Uncle James passed away a few years after becoming our client. Because James never had children, he left the assets in trust for his three nieces. While the children grew up, we managed the investments and their father kept their inheritance a secret. When they were college-bound, James’ nieces received a pleasant surprise—college was free, thanks to Uncle James! We:
Set up and funded trusts, making it easy for James
Managed the investments prudently with Uncle James’ goals in mind, making it easy for the trustee
Made payments for college and other expenses, allowing the young women to focus on their studies
Managed and reduced tax costs
Because of our prudent money management, the accounts continued to grow, even after paying for college. James’ oldest niece was able to pay for a wedding and make a down payment on her first home. Uncle James’ generosity will be forever remembered by this family.
As Helen approached her 90s, she knew her money would outlast her life on earth. Her oldest grandchildren were having children. Her youngest grandchildren were approaching college age. Helen wanted to provide them a college education, and she didn’t mind saving taxes either. But she wanted to do something fair to help all the different generations, and also give a little more to those who needed a little more. We:
Discussed fairness, and what it means to Helen, and helped her feel confident in her decision
Set up education accounts and trusts
Funded them in a manner that Helen enjoyed a large tax savings
Kept things simple and elegant
Managed the assets prudently
Helen recently passed away. She is remembered by her family for her elegance, prudence and generosity. Her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren are all a little better off, financially and otherwise, because of her good decisions.
Scott and Ellen were in the thick of it—raising college-age children and caring for Ellen’s mom. They each were employed, and both were proud of their high incomes. Sometimes they felt like they were losing control of the money going out the door. With two college payments and an increasing financial, emotional, and time burden from caring for Ellen’s mom, they needed a realistic financial plan. We:
Went through the discovery process and honored their goals, values and relationships
Wrote a one-page financial plan they could follow
Helped with a budget, giving them an online portal for all accounts (credit cards, checking, investments, more)
Decided on an appropriate debt plan
College funding plans
Retirement income plans
Success for Scott and Ellen had always been to enjoy time with the family and feel financially secure. With their financial advisor, they were able to relax about the budget and know that their outflow was finally in control.
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