Financial Planning

The ultimate goal of a financial plan is to narrow the gap between where you are and where you want to be. Think of a financial plan as a road map of what’s to come; a guide until circumstances change, at which point we will consult with you about refining the plan. This takes the guesswork out of managing your finances and helps you understand the implications of each financial decision you make and how it will impact your future.

Financial Planning Process

We develop the plan after working with you to identify goals, objectives, and your existing positions. Together we consider what you have, what you want, and your future requirements in terms of dollars, risk, insurance, retirement, and beyond. We then create a series of steps.  There should be no surprises.  While it is not product-specific, the plan will state which types of products we may or may not direct your assets toward.

A financial plan may include an income plan, a distribution plan, a retirement plan, an insurance review, an Investment Policy Statement, and an investment proposal.  And it will always contain an action plan. For the present and immediate future, this document will serve as our guide, but it is a “living document” subject to modification as time passes. It is crucial that we update the plan periodically to coincide with your changing financial needs, goals, and circumstances.

Portfolio Design and Management

Your financial objectives and risk tolerance are key to influencing our recommendations on investments vehicles.  There are many options and products from mutual funds to bonds.  The end goal is to design a portfolio that is diversified and well- balanced. Whole Wealth Management has access to a virtually limitless selection of investment opportunities  and truly objective research. Once the investments are made, we monitor your brokerage account and make changes as necessary.

The investment recommendations and services we provide are designed to support the personal needs and goals outlined in your financial plan.

Some considerations:

  • What level of risk are you comfortable with? 
  • What type of attention does your investment require?
  • Will you contribute to your plan over time or will you make a single, up-front investment?
  • How might your philanthropic goals affect your investments, especially when considering tax deductions? 
  • What safety nets will your investments require as your assets and responsibilities grow?

With financial planning as the foundation and investment management providing the necessary building blocks, we can work together to help you pursue your short- and long-term goals.

Fiduciary Process

  • Define Objectives
  • Determine level of risk
  • Asset Allocation
  • Investment Selection
  • Implement 
  • Monitor
  • Create Portfolio Management Team
  • Risk Management
  • Expenses/Fees
  • Investment Results

Investment management is typically carved out as a separate service due to its distinct and complex nature. How we ultimately shape your investment portfolio is based on a collaborative effort, and the result is something we monitor regularly. 

Retirement Planning

Whether you’re planning for retirement or are currently retired, we want to help you prepare for the future with a focused retirement plan. We provide a holistic approach towards putting you on the right track to meet your retirement goals both short and long-term. 

Before retirement, there are many things you can do to begin saving. IRA’s and 401K’s are an effective way to begin saving for retirement and carry many tax benefits. We will work with you to develop a unique savings plan that meets your specific needs and maximizes the most out of your income and assets.

During the transition to retirement there is generally the need to shift your financial resources from saving for your retirement towards funding your retirement. With our services, we can help you meet your financial goals in retirement, while maintaining the flexibility to alter your investment decisions in response to changes in the market and your life.

Education Planning

College is more expensive than ever but there are key ways to make the most of your money and save for your children’s education fund. But which college savings plan is right for you?  Is it a 529 or some other plan like an education savings plan? How do you save for retirement while investing in your children’s future?  We look at all the options, the tax implications and the amount of flexibility you need and want in order to find the right recommendations for you and your family.

Income Tax Strategies

Whole Wealth Management can develop strategies for minimizing income tax liability, including optimizing retirement plan distributions. Do you rely on CPA’s for this advice or do you have a handle on tax avoidance and deferral?

Insurance Planning

Protecting yourself, your loved ones, your home or your business against unexpected events is a fundamental aspect of wealth planning. Adequate planning now can help prevent a lifetime of assets from falling short when you need them most. We can advise and provide life insurance, home, disability, long term care, and medicare supplemental insurance. Different kinds of insurance help protect you and your loved ones in different ways against the cost of accidents, illness, disability, and death.