The many mechanisms of financial well-being

Financial planning is the practice of understanding why we invest – for long-term well-being, to meet specific life goals, to create opportunity that lasts for generations – and tailoring our financial decisions to suit. It is a recognition that a good investment may not necessarily be good for you, based on your life, needs and risk tolerance, and that your goals should be the guide. Further than investing, it is a multidisciplinary approach to financial decision-making, taking into account different topics, including investments, income, business planning, taxes and estate planning.

Well-reasoned investment strategies and periodic reviews are a cornerstone of goal-oriented financial decision-making. With in-depth investing resources, a vast array of investment options and key market insight and analysis, we help our clients create a portfolio customized to their objectives.

Few financial questions loom larger than the ones surrounding retirement. We use purpose-built planning resources to help you analyze your financial situation and start planning ahead and to manage your income, assets and spending after retirement.

Managing risk can be a delicate balance. Are you overpaying or are you underprepared? Insurance is one risk management strategy that can cover a wide range of concerns, but there are potential harms to your goals that you may not have considered. These may include long-term care, timing risk to your retirement plan, changes in tax laws and a lack of diversification in your portfolio. We will take a close look at your circumstances to highlight and help mitigate risks you face.

Diversification does not guarantee a profit nor protect against loss.

An education savings fund is an investment in a loved one’s future. It’s also a tax-efficient way to cover the costs of this gift that keeps on giving. We can help you make reasoned decisions about education investments and how they can fit into your overall financial and investment picture.

Certain conditions may apply. Earnings in 529 plans are not subject to federal tax and in most cases state tax, as long as you use withdrawals for eligible education expenses, such as tuition and room and board. However, if you withdraw money from a 529 plan and do not use it on an eligible education expense, you generally will be subject to income tax and an additional 10% federal tax penalty on earnings. As with other investments, there are generally fees and expenses associated with participation in a 529 plan. There is also a risk that these plans may lose money or not perform well enough to cover education costs as anticipated. Most states offer their own 529 programs, which may provide advantages and benefits exclusively for their residents. An investor should consider, before investing, whether the investor's or designated beneficiary's home state offers any state tax or other benefits that are only available for investments in such state's qualified tuition program. Such benefits include financial aid, scholarship funds, and protection from creditors. The tax implications can vary significantly from state to state.

Multiple, independent income streams are a pillar of many financial plans, together creating a more consistent level of cash-on-hand to support a stable quality of life. This is where fixed-income investments can find a place in your portfolio. There are many ways to implement bonds and other fixed-income investments, so we can analyze their suitability and implement according to your goals.

The value of fixed income securities fluctuates, and investors may receive more or less than their original investments if sold prior to maturity.

Generally speaking, alternative investments are investments other than traditional stocks and bonds that may offer results independent from the swings of the broader market. Fine art or rare automobiles can be alternative investments, but we focus on assets less dependent on the whims of fashion – like hedge funds, private equity and real estate investment trusts. We can help you discover if alternative investments fit your financial objectives and then implement them into your portfolio.

Alternative investments involve substantial risks that may be greater than those associated with traditional investments and may be offered only to clients who meet specific suitability requirements, including minimum net worth tests. These risks include but are not limited to: limited or no liquidity, tax considerations, incentive fee structures, speculative investment strategies, and different regulatory and reporting requirements. There is no assurance that any investment will meet its investment objectives or that substantial losses will be avoided.