Services

PLANNING FOR THE COST OF EDUCATION

As college tuition continues to rise, it’s up to you to adequately plan for your child[ren]’s future. Because future education savings depend on the wealth you build now, it’s important to regularly review your goals and actively plan for education costs.

A simple check-up can help you assess:

• What dreams for college education do you have for your child(ren)/grandchild(ren)?
• How much will a four-year college education cost when your child(ren)/grandchild(ren) are ready?
• What savings and investment programs do you currently have in place to provide for those future dollars?
• Which rate of inflation have you factored into your savings and investment plan?
• Has your family made funding for higher education a part of the estate planning process?

It won’t take long before your young loved one is ready for higher education. Start planning now by taking simple steps to implement a plan suited to your family. Call us today to start saving!

BUILDING AN INVESTMENT STRATEGY

When’s the last time you checked on your investments? If you’re like most people, you may have left them on “autopilot.” But things change, and your outlook on the future might be different now. 

Assess your plan by asking yourself the following questions:
 

• What specific financial goals am I targeting for my investment portfolio?
• What is my time frame for each goal?
• Which asset allocation model am I currently utilizing?
• When was the last time I reviewed my asset mix?
• What rate of return do I require on my portfolio to meet each of my goals?
• How do I adjust my portfolio when my investment values change 5%, 10%, or 20% due to market volatility?
• What percentage of my portfolio do I commit to small company stocks, international stocks, and real estate?
• Do individual stock positions greater than 5% expose potential risk to my portfolio?

If you’re unsure, it may be time for a personalized assessment. Make sure you’re on the right track by letting us analyze your holdings and chart a course of action through a personalized one-on-one meeting. 

PROTECT YOUR MOST IMPORTANT ASSETS

You protect your home and vehicle. Why not your income? Illness or injury can happen to anyone—and you need to be prepared for how to sustain an income if and when that happens. Because your lifestyle and family depend on your income, it’s important to regularly review your goals by preparing for any possible outcome. 

Start by asking yourself:

• How will I pay the bills if I become sick or injured?
• How will my savings and investment programs be impacted if I no longer have a steady paycheck?
• Is a one in four chance of becoming severely ill or disabled worth insuring?
• Which would have more of an economic impact on my family: death or disability?
• What's my definition of disability? Is it the same as my insurance carrier's definition?

Sit down with one of our specialists for a review of your current financial plan. We’ll give you advice you can trust to safeguard your future. 

GROUP RETIREMENT PLANS SUITED TO YOUR BUSINESS

We know small business and we understand that your most valuable asset is your people. Providing a quality retirement plan not only benefits them, but your business as well by allowing you to attract and retain valuable employees, reduce your company's tax burden, and invest money in your own retirement.

Choose a plan that’s best for you and your employees, like:

• 401k
• IRAs
• Profit-sharing
• Cash balance
• Defined benefit (pension) plans
• Qualified plans and alternative solutions

Through our comprehensive approach, you’ll receive tax-optimized financial solutions that others simply may not offer. Schedule a meeting today to discuss how you can provide an invaluable benefit to your employees.

SAFEGUARD YOUR FUTURE

Most people purchase their insurance policies and don’t bother to look at them again. Sound familiar? Things change (marriage, new child, divorce, etc.)—and when that happens, you need to reassess your insurance policies.

Do a quick audit of your situation by asking these questions:

• How has your life changed since you last spoke to your insurance professional?
• Were interest rates significantly higher when you purchased your traditional life insurance policy?
• Do you know the reasons why your life insurance might lapse?
• If you own term insurance, when does it terminate?
• What are your family’s top priorities today? What will they be in five or 10 years?

Our expertise can help you make sure you have the right amount of coverage. We’ll analyze your situation and ensure your future is safeguarded. 

RETIREMENT PLANNING TAILORED TO YOU

Have you considered what it will take to not only retire, but realize your retirement goals? You may have aspirations of enjoying the finer things in life when you retire—and we can help you set the appropriate goals to get there.

When planning for retirement, ask yourself:

• What percentage of my current income level will I require in my retirement years?
• Who will be financially dependent on me in my retirement years? My parents? My children?
• At what age do I plan to retire?
• How much do I currently contribute to my retirement plans?
• How effective is the asset allocation model I am using for my retirement assets?
• Where will retirement income come from if my spouse or I are alone (divorced, widowed)?
• What legacy do I want to pass on to my loved ones?

Whether you have a retirement plan that needs revising or you’re ready for a fresh start, our financial advisors can help you plan for the most common retirement challenges and devise an approach that’s best suited to your goals and current financial capacity. 

SUCCESSION PLANNING YOU CAN FEEL CONFIDENT ABOUT

Few people understand the importance and value of your business better than you. Have you taken steps to ensure its future, safety and success? If you haven’t included business planning in your overall financial strategy, now is the time to start.

• Have you thought about what will happen to your business when you retire?
• Will your children take over the family business, or will you sell it to a business partner or outside party?
• When did you put your business succession plan on paper? When did you last review it and update it for structure and valuation purposes?
• Is your succession plan funded for both death and disability?
• What is your exit strategy for "monetizing" your business?
• How protected is your business in the event you become seriously ill, severely injured, or die?
• How much is your business worth? Have you insured the business at that value?

We know small business, and our experts are ready to help you plan a strategy that leaves a legacy for your business. Start the discussion today! 

ESTATE PLANNING: HOW WILL YOU LEAVE YOUR LEGACY?

No one likes to think about death or what will happen to your assets after you’re gone—but in order to ensure a positive future for your family and estate, it should be addressed. When’s the last time you updated your will or even looked at it? As life changes occur, you’ll need to plan differently for what will happen in the event of your death.

A review can help you answer key questions like:

• How much of your estate is earmarked for the IRS?
• What strategies do you have in place to minimize estate taxes at death?
• How thoroughly has your family discussed estate planning issues?
• How would you like your estate handled and by whom?
• When did you last review your will, and how are your assets titled?
• Do you have a favorite charity, school, or group to whom you want to bequeath assets?
• When was the last time you reviewed the beneficiary designations on your insurance programs and retirement plans?

Our estate planning experts can help you safeguard your final wishes and recommend a strategy for updating your plan. Call us today for trusted advice on your estate planning!

PLANNING FOR SPECIAL SITUATIONS

Life is unpredictable—and external forces such as divorce and elder care can strain even the strongest of financial plans. Planning for special situations requires proficient management programs to utilize insurance, investment and tax planning skills to create an effective solution.

Ehlen Heldman is prepared to help you with whatever life may throw at you. Our expertise can help you account for any special situations that arise through trusted tax, insurance, and investment advice.