What We Do

 

Asset Management

Building and preserving wealth does not happen by accident. It is the result of hard work, careful planning, and vigilant management. It is our earnest desire to understand your circumstances and long-term goals. We then set about creating a solid foundation for your existing assets and a long-term plan to work towards your individual objectives, within your tolerance for risk.

Successful asset management usually begins with the construction of a diversified portfolio of financial assets. While diversification may help reduce volatility and risk, it does not guarantee future performance. We use carefully developed models that help to maximize your potential returns for a given level of risk. We believe that establishing an appropriate balance of risk and reward in your portfolio is just as important as achieving competitive short-term returns.

Completing and presenting to you an individually tailored financial plan is, of course, just the beginning of our partnership. We strongly suggest periodic meetings to review and update your plan, as family or business circumstances in your life change. Our commitment is simple and complete: We are available to you at any time to address your ongoing needs. 
 

 

Business Planning

For entrepreneurs, a business you've carefully nurtured over many years is often the dominant element of your estate. Yet estate taxes attributable to a closely held business can place a substantial burden on your heirs and business partners.

A carefully drafted business continuation strategy can provide a clear game plan and the necessary resources to transfer appropriate ownership interests to key employees, business partners, or heirs. For example, advanced planning can also fix the value of your business, which may reduce taxes and administrative costs.

Business planning strategies can also be used to develop attractive retirement and employee benefit packages for key employees. Nonqualified retirement plans can play an important role in helping to attract and retain highly qualified executives, particularly in competitive industry situations.

Your business is among the great achievements of your life. We can help you plan for its future. 
 

 

Charitable Giving

One of the most fulfilling aspects associated with the accumulation of wealth is the ability to use it to help others. Private philanthropy is a thriving enterprise in the United States, and there are a variety of reasons to consider it in your estate planning.

In addition to personal satisfaction and community recognition, private gift-giving in the United Stated supports thousands of worthwhile projects that would otherwise go unfunded. On a more practical level, resources committed to a charitable cause on a tax-advantaged basis can often avoid capital gains tax, while providing a current income tax deduction to you, your family, or your estate.

Charitable trusts* can be structured to provide personal income from your assets throughout your lifetime and that of your spouse, actually enhancing the value of your estate, as your gift benefits others in a lasting and meaningful way. We can help you develop a plan to share your success with the generations to come.

*Such trusts are used to develop a vehicle for donations to a favorite charity, which also allows for the reduction of income taxes through a charitable deduction and favorable tax treatment at the date of the gift by non-recognition of built-in capital gains.

 

Insurance & Risk Management

Risk is an inherent fact of life. Risk, by definition, means the possibility of multiple outcomes, some of which may not be favorable. Risk management is an area of financial planning that addresses the need to guard against the unexpected. Although risk management is frequently not at the top of most clients' concerns, it is a fundamental part of financial planning. It is an area that addresses the need to plan for, and guard against, the unexpected. All the best-laid investment strategies and tax-saving maneuvers are for naught if clients are not properly prepared when a catastrophe strikes.

These potential unexpected events and their attendant risks are often addressed in the planning process:
 

Unexpected Event

Attendant Risks

Liquidity Crisis
(Debt call, income tax assessments, living beyond means)

Forced sale of assets at sacrifice prices

Death

Loss of family earnings; attendant estate tax liability

Disability

Loss of, or reduction in, family earnings

Sickness

Unlimited medical expenses; loss of family earnings

Property Loss
(Fire, theft, etc)

Loss of assets or asset values

Personal Liability Claim

Costly court judgment or settlement; legal expenses

Incapacity

Custodial care and related expenses

 

Retirement Planning

Retirement often presents a number of unique financial management challenges. Many of our clients approaching retirement face considerable one-time cash distributions or important choices concerning highly appreciated assets.

There are some key issues that should and may be successfully addressed:

  • Rollover of lump-sum distributions of 401(k) and other retirement plans must be handled carefully to minimize taxes and preserve assets.
  • Mandatory distributions from retirement plans after age 70 1/2 should be structured to maximize resources and avoid unnecessary taxes.
  • Plans should be in place for highly appreciated stock or stock options, which can pose complicated tax issues at retirement.
  • Appropriate asset management and distribution strategies are essential with a retirement that could span 20 years or more.

Prudent retirement planning may help protect decades of hard work and the careful accumulation of wealth from the impact of taxes and inflation. We provide sound and thoughtful planning alternatives to our clients that can make possible a long and happy retirement.

 

Estate Planning

Without careful planning, the majority of your estate could be vulnerable to unnecessary taxation. Yet it is not inevitable. Structuring an appropriate plan can allow you to control the orderly transfer of your estate to your heirs while minimizing taxes, fees, and expenses.

Estate planning tools include carefully drafted wills, trusts, and targeted insurance strategies that can provide resources for unavoidable tax obligations while seeking to preserve your net worth for your family.* Your plan allows trusted family members, friends, and professionals to continue your affairs without unnecessary legal red tape, publicity, or delay of probate proceedings.

We employ estate planning techniques to help you plan for the well-being of family and loved ones after you are gone. When it comes to the welfare of your family, we understand how important it is to act responsibly and with authority.

*We do not provide legal or tax advice. You should consult your legal or tax professional for more information.