Retirement and Estate Planning

My approach to retirement and estate planning is grounded on developing living plans for individuals contemplating their retirement years. While financial planning is a component there are other factors that our clients need to consider. Since I have dealt and am dealing with these issues individually, I have a different perspective than the traditional financial advisor.

Budgeting for Survival

In the current economic environment, I provide individuals practical financial advice on how to develop a budget that enables them to preserve and maximize their personal and retirement value. The better job they can do in conserving their finances while still living a stress free and enjoyable life, more wealth can be preserved for their golden years.

Financial Planning

The financial planning component of preparing for retirement includes understanding the various vehicles and tools that are available for preserving and accumulating wealth. The planning progression covers Social Security and Medicare, Individual Retirement Plans, employer-sponsored pension plans, annuities, and life insurance.

Wills

A component of planning is providing direction to clients on the necessity for having a will. These discussions explain the variety of options that are available in plain language. I also help them engage an attorney of their choice to help them draft a will and other legal documents that they might need. Instructions are provided to help them understand the available options in the event they become incapacitated.

Trusts

There are a number of applications where trusts are used effectively as an estate planning tool. Based on our experience in using and applying these tools, we help clients understand those situations where trusts are useful and how they can be used to ensure that their estate is managed and distributed in accordance with their wishes.

Retirement Strategies

One of the foundations of our approach to retirement and estate planning is development of retirement strategies that will achieve financial and personal goals. I use strategic thinking and planning techniques to assist clients in crafting in the same way a business would utilize this methodology. The strategy is tested by evaluating the strengths of the plan, its weaknesses, opportunities, and threats so the client has a clear vision going forward. This is exactly how I planned my own retirement so I know it works. Some of the issues we address include working in retirement, lifestyle, were you want to live, and how you want to live.