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Case Studies That Build Confidence
Case Study designed for You
A 38-year-old marketing manager came to us feeling overwhelmed by competing financial priorities—paying off student loans, saving for a first home, starting a family, and planning for retirement. With a moderate income and limited investment experience, he wasn’t sure where to begin.
We started by helping him clarify his short- and long-term goals, then built a personalized financial plan that balanced debt reduction with savings growth. We automated his savings into a high-yield emergency fund and opened a Roth IRA to take advantage of tax-free growth. To support his homeownership goal, we created a dedicated savings strategy using a combination of a high-interest savings account and a brokerage account with a conservative allocation. We also reviewed his employer benefits and adjusted his 401(k) contributions to maximize the company match. Over time, we introduced basic investment education to build his confidence and helped him implement a simple, diversified portfolio.
Within three years, he had paid off his student loans, built a six-month emergency fund, and was on track to purchase his first home—all while steadily growing his retirement savings. What began as financial uncertainty turned into a clear, empowering path forward.
Case Study designed for Corporate Professional
A corporate professional in his late 50s approached our firm after receiving a promotion to a senior leadership role at a publicly traded company. With his new position came a complex compensation package that included restricted stock units (RSUs), performance-based equity, and access to a non-qualified deferred compensation (NQDC) plan. While his income had grown substantially, he felt overwhelmed by the tax implications, investment decisions, and lack of a cohesive long-term strategy.
We began by conducting a full financial review, identifying that over half of his investable assets were tied up in company stock—posing a significant concentration risk. We implemented a diversification strategy that included scheduled RSU liquidation and reallocation into a globally diversified portfolio. To reduce his current tax burden, we helped his enroll in the NQDC plan and coordinated a deferral strategy aligned with his projected retirement timeline. We also transitioned his 401(k) contributions from Roth to traditional, with a plan to execute partial Roth conversions during lower-income years post-retirement. Estate planning was another priority; we worked with his attorney to establish a revocable trust and structured a gifting strategy for his children.
Within two years, his portfolio was more balanced, his projected retirement age moved up by five years, and his estimated lifetime tax liability dropped significantly. Most importantly, he gained clarity and confidence—knowing his financial life was no longer reactive, but strategically aligned with his goals.
Case Study designed for Business Owner
A business owner in his early 60s approached our firm as he began thinking seriously about succession planning and retirement. After decades of building a successful manufacturing company, he had accumulated significant business equity but lacked liquidity and a clear exit strategy. His goals were to transition ownership smoothly, minimize taxes on the sale, and ensure long-term financial security for himself and his family.
We started by conducting a full business valuation and collaborating with his CPA and attorney to structure a tax-efficient sale to a key employee group. Simultaneously, we developed a personal financial plan that included reallocating sale proceeds into a diversified investment portfolio designed to generate sustainable income. We also established a defined benefit plan in the final years of his ownership to accelerate retirement savings and reduce taxable income. To protect his estate, we helped implement a revocable trust and a gifting strategy for his grandchildren’s education.
Within 18 months, the business transition was complete, his retirement income plan was in place, and he had peace of mind knowing his legacy was secure and his wealth was working for him—not just tied up in the business he built.
Case Study designed for Real Estate Professional
A successful real estate professional in her early 50s came to our firm seeking clarity and structure around her increasingly complex financial life. With multiple income streams from rental properties, development projects, and consulting work, she had built significant wealth—but lacked a cohesive strategy to manage taxes, protect assets, and plan for retirement. Her portfolio was heavily concentrated in real estate, leaving her exposed to market cycles and liquidity risk.
We began by conducting a full financial review, mapping out her cash flow, debt obligations, and long-term goals. Together, we developed a diversified investment strategy that gradually reallocated a portion of her real estate gains into a liquid, tax-efficient portfolio designed to generate passive income. We also introduced a defined benefit plan to accelerate retirement savings while reducing taxable income. To protect her growing estate, we worked with her attorney to establish an LLC structure for her properties, a revocable trust, and an umbrella liability policy.
Within two years, she had a more balanced financial foundation, reduced her annual tax liability, and gain peace of mind knowing her wealth was working for her—not just tied up in bricks and mortar.
Case Study designed for Pre-Retirement
A couple in their early 50s approached our firm with a shared goal: retire within the next decade while maintaining their lifestyle and ensuring long-term financial security. Despite a solid income and nearly $2 million in combined assets, they felt uncertain about whether their current savings strategy was enough—and how to navigate the transition from accumulation to distribution.
We began by listening closely to their concerns, especially around market volatility, healthcare costs before Medicare, and the timing of Social Security. After conducting a comprehensive financial analysis, we built a retirement projection using Monte Carlo simulations to test the durability of their plan under various scenarios. Their investment portfolio was rebalanced to better reflect their risk tolerance and retirement horizon, introducing a glide path that gradually reduced equity exposure. We also developed a tax-efficient withdrawal strategy and modeled different Social Security claiming scenarios to maximize lifetime benefits. To address healthcare, we incorporated private insurance costs into their plan and ensured their emergency fund was sufficient.
With a clear roadmap in place, the couple now feels empowered and confident about their financial future—knowing they have a strategy that adapts with them as they move closer to retirement.
Case Study designed for Retiree
A retired individual in his late 60s came to our firm with a simple but pressing concern: how to make his retirement savings last while maintaining his lifestyle and preparing for potential healthcare needs. He had a modest pension, Social Security income, and approximately $1.5 million in retirement and brokerage accounts—but no clear strategy for withdrawals, taxes, or legacy planning.
We began by conducting a full retirement income analysis, identifying his essential and discretionary expenses, and mapping out a sustainable withdrawal plan. His portfolio was restructured to balance income generation with long-term growth, incorporating dividend-paying equities and municipal bonds. We also implemented a tax-efficient distribution strategy, sequencing withdrawals from taxable, tax-deferred, and Roth accounts to minimize his annual tax burden. To prepare for rising healthcare costs, we helped him evaluate Medicare supplement plans and set aside a dedicated healthcare reserve. Finally, we worked with his estate attorney to update his will, establish a revocable trust, and designate charitable beneficiaries for a portion of his IRA to reduce future tax exposure.
With a clear, personalized plan in place, he now enjoys retirement with confidence—knowing his finances are aligned with his goals and values.
Case Study designed for DIY
A 40-year-old engineer who had managed her own investments for decades came to us after realizing that her growing portfolio—and the complexity that came with it—was starting to outpace her time and comfort level. She had built a solid foundation through disciplined saving and research, but her portfolio had become heavily concentrated in tech stocks and lacked a cohesive tax strategy. She wasn’t looking to give up control, but rather to collaborate with a team that could enhance her efforts.
We began by conducting a full portfolio analysis, identifying areas of overexposure, tax inefficiencies, and missed opportunities for diversification. Together, we developed a strategy that preserved her hands-on involvement while introducing structured rebalancing, tax-loss harvesting, and a more intentional asset allocation. We also helped her implement a charitable giving strategy using appreciated securities and established a donor-advised fund to align with her philanthropic goals. Over time, she came to appreciate the value of having a sounding board for major decisions and a team that could execute the details while she focused on the big picture.
With our partnership, she gained greater tax efficiency, reduced portfolio risk, and—most importantly—peace of mind knowing her financial strategy was no longer just smart, but also sustainable.
Case Study designed for Families
A family of five in their early 40s came to our firm seeking guidance on how to align their growing financial responsibilities with long-term goals. With two working parents, three young children, and a household income of $300,000, they were juggling mortgage payments, college savings, retirement planning, and aging parent support—all while trying to maintain a balanced lifestyle.
We began by helping them clarify their priorities and map out a comprehensive financial plan that addressed both short-term needs and future aspirations. We established 529 plans for each child, optimized their 401(k) and Roth IRA contributions, and introduced a backdoor Roth strategy to enhance tax efficiency. Their investment portfolio was restructured to reflect their time horizons and risk tolerance, blending growth with stability. We also implemented a life and disability insurance review to ensure their family was protected in case of unforeseen events. To support their aging parents, we helped them set up a family care budget and explored long-term care insurance options.
Within two years, they had a clear financial roadmap, increased their net worth by over 20%, and felt more confident about their ability to support their children’s education, retire comfortably, and care for their extended family—all without sacrificing their current quality of life.
Case Study designed for High Net Worth & Income
A high-net-worth individual in his early 50s approached our firm with a complex financial landscape: a $10 million net worth, annual income exceeding $1 million, and a mix of concentrated stock holdings, real estate, and private equity investments. While financially successful, he lacked a cohesive strategy to manage risk, minimize taxes, and plan for generational wealth transfer.
We began by conducting a holistic financial review, identifying overexposure to a single tech stock and underutilized tax planning opportunities. Our team implemented a structured diversification plan, gradually reallocating concentrated positions into a globally diversified portfolio with a focus on tax efficiency. We also introduced advanced estate planning strategies, including a grantor retained annuity trust (GRAT) and a family limited partnership (FLP), to reduce estate tax exposure and facilitate wealth transfer to his children. To align with his philanthropic goals, we established a donor-advised fund, allowing him to support causes he cared about while receiving immediate tax benefits.
Within two years, his portfolio was more balanced, his projected estate tax liability was reduced by over $1.2 million, and he had a clear, values-driven plan for his legacy. Most importantly, he gained peace of mind knowing his wealth was not only protected but positioned to make a lasting impact.