Personal Financial Planning

Personal Financial Planning

Defining Goals: At the Center of all our Services

For some clients, objectives are clear; others need assistance in clarifying and defining their financial goals. Listening carefully to client concerns and developing a clear, mutually agreed-upon description of client objectives and needs are at the center of all of our services:

INVESTMENT PLANNING

  • Analysis of current portfolios; developing investment allocations consistent with proper diversification, client objectives and client risk tolerance levels

CASH-FLOW PLANNING

  • Analysis of spending needs; development of debt-reduction strategies; determining how much clients need to save in order to meet future goals

  • Evaluating mortgage options

RETIREMENT PLANNING

  • 401(k)/403(b)/IRA investment and rollover strategies; lump-sum distribution planning

  • Developing retirement cash flow projections; helping clients understand the viability of their specific retirement goals

RISK MANAGEMENT

  • Reviewing life, disability, and long-term care insurance needs

  • Planning for household/small business risk management

EDUCATION PLANNING

  • Understanding options for college funding; identifying plans consistent with client goals and timelines

  • College savings fund investment plans

CHARITABLE GIVING PLANNING

  • Understanding giving options, including charitable gift annuities, charitable trusts, and donor-advised funds

  • Developing giving strategies to minimize current and future tax liabilities

ESTATE PLANNING

  • Developing estate plans consistent with client objectives

  • Assisting in identifying the data needed for proper estate planning; ensuring that needed documents are in place and properly updated

TAX PLANNING

  • Avoiding the payment of unnecessary income tax

  • Developing plans for all of the above services in a manner that reduces overall tax liabilities

Clients may engage FFS for advice regarding a single financial concern, for the development of an integrated financial plan, or for anything in between. The maintenance of lifelong financial health involves recognizing that needs, circumstances, tax laws, and financial options can and will change over time. Financial planning is a process - not a one-time event. As needs change, we can provide personal, cost-effective guidance to help update your plans accordingly.

For people who are busy with their work and family lives, the maze of financial decisions and plans that must be made can be exhausting and frustrating. Our mission is to provide our clients with capable, professional support for their financial lives. As needed, we will coordinate with your existing attorney, insurance agent, and/or accountant to ensure that the issues that matter most to you are properly addressed.