How We Can Help

When we asked clients in a recent survey when they felt the need for expert financial planning, we expected to hear that life's climactic changes (retirement, divorce, death of a spouse) were the key times in their lives. Instead they reported that virtually any time is the right time to embark on a financial plan. We couldn't agree more.

Here are a few brief descriptions of situations where we have been of assistance to clients. If you see yourself in one of these stories please don't hesitate to contact us for an introductory meeting.

New Job & 401k, IRAs

Hillary and Tom are in their mid fifties. They both have had various employers and are now situated in new jobs. They came to us because they have 401k accounts and IRAs "all over the place" and are feeling a lack of control and organization around their finances. They wondered if all the 401ks should be moved to their new retirement plan at work.

Because an employer retirement plan most often has limited investment options, we advised Tom and Hillary to consolidate those loose accounts into an IRA, and then we assisted them in the transition process. With their consolidated plan in place, we provide ongoing investment management of their assets.

Non-Traditional Relationship & Asset Management

Chris and Sam have been in a relationship for many years and have always maintained their accounts separately as well as held real estate in their individual names. They came to us for assistance in managing their investments.

We met to discuss their financial goals and in the process, we helped Chris and Sam articulate their wishes around the transfer of property in the event of one or the other's death. This led to some shifting of accounts and property titling as well as guiding them through the estate planning process and meeting with an attorney.

Unexpected Death

Sally was unexpectedly widowed in her late 40s. She and her late husband have two teen-age children. Sally contacted us soon after her spouse's death and voiced her concerns about her financial situation. She faced many decisions and a mountain of paperwork.

We helped her sort through the priorities to determine the best plan of action. We assisted in preparing the necessary paperwork for life insurance proceeds, retirement plan rollovers, making pension plan decisions, establishing a spending plan and investing assets. In many ways, we provided a sounding board to help Sally avoid costly misteps.

Retirement with Confidence

Seth and Ruth hope to retire in the next three years and wanted confirmation that they could continue to maintain their existing lifestyle in retirement without running out of money to fund it.

After defining their expectations and vision of retirement, we developed several projections and identified the associated required savings for the years leading to retirement. A review of their existing investment portfolio revealed some opportunities for improvement. Consequently we reallocated their investment portfolio which is reviewed periodically as part of our ongoing management services.

Early Retirement and Real Estate Investment

Mike and Shirley have a portfolio of stocks and bonds that they want to cash in to fund an investment in an apartment building. Their idea was to live off the income from the tenants and ultimately leave their nine-to-five jobs.

In the course of our analysis and subsequent discussion Mike and Shirley realized that they were drawn to real estate because they had heard from others how lucrative it could be. Further discussion revealed that neither one had any property management experience nor the desire to take on that responsibility. Our conversation saved them from making a major financial change that could have proven costly and unsatisfying.

Debt and College

Andy and Barbara are in their 30's and have two young children. They both work and have become accustomed to an expensive lifestyle which has led to them amassing $30,000 in credit card debt. They came to us seeking advice on how to get a handle on their cash flow, pay down their debt and begin to think long-term towards college educations and retirement.

After a careful review of their finances, we outlined a plan designed to help them gain control over their spending. We established a priority 3-year plan to pay off the credit card balances. At our recommendation, they began automatic contributions to their company retirement plans as well as education savings accounts for their children.

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Contact Information

• New Hampshire Office
  Jill Boynton
  70 Old Post Road
  Newington NH 03801
  Near Portsmouth
  603.431.1133
• Maine Office
  Susan Veligor
  70 Center Street
  Portland ME 04101
  207.772.8133