We marvel at the uniqueness of each of our clients. We understand that it is fundamental to treat each as an individual – there is no "one-size-fits-all" solution. Still, we have seen some patterns among those we have been able to help most, such as successful entrepreneurs or professionals, financially independent single women, couples near or post-retirement, and parents of special needs children.

The successful entrepreneur or professional

The successful entrepreneur or professional typically owns an established, highly successful business or practice, usually in business 10 years or more. They are usually happily married, often 45 years old or older, respected in the community and friendly, helpful and influential. With the demands of running the business, making time for their family and community activities, they are looking for a way to simplify their life, free up time, unload some worries, and accomplish their financial and personal goals in life. Working with this person, under a Financial Planning Agreement*, we can help to develop and implement a comprehensive financial strategy.

The financially independent woman

The financially independent woman may have acquired considerable assets through being widowed, inheritance, or divorce. She has found that the complexity and responsibility that comes with some wealth hasn’t improved her life. Perhaps 55 or older, She is family and community oriented, outgoing and social, young at heart, and would like to find a financial advisor she can trust. She wants to simplify her life with a personalized financial strategy so her assets can be handled in a way that reflects her values and attitudes, and accomplishes her goals. She expects excellent and personal service and attention. This way, she can feel responsible and secure, and still spend her time and energy on what’s really important to her. Working under a Financial Planning Agreement*, the issues we may address include finding ways to establish a secure income that grows to offset inflation, and helping her children and grandchildren including higher education funding. We may also deal with tax planning, estate planning, funding charitable causes, and making arrangements so she can remain independent and not be a burden on others if she ever needs help because of health problems.

Couples near or post-retirement

Couples who are approaching retirement or already retired may be successful and respected professionals, executives, or business owners. They are usually happily married, friendly, helpful, open minded, and respected in their community. They may have been so focused on their careers that they may have not paid a lot of attention to post-retirement issues. They are looking for a financial advisor who can help them enjoy a feeling of security as they make critical decisions that will affect the rest of their lives and beyond. They want someone they can trust, who knows them and their situation, who can help them avoid big financial mistakes. When they sign a Financial Planning Agreement*, the concerns we may address include analyzing all sources of income available in retirement to examine sufficiency and growth to offset inflation, coordinating decisions about pension plan options, handling rollover IRAs, assessing risks associated with income options, tax and estate planning, and minimum distribution planning for IRAs. We may also look at ways to help their children and grandchildren, including education funding, and long term care coverage. For these couples, we may also deal with finding the best way to fund projects, second homes, travel, and all of the other things they’ve been too busy to do until this time. 

Parents of special needs children

For parents of a child who will need care and support for all of his or her life, a big question is “Who’s going to care when I’m not there?” We can help with clarifying the choices, the issues, and the opportunities and resources that are available. 

We can help parents to systematically think about their child’s life plan, think about how their needs will be met, understand benefits available, consider legal options and find an appropriate attorney, and how to fund the structures they want to create.

As caregivers and guardians in our own family, we can help develop a strategy and follow through long term, to make adjustments as things change.