Who We Serve
Clients We Serve
Over the years, our team has found that successful people like you share common goals, such as clarity in their financial life, confidence in their future and the ability to lead a meaningful life.
You have saved money and built some wealth, but is it enough? Will the decisions you’re making impact your financial security and legacy? Our team serves as a sounding board during these complex conversations before and during retirement, helping you not just make any decision, but ensuring you’re making the right ones for you and your family.
Common Questions
“Can we ‘afford’ to retire?”
“How much can we take from our portfolio?”
“When should I start taking Social Security benefits?”
“How do we allow our wealth to empower our kids, not hinder them?”
“What’s the best way to make charitable donations?”
Common Scenarios
Retirement Analysis
You want to know you’ll be able to enjoy retirement without making a lifestyle change or worrying if you’ll have enough for surprises or additional desires. Our team reviews your retirement needs and other goals, then analyzes your income sources and manages portfolio withdrawals to balance daily comfort with long-term preservation.
Investment Management
We want to protect what you’ve worked so hard to build, but we also understand that it’s important to continue growing your assets in order to meet your family’s goals. Using an academic investment strategy that has withstood two major market crashes, we employ a disciplined approach to manage risk and tax considerations.
Legacy Planning
As Warren Buffett once said, you want to leave “enough money to your kids so they can do anything, but not enough so they can do nothing.” Align works with you (along with your children, attorney, favorite charity, etc.) to build legacy plans that will empower your loved ones without becoming a burden or de-motivator.
Tax Management
Taxes likely will be your largest expense through retirement. Our investment discipline seeks to make tax-smart decisions, including optimal asset location strategies, Roth conversions, tax-loss harvesting, and tax-managed funds when appropriate. We also work with your tax professionals to make sure nothing gets overlooked.
You’re enjoying a successful career and growing your net worth, though it may be mostly tied up in your business, stock options, pension plan or restricted stock. You may have started thinking about your exit plan, too. No matter what stage you’re in, our team helps you feel confident in your family’s financial security while you continue to build your business or career.
Common Questions
“How do I manage my deferred compensation and stock options?“
“How do I plan for the sale of my business?“
“How can I minimize or defer taxes?“
“What retirement plan options are available to me?“
“How do I convert the value of my business into an income stream that I can retire on?“
Common Scenarios
Business Transition Planning
You’ve built a business that has enduring value, and now it’s time for you to hand over the reins (not to mention the 70-hour workweeks). Working with your attorney and CPA, we can help make sense of your succession options and plan for the next exciting chapter of your life.
Retirement Plan Options
Choosing the best retirement plan for your company depends on a number of factors. Do you want to maximize your contributions? How much would you like to contribute to your employees? How much contribution flexibility do you want each year? Together, we’ll explore and understand all the options.
Company Benefits Review
Are you making the most of your company benefits? Let’s review them and make sure you’re participating in the most advantageous programs. We also can develop a strategy around stock options, deferred compensation, and pensions to help you build out more robust compensation packages that benefit both sides.
Investment Management
Whether you need a hand keeping an eye on your company’s assets, managing a concentrated position in company stock, or deciding what to do with low-tax basis holdings, we can help. Using an investment discipline founded on academic principles that have stood the test of time, our team will help you protect what you have today while planning for tomorrow.
Life is rarely a smooth journey from point A to point B. When plans change for better or for worse, having a trusted guide who can help you make tough decisions and gain clarity makes all the difference. If you’re feeling stuck and thinking, “What now?” we can help you through the transition process and regain peace of mind.
Common Questions
“Although we planned well, losing my spouse has left me with lots of questions. What do I do?”
“How do I ensure that the inheritance I’m receiving is properly managed?“
“How do I re-evaluate my personal finances after divorce?”
“I received a recent windfall. What’s the best way to make the most of my newfound wealth?“
Common Scenarios
Loss of a Spouse
During this emotional transition, the last thing you want to do is handle all the financial decisions that must be made. Even if you managed the household finances, the process can be overwhelming. Whether you need to make complex decisions regarding your estate or just re-evaluate your financial goals, we’re here to be a sounding board during this difficult time.
Receiving an Inheritance or Other Windfall
Sudden wealth is a dream for many, but it also comes with a multitude of potential pitfalls. If you’re receiving a windfall of wealth, we’ll work with you to answer questions like, “How much can I spend now vs. save for the future?” and “Do I need to consider any tax or legal matters, such as trusts and wills?”
Divorce
The financial considerations that come with divorce only add to the stress and sadness. Our team stays by your side throughout the process to help answer tough questions about housing, spousal and child support, insurance, Social Security benefits, future financial goals and more.
As your wealth grows, you’re starting to think about retiring without worry, getting your kids through college, or helping aging parents. You have savings, investments and perhaps a retirement account or two, but not a comprehensive plan. Let’s discuss how to grow and protect the solid foundation you’ve worked so hard to build. From there, we'll move toward your dreams.
Common Questions
“Are we on track to meet our goals?“
“How do we protect and build our assets?“
“How do we know if we’re making smart decisions with our money?“
“How do we plan for the myriad of our competing goals?“
“How do we protect our family in case something catastrophic happens?“
Common Scenarios
Retirement Planning
For many people, retirement no longer means a gold watch and a pension. Your vision of retirement could mean leaving your job to pursue a creative passion, moving somewhere new or working for the enjoyment instead of the money. Our team can help you evaluate your current situation with a new perspective to help you create a real plan to achieve your goals.
Protecting Your Family
You want to know that your family will be protected during good times and bad. To put your mind at ease, we’ll review your life and disability insurance, evaluate your property and liability coverage and discuss wills, trusts, and estate planning.
College Planning
Education is getting more expensive each year and student loans can burden your kids with debt for decades. Based on your kids’ ambitions and your goals for them, our team helps you explore how much to save and how to do it in a way that balances taxes, liquidity, and control. And, in a manner that will not hinder your kids' ambitions and work ethic.
Investment & Tax Management
You probably have multiple investment accounts, such as 401(k)s, IRAs, and taxable brokerage accounts. Each one could be tied to different goals, time horizons and tax implications, so we work with you to identify ways to achieve both your short-term and long-term goals while minimizing your tax burden.