Our planning process begins with an exploration of our client’s current asset and income situation and his or her expectations about the level and pattern of future spending. For many, income and spending will be changing due to expected future big-ticket purchases and new sources of income. Future expenses may include children’s college tuition or purchasing a home or vehicle. New sources of income may include Social Security income or mandatory IRA withdrawals.

After exploring our client’s current situation and goals, we begin developing a realistic plan for achieving financial independence. This plan includes setting goals for asset and income levels and discussing how various spending rates and investment returns can affect our client’s nest egg. We employ sophisticated tools that use Monte Carlo simulations to demonstrate how a variety of future market scenarios might play out. This analysis can help relieve the stress associated with an uncertain future and help our clients better plan for the unexpected.

Once a time-frame has been firmly established for retirement, we usually recommend a more conservative portfolio, typically moving gradually toward fixed-income and dividend-paying investments, and paying down a mortgage. Through prudent planning and effective asset management, we help our clients navigate through an important stage of their life.