Through our financial planning process, we help clients identify their tolerance for volatility and then tailor portfolios to match, always keeping their goals in mind.

Goals, Time-Frame & Constraints.

   To determine if we can help, and if our help fits what you need, we'll invest an hour or more with you to find out what you want to do and the timeframe you want to accomplish it within. You will need to provide information about your family and business, if applicable, and existing investment and insurance accounts. There is no charge for this first appointment.

   We help clients prepare for their retirement and their children's college costs. We manage, or help them manage the investments with which to accomplish these goals, using both tax-sheltered and after-tax accounts.

   Additionally, we network with other professionals, including accountants, attorneys, bankers, insurance and mortgage brokers and real estate agents, allowing us to direct you to the people best able to assist you.

   Management fees range from 1.2% to 0.72% a year, billed quarterly in arrears, subject to a $600 minimum. The fee rate declines as assets under management increase. The fee to manage your employer 401k account ranges from 1.2% to 0.6% a year. All related accounts, when aggregated, are subject to a minimum annual fee of $2,400. A 'consulting only' relationship is billed at $150 to $225 an hour.

We can be a resource for any situation that has to do with finances.  We focus on the following two areas of financial planning:

RETIREMENT PLANNING - How much will you need and when will you need it?  We will help you determine what you need in order to retire in a lifestyle of your choosing.  We'll consider your retirement plans, government programs and all the other assets you own, or hope to own.

INVESTMENT PLANNING - Whether you want assistance in managing your investments, or want someone to do that for you, we can be of assistance to you.  You can access your account through our website, and have access to the research services at Charles Schwab & Co. or TD Ameritrade.  Visit the Strategy page of our website for more details.
 

Even if the issue is not our specialty, we work with and have active relationships with other professionals in the following areas:

INSURANCE
Auto, Home, Umbrella Liability - These policies should be reviewed once a year to confirm coverage and limits are adequate.

Health & Life - Before reaching 65 you need to explore Medicare Supplemental coverage.  At any age you may want to consider Long Term Care insurance.  How long has it been since you reviewed your life insurance policies?

MORTGAGE REFINANCING - Refinancing might improve the family cash flow, or provide the equity to pay for the bathroom remodel.  We have contacts you can call for quotes.  And you may be eligible for Schwab Bank's "no fee, no points" mortgages.

REAL ESTATE - Selling your home?  Want assistance in locating new office space, or negotiating a new lease for your current office?  We have contacts in residential, commercial and industrial real estate.

SPENDING PLAN - Making ends meet is a challenge for many.  Regardless of income, expenses can get out of control.  If you, or someone you know, need help in this area, contact us for the names of 'financial recovery' counselors.

TAXES - We have relationships with a number of CPAs, accountants, and enrolled agents.  If your tax person just announced his or her retirement, or if your own taxes have become too complicated to do yourself, we can provide referrals.

WILLS & TRUSTS - If you need a will or living trust, or have one and your situation has changed, we can direct you to California attorneys who can assist you.