Our Approach

All finance starts with managing and protecting cash flow in both the short and long term. Specifically though our approach considers the net effect of multiple influences... which means, financial decisions (accounting, investment, tax, insurance etc.) should never occur in isolation.

We offer four core services, but not every client needs all services... to illustrate our thought process let's choose retirement planning, a good long term example we can all relate to...

Financial security just doesn't happen it's a deliberate lifelong effort. The earlier you start the better. You'll need to consider your current age and timeline involved. Also, what will the major expenses be up to and during. Will there be a shortfall...?  What's your capacity for risk to address a shortfall...? Not risk tolerance, but capacity for... they're two separate considerations. What about the after-tax result on employer sponsored assets...? When considering those questions the retirement realities where we generally assist usually involve three areas: Guaranteed, Flexible and Additional sources of income…

Guaranteed Sources

This group is made up of assets with a fixed payout such as Social Security and Employer Pension Plans. The goal is to have these assets produce enough monthly income to cover housing, utilities and grocery expenses (HUG) during retirement. It’s no secret that pension plans are becoming scarce. So this may be why some people explore certain annuities as a pension replacement especially if they are risk averse.

Flexible Sources

Your Employer-Sponsored Retirement Plan, Brokerage Accounts or other Non-Employer Savings and Investments fall into this category. When considering Employer-Sponsored assets there may be a need to develop strategies using Non-Employer assets to counter shortfalls created over the long-term. Shortfalls generally occur when various life events impact your ability to save for retirement, like... buying a home, college tuitions or taking care of an elderly family member to name a few. They’re called flexible sources because you can influence when, where and how much you withdraw or generate depending on your tolerance and capacity for risk.

Additional Sources

This group is focused on supplementing and/or protecting cash flow now and during retirement. Part-time work and business ventures like owning rental properties or perhaps cash-value life insurance would fall into this category. Insurance is generally considered a means for protecting future cash flows. If you were to re-title this group as “Backup Assets” that would be fairly accurate.

Success lies in the ability to identify the shortfalls…

While it’s true that identifying shortfalls is critical in retirement planning, it's only one piece of the puzzle. There may be other concerns. We utilize our ability to coordinate internally to review potential issues relevant to the initial service requested. For example: when considering tax implications by using IRS Enrolled Agents or perhaps a CPA when accounting and other business interests are involved. Also, if assets are substantial enough to be concerned with estate planning, an attorney. Additionally product options (when needed) are researched and suggested by investment or insurance professionals for your consideration.

We offer one stop access to licensed professionals to address tax, accounting, investment, insurance, estate and/or succession planning issues as required. Individuals hire a professional because they have the knowledge, skill, ability and tools to provide the services needed which allows practical experience to become a technique that sharpens the tools of their trade. We build solutions for both individuals and small business... to include home-based businesses as well.