Every client engagement starts with a conversation — about your situation, your goals, your concerns, and the level of risk you're comfortable taking. From there, we follow a structured seven-step process built on honest communication and long-term relationships.
1. Identify your lifetime objectives and strategy We don't take a cookie-cutter approach. No two retirements look alike, so we tailor every financial strategy to your specific goals, timeline, and family situation.
2. Determine your risk profile How much of your portfolio belongs in the stock market, and how much in more conservative investments? We work within your comfort zone rather than chasing short-term market returns.
3. Understand all of your options A client who understands their options makes better decisions. We take the time to walk you through every approach available to you, so you can choose with confidence.
4. Build your non-stock-market portfolio Your cash flow needs and personal preferences shape your conservative allocation. We walk you through today's income-generating alternatives — fixed annuities, bonds, and other lower-risk vehicles — so you understand what's in your portfolio and why.
5. Optimize your investment allocations If desired, we coordinate the equity portion of your investments with your retirement income plan, so your growth assets and income assets work together rather than in isolation.
6. Address tax efficiency and catastrophic risk Once your allocation is in place, we focus on the two threats that can derail a retirement: taxes and major health events. We work to reduce income taxes and future estate taxes, and to help protect your assets against a healthcare catastrophe.
7. Review regularly, adjust as needed A retirement plan isn't a one-time exercise. We contact our clients at least four times a year to review the plan, adjust for changes in your life or the markets, and keep you on course.
