Choosing a financial advisor is an important decision. It is a relationship that should stand the test of time through the ups and downs of markets, and more importantly, the seasons of life. He and his Branch Office Assistant of twelve years, Dorothy, work with a select group of families – striving to understand what's most important to them, using an established process to reach their family's goals, and partnering together to help stay on track across generations. The way Chris and Dorothy put it, "We want to be all things to some people, not some things to all people." Part of providing an ideal client experience means that their clients feel understood, informed, secure, and in control.
While clients retire once, Chris and Dorothy have helped scores of families reach and maintain "work optional," and pass wealth from one generation to the next. At this point of financial independence, many feel like they have "made it," but Chris says this is the perfect opportunity to consider two additional factors. First, the often-overlooked non-financial aspect; what activities are going to bring you purpose and fulfillment? Second, defining the amount of financial surplus allows us to go deeper in other planning areas. "We look at everything from family gifting, education for grandkids, bringing more intentionality to charitable gifts, or simply not taking more risk than necessary to meet their goals." Chris says that part of being a financial advisor means effectively positioning resources toward their highest and best use.
Most of Chris' new clients have one thing in common. He says, "many people don't realize the tax bill from their investments can easily be as much or more than they are paying in fees." It is important to be as tax-efficient as possible when implementing a family's strategy – including, but not limited to, working with the client's CPA and attorney to minimize estate taxes, optimize asset location, tax-loss harvesting, tax lot matching, trade deferral, partial Roth conversions, gifting strategies and vehicles, and determining which generation is best suited to pay taxes on any dollars left behind. In partnering with clients' other professionals, they help evaluate trade-offs with the client to minimize taxes today, tomorrow, and into the future.
713-464-6071
c.anderson@edwardjones.com
Located in The Bunker Hill Building – 9525 Katy Freeway, Ste 122
This article was sponsored by you local Edward Jones Office.