It may sound cliché, but it’s true: Your financial life is a puzzle.
We love the challenge of helping to solve your puzzle. By fitting the pieces together, we help you to meet big life goals like living and retiring comfortably and taking care of the people who are important to you.
So naturally, we’re chagrined when key puzzle pieces are missing. Here’s an example. In a recent, casual conversation with a long-time client, we were surprised to learn that she had $700,000 in a trust account. The funds had just been sitting there, in cash, earning zero interest. Needless to say, we were quick to suggest a more profitable arrangement for the client.
Surprisingly, these sorts of omissions happen all the time. Clients who are paying us for comprehensive financial advice forget that we’re at their disposal for any financial question.
A client might have stock options that are nearing vesting, and is unsure what to do about it. Another might expect to receive an inheritance, meaning their investments might not need to be as aggressive. Yet another might have a new baby—but because we haven’t heard about it, we aren’t able to update estate plans as early as we should.
A person’s financial life is a fabric: Each element is part of a whole, and each element has an impact on the success of a long-term plan. At FPC, we pride ourselves on being high-touch, high-service advisors. If only we could read minds!
In all seriousness, it’s important to remember that the best financial planning and stewardship is holistic. A person’s financial profile includes not just investing; it involves everything from tax to estate planning to insurance to family circumstances. When we have a full financial picture, we’re able to better help you reach your ultimate financial goals. We love it when we can help you solve the whole puzzle!