Services
Primary Services Offered
Financial Planning*
The heart of what I offer my clients is client focused financial planning. Each client's financial plan is unique to them and centered around their goals and objectives. There are no boxes to fit into, rather I provide a road map of how to get from where you are now to your own individual destination. This road map provides guidance while navigating retirement. It also helps to reduce the effects of unforeseen circumstances that may derail your plan.
Investment Management*
I evaluate my clients risk tolerance, time horizon and investment purposes and then recommend a suitable asset allocation. I then monitor those investment choices and make suitable changes when necessary.
I am able to offer exposure to traditional and non-traditional assets including stocks, bonds, mutual funds, ETF's and commodities as well as different management techniques from traditional strategic, buy-and-hold type of investments to active, tactical management and goal-based techniques.
Financial Risk Management
An important part of any financial plan is identifying the potential risks and putting strategies in place to mitigate those risks. During retirement, financial risks grow tremendously to include market risk, inflation risk, longevity risk and health risk. I work to provide strategies and solutions to either avoid or reduce those risks, so that retirement can be a time of relaxation and enjoyment, not anxiety.
Value added services
As each client is a unique individual and not a number I restrict the number of clients I work with at any time so that I am able to get to know each client thoroughly and therefore provide additional services that enhance their future financial outcome.
1. Fiduciary responsibility. I have fiduciary responsibility for all my clients, which means I always put my clients first. The solution I recommend will not only be suitable it will also be in the best interest of my client.
2. Behavioral coaching. According to the DALBAR report, the S&P500 has returned 8.2% per year over the last 20 years but the average investor in the index has only seen a 4.7% return. The difference is due to the emotions that come with investing and the tendency to buy high and sell low. We tend to become fearful at the bottom of the market and sell out, and only become comfortable at the top and want to get back in again. The biggest advantage an advisor can provide is to help remove the emotions from investing.
3. Tax efficiency. Tax efficiency refers to both the after tax returns of a particular investment and a wise withdrawal strategy, knowing which assets to spend first and how much to spend of each type. There are some investments that should only be placed in a qualified account, such as an IRA, due to the high tax cost. These investments look good in your performance report but after filing your taxes you will wonder where your money went. I work with my clients CPA's or tax advisors and always endeavor to be as tax efficient as possible.
4. Risk management. There are many ways to reduce the risk in a financial plan. This is particularly important in retirement when the nest egg cannot be topped up. Knowing the different solutions available and the pros and cons of each is invaluable to effective risk management.
5. Financial Product Knowledge. Financial products change every year. Insurance products and annuities are constantly evolving and allow you to do more to achieve your financial goals. As tax laws change so do products. Knowing what is available and how it can help you achieve your goals can make a large difference in your financial outcome. My research is ongoing through conferences, webinars, continuing education and product training. I continue to monitor for new solutions, or problems, potentially facing my clients.
6. Estate planning. The 3 corners of a successful financial plan include tax planning, retirement planning and estate planning. I will therefore work closely with my client's attorneys to ensure that everyone is on the same page to achieve the optimal outcome for our clients.
7. Client Education. Finances can be stressful and so I believe that complicated concepts should be explained in easy to understand language with no jargon and no surprises. I believe that clients will only be happy with their financial plans and financial products if they understand them and agree with them. I pride myself in being able to explain the most complex concepts in plain English.
8. Continual Monitoring of investments and financial plan. Investment allocation and financial planning are not once off events. They should be continual because you change and the financial world changes, and you need to be able to respond to those changes.
9. Monitoring for diminished capacity or abuse. We all get older and 1 in 3 people die with dementia. Clients and their accounts are monitored for reduced capacity or undue influence. There is, therefore, another set of eyes on your financial wellbeing.
10. Online access and Technology. I work with some of the leaders in financial technology and therefore you will always have 24hr access to your accounts. In addition you will have online access to your financial plan which will allow you to see how your financial decisions will affect your plan.
11. Financial Sounding Board. Sometimes you just want someone else to run a problem or idea past. Whatever your financial question, I will strive to find an answer or serve as a sounding board.
It all starts with a conversation. During that initial conversation we will discover if we can work together and the best way to meet your goals and objectives. There is no charge to chat so please call me and let's determine your path forward towards your financial freedom.
*Registered Representatives offer securities through Securities America, Inc. Member FINRA/SIPC. Investment Advisor Representatives offer financial advice through Securities America Advisors, Inc. Financial Strategies of Amelia and the Securities America companies are separate entities.