and updated, if necessary. Advanced strategies  to lower estate and income taxes are developed. Appropriate documents such as Powers of Attorney,  Wills, and Trusts are drafted.

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