Client Stories
Illustrative examples of how we help clients solve problems, make decisions, and move forward with confidence. The following examples are based on real situations we’ve helped clients navigate. Names and identifying details have been changed to protect confidentiality
Full-Service Wealth Management
Ongoing investment management, advanced planning, and continuous guidance.
PRIMARY CONCERNS
- Planning to Retire with Confidence
- When to Begin to Draw Their Social Security
KEY QUESTIONS
- How can they maintain their current lifestyle?
- How to have extra money on the side for travel and home upgrades?
INVESTABLE ASSETS
- $1 Million
Kevin & Jane
Meet Kevin and Jane. They’ve led a simple life — no children, no debt, the same jobs for decades, and the same modest home they purchased years ago. They’ve always lived below their means and never considered themselves “wealthy.” Even in the final stretch of their careers, their combined income was just over $100,000 a year. But there was one thing they did exceptionally well: they started contributing to their 401(k)s early, accumulating nearly $1,000,000.
PRIMARY CONCERNS
- Real Estate Investor Seeking Diversification & Opportunities
- Tax-Efficient Investing
- Access to Investments for Real Estate Projects
KEY QUESTIONS
- How do we diversify his portfolio outside of real estate?
INVESTABLE ASSETS
- $10 Million
Ben
Meet Ben. At the young age of 24, he scraped together a few thousand dollars for the down payment on his first home, purchased for $90,000. While working a corporate 9-to-5, he spent evenings and weekends renovating it himself. He then borrowed against the property to buy a couple of rental units, renovated and rented them, and used their equity to acquire more. Over the next 15 years, Ben repeated this process and steadily built a substantial portfolio — now owning more than 200 rental properties with estimated equity of nearly $25 million. This is the American Dream in action!
PRIMARY CONCERNS
- Unhappy with Her Current Provider
- Thinks Her Fees are Too High
KEY QUESTIONS
- How do we improve on her investment performance?
- How do we align her portfolio by preference of value-based investing?
INVESTABLE ASSETS
- $2 Million
Katelyn
Meet Katelyn. A retired math teacher, she had invested and saved diligently over the years, building nearly $2 million in assets. She had worked with an advisor for a number of years, but was becoming increasingly dissatisfied with both the service and the results. Calls and messages often went unanswered, and there were no regular reviews or updates.
Financial Check-Up Case Studies
One-time, flat-fee planning for when you just need a roadmap.
Not every client who comes to us is ready—or needs—to hire us for ongoing investment management. Sometimes, you simply want a second opinion, a clear action plan, and the confidence you’re making the right moves. That’s where our Financial Check-Up service comes in. Over the course of two meetings (in-person or via Zoom), we review your full financial picture—income, savings, investments, insurance, and goals—and give you a personalized plan you can follow on your own.
Clients often tell us they thought their accounts were “too small” for a firm like ours. What they find is that we can work together for a one-time flat fee based on the complexity of their situation—and that the cost is often comparable to:
- A new smartphone
- A weekend getaway
- The last piece of furniture They bought
It’s a modest investment for clarity and confidence that can last for years.
PRIMARY CONCERNS
- A Financial Check-Up for Peace of Mind
KEY QUESTIONS
- Are we on the right track for retirement?
Mark & Jenna
In their mid-30s with two young children, Mark and Jenna had most of their assets in their home and company 401(k) plans. They wanted to be sure they were saving enough in the right places, picking the right investments, and preparing for college costs. We reviewed their retirement savings strategy, optimized their investment mix, created a college funding plan, and analyzed their life insurance needs. They left with a clear, actionable plan—without needing to commit to ongoing management.
PRIMARY CONCERNS
- Building a Strong Financial Foundation
KEY QUESTIONS
- Do I have enough to start planning?
Alex
Alex, 29, thought he “didn’t have enough” for a wealth management firm. Most of his savings were in his company 401(k), and he was still paying off student loans. Through two sessions, we helped him structure a savings plan, optimize his 401(k) contributions, open a Roth IRA, and choose an investment allocation suited to his goals. He left with a roadmap to follow until he’s ready for a more comprehensive relationship.
PRIMARY CONCERNS
- A Retirement Tune-Up
KEY QUESTIONS
- Where do we even begin?
Paul & Linda
At 58, Paul and Linda were about seven years from retirement. They had most of their wealth in home equity and 401(k)s, and wanted to make sure they were on track. We reviewed their savings rate, Social Security timing, 401(k) allocations, and mortgage payoff strategy. In just two meetings, they gained clarity on their path to retirement—without committing to ongoing services until they feel it’s the right time.
Curious if this service is a fit for you?
Let’s schedule a quick 10-minute introductory call to see if a Financial Check-Up makes sense for your situation.
