1. Can I retire at age 60 with the amounts I have in my 401k and brokerage account? Will I have to increase the amount I'm saving each year now?
2. We have investments scattered here and there, but we can't watch them like we should. How can we do better?
3. I just turned 70-and-a-half. Do I need to do something with my IRA?
4. We're worried about what will happen to our children and our assets if something happens to us. What should we do?
5. I've finally retired! Where do I withdraw money from first - my IRA, 401k, annuity, or brokerage account? How much can I safely take out each year? I wouldn't want to run out of money.
6. Look at my stock options. Can you help me determine how much I really have, and what I should do with them?
7. How do you charge for your services?
8. Will you try to sell me investments or insurance while providing financial advice?
9. I've decided I want help! What's the best way to get started? Answers:
Many clients ask these questions. A retirement projection and analysis can provide you with the answers for your situation and explore your alternatives. Perhaps you choose to work part-time after retiring at age 60 as some of our clients have. Or, perhaps you'll purchase a second home in Arizona, as one fun-loving couple chose to do recently.
2. We have investments scattered here and there, but we can't watch them like we should. How can we do better?
Many choose our investment management services to develop and monitor a balanced, diversified investment portfolio. Most clients don't have the time, knowledge, or desire to tackle that task. We'll review all your investment accounts: IRA, 401k, 403b, and taxable accounts. We'll develop an investment plan to determine which specific investments are appropriate to retain, and what investments should be purchased to upgrade the quality of investments and increase diversification. We use only no-load mutual funds to avoid hefty load expenses.
Your investment plan considers tax consequences of any proposed sales, and any fees for consolidating or moving accounts. We feel it's important for you to know and approve all aspects of your investment plan.
3. I just turned 70-and-a-half. Do I need to do something with my IRA?
Retiring is no longer a simple phase of life. Many retired clients choose a long-term, on-going relationship with us to handle the details, freeing them to enjoy this time in their lives. Yes, at 70-and-a-half you do need to start your IRA distribution if you have not already. Which accounts you withdraw from first - IRAs, Roths, taxable accounts - can help you maximumize wealth. We work with clients to see what's best for them.
4. We're worried about what will happen to our children and our assets if something happens to us. What should we do?
Clients often are wise to prepare for the "if something happens" scenario. Based on the size of your estate, we'll discuss different alternatives you may want to pursue. In addition, we'll help you prepare your estate assets and debts report to ensure your time with your estate planning attorney is most productive.
5. I've finally retired! Where do I withdraw money from first - my IRA, 401k, annuity, or brokerage account? How much can I safely take out each year? I wouldn't want to run out of money.
Drawdown strategies during retirement are important. By properly prioritizing which accounts you to draw from first, second, etc., clients are able to minimize their taxes and maximize their wealth. You'll also want to consider your estate plans to avoid leaving heirs assets that will be heavily taxed. Our drawdown analysis can help you determine how much to withdraw annually. Withdrawing too much can leave you without funds late in life; too little can deny you the pleasures you deserve.
6. Look at my stock options. Can you help me determine how much I really have, and what I should do with them?
Busy executives often don't have time to analyze the complexities of stock options. Company reports may not clearly spell out the tax consequences. An analysis can help you see how much you really have, after all taxes are paid. Plus, you'll want to carefully time options exercises, particularly if you have incentive stock options. You may want to take advantage of stock swap features if they're included in your plan. Modeling analysis can help you determine when to exercise - now or wait 10 years? What factors in your situation and your company's future may affect timing of exercise?
7. How do you charge for your services?
Our services include both investment management and financial planning. The fee is based on a percentage of the dollar value of the assets, or investments, being managed in the portfolio. The percentage is reduced significantly on larger portfolios over $1 million, and reduced again over $3 million.
8. Will you try to sell me investments or insurance while providing financial advice?
Absolutely not. We do not sell products, and are not associated with any third-party provider to do so. We do not accept commissions of any kind. Clients can be assured our recommendations are not influenced by hidden financial gains to ourselves.
9. I've decided I want help! What's the best way to get started?
Simply call us at (913) 385-5523. We'll provide information on our services and fees. You can decide if you're interested.
If so, make an appointment to come in and interview us!
At that initial meeting, we'll cover what we do, and how we work with folks. We'll answer your questions and try to provide whatever information you need to make your decision on whether you want to hire us.