Case Studies
Client: Retiring Executive
Background: John, 62, is a C-suite executive at a Fortune 500 company, planning to retire within two years. With a net worth of $12 million, including a concentrated stock position, retirement accounts, and real estate, he seeks a seamless transition to retirement while preserving his wealth for future generations while also accomplishing his philanthropic endeavors.
Needs:
- A solution to diversify his concentrated stock holdings and reduce risk.
- A tax-smart income strategy to sustain his retirement lifestyle.
- A thoughtful approach to charitable giving and legacy planning.
- Financing solutions to purchase a new primary residence in retirement.
- Flexible liquidity options that maintain his long-term investment goals.
Our Approach:
- Implemented a phased diversification strategy designed to minimize taxes while gradually repositioning his concentrated stock.
- Created a customized portfolio balancing growth and income, featuring tax-advantaged municipal bonds alongside equity exposure.
- Established a donor-advised fund to enhance his philanthropic impact with tax advantages.
- Developed a comprehensive estate plan to maximize wealth transfer to future generations.
- Coordinated mortgage financing through Wells Fargo Bank, leveraging preferred client pricing to support his vacation purchase.
- Secured a credit line with exclusive pricing to provide liquidity flexibility without disrupting his investment plan.
Outcome: John now enjoys confidence knowing his retirement is backed by a diversified portfolio generating reliable income. His philanthropic vision and legacy strategy are clearly defined—aligned perfectly with his values and goals.
Client: Entrepreneur Selling a Family-Owned Private Business
Background: Mark, 60, recently sold his family business, acquiring substantial wealth for his extended family. He sought a clear strategy to secure his financial future, support new ventures, and give back to causes meaningful to him.
Needs:
- Navigating complex tax implications from the business sale.
- Building a diversified investment plan to grow and safeguard his wealth.
- A financial framework to fund future ventures and philanthropic initiatives.
- Gain clarity on how to sustain his current lifestyle after the sale.
Our Approach:
- Developed a tax-efficient liquidity strategy to reduce capital gains and preserve wealth.
- Constructed a balanced portfolio combining equities with tax-advantaged fixed income.
- Built a flexible income and spending plan to align lifestyle with sustainable cash flow and long-term objectives.
- Designed a drawdown plan to support new ventures while maintaining financial goals.
- Helped launch a charitable foundation to fund a scholarship program for young innovators, reflecting Mark’s passion for technology and education.
Outcome: Mark now has a robust, forward-looking financial framework that balances entrepreneurial freedom with long-term clarity. With a deeper understanding of his spending capacity and lifestyle sustainability, he feels more in control and less reactive. His investments are working efficiently, and his philanthropic vision is in motion—empowering the next generation while preserving his legacy.
Client: Successful Professional in Healthcare
Background: Dr. Chen, a 52-year-old surgeon leading a thriving medical group, wanted to simplify and strengthen her financial situation amidst a demanding career.
Needs:
- A customized retirement plan to reduce taxes and build long-term wealth.
- A trusted advisor to collaborate with her CPA and oversee her full financial picture.
- A tax-advantaged approach to funding her children’s education.
- Financing to support the purchase of a new primary residence.
Our Approach:
- Built a comprehensive investment plan with annual check-ins to adapt to changing circumstances and goals.
- Partnered with a third-party administrator to set up a cash balance plan enabling $300K annual retirement contributions while significantly lowering her taxable income.
- Designed a tax-aware investment portfolio aligned with her objectives, risk profile, and timeline.
- Coordinated a mortgage through Wells Fargo Bank, securing preferred relationship pricing—including interest rate discounts and reduced fees—to facilitate her home purchase efficiently.
Outcome: Dr. Chen now approaches her financial future with confidence and calm, supported by a strategic plan that eases stress and fosters growth. Freed from financial worries, she dedicates more time to expanding her practice and enjoying family moments.
Client: Millionaire Next Door
Background: Emily and Michael, both 58, are dual-income professionals preparing to retire in the next 5 years. They wanted a clear, manageable plan to consolidate assets. With $2 million of combined 401(k) savings, a mortgage and college funding goals for their grandchildren, their goal included optimizing taxes and generating steady retirement income.
Needs:
- A seamless 401(k) rollover process to simplify retirement assets management.
- An investment plan to deliver reliable income throughout retirement to maintain their lifestyle, travel, and support family.
- Strategic Roth conversions to reduce future tax burdens.
- Tax-efficient income planning balancing withdrawals, savings, and Social Security.
- Education on risk management and asset allocation adjustments.
- A plan to begin funding their grandchildren’s college education.
Our Approach:
- Consolidated their 401(k) assets into a personalized IRA portfolio suited to their risk tolerance and timeline.
- Strategized a Roth conversion schedule to minimize taxes and maximize long-term benefits.
- Implemented wealth planning, incorporating Monte Carlo simulations to stress test their retirement under different market conditions.
- Designed a retirement income strategy incorporating systematic withdrawals, Social Security optimization, and contingency planning for healthcare costs.
- Explored various college funding vehicles, including 529 plans for tax-advantaged growth and UTMAs/UGMAs for greater flexibility—helping them choose the best fit based on control, taxes, and long-term impact.
- Provided ongoing education and annual reviews to adapt the plan as market conditions and family needs evolve.
Outcome: They now have a clear, tax-savvy plan and simplified portfolio that allows them to enjoy retirement. Their consolidated portfolio is easier to manage, their tax strategy is optimized, and they have a clear roadmap for income and expenses.
Client: Ultra-High Net Worth Divorcee
Background: Sarah, 48, recently finalized a high-profile divorce and now holds $25 million in investable assets, including stocks and real estate. She needed expert guidance to regain control of her finances, protect her privacy, and confidently plan for her and her children’s future.
Needs:
- Restructure her portfolio to suit her personal goals and risk tolerance.
- Manage complex and diverse assets.
- Obtain clarity through education and long-term planning.
- Simplify and consolidate multiple investment accounts.
- Ensure privacy and discretion throughout the process.
- Establish a reliable income stream to support her lifestyle, including international travel, family obligations, and assisting her children financially.
Our Approach:
- Performed a thorough portfolio review, tailoring investments to her lifestyle and risk preferences.
- Developed a comprehensive plan to align her investments with her goals.
- Implemented tax strategies to manage income efficiently.
- Provided timely support to address evolving needs, including liquidity planning, spousal support, and estate planning considerations.
Outcome: Sarah now enjoys a well-organized, personalized wealth strategy that protects her privacy and supports her independence. With trusted guidance in place, she feels confident and prepared to embrace the next chapter of her life.
Client: Frustrated Professional Seeking Expert Financial Guidance
Background: Alex, 48, is a high-earning tech professional with an investment portfolio and real estate holdings. A major part of his compensation comes in Restricted Stock Units (RSUs). Frustrated by an advisor who was difficult to reach, lacked strategic insight, and didn’t demonstrate knowledgeable guidance—especially around his RSUs and investments—Alex sought a more engaged partner to help him take control of his financial future.
Needs:
- A proactive, responsive advisor who offers strategic, personalized advice.
- A comprehensive plan to manage and diversify his investment portfolio.
- Clear explanations and options for managing his RSUs and concentrated stock.
- Thoughtful tax planning and long-term wealth-building strategies.
- Confidence that all aspects of his financial life are being expertly managed.
Our Approach:
- Analyzed his RSU compensation and developed a plan to reduce concentration risk and optimize tax outcomes.
- Discussed strategies such as holding the units, accessing liquidity through a credit line secured by his stock, and diversifying via a tax-efficient stock exchange.
- Built a customized investment plan aligned with his goals, timeline, and risk tolerance.
- Established consistent communication and a clear roadmap to empower informed decisions.
Outcome: Alex now has a thoughtful, integrated strategy—and an advisor who stays ahead of his needs. With a clear roadmap and real engagement, he’s no longer in the dark about his money and confident about what’s next.
This information is hypothetical and for discussion purposes only. It is not intended to represent any specific return, yield or investment. It is provided for illustrative purposes only and does not constitute a recommendation to invest in any particular fund or strategy and is not a promise of future performance, an estimate of actual returns or of the volatility any client portfolio may experience. Hypothetical results do not represent actual trading and do not reflect the impact of any fees, expenses or taxes applicable to an actual investment. Hypothetical and past performance are no guarantee of future results.