Successful asset management usually begins with the construction of a diversified portfolio of financial assets. While diversification may help reduce volatility and risk, it does not guarantee future performance. MarsJewett uses carefully developed models to create a mix of investments that help to maximize your potential returns for a given level of risk. They believe that establishing an appropriate balance of risk and reward in your portfolio is just as important as achieving competitive short-term returns.
Completing and presenting to you an individually tailored investment portfolio begins our team process of investment management. We then hold periodic meetings to review and update your plan, as your family or business circumstances change. We are always available to you at any time to address your ongoing needs and adjust your plans accordingly.
Retirement often presents a number of unique financial management challenges. Many MarsJewett clients approaching retirement face considerable one time cash distributions or important choices concerning highly appreciated assets.
There are some key issues that should and can be successfully addressed:
- Careful rollover of your retirement plan assets. Rollover of lump-sum distributions of 401(k) and other retirement plans must be handled carefully to minimize taxes and preserve assets.
- Arranging mandatory distributions from your retirement plan so that you receive the right level of income with the lowest applicable taxes. Mandatory distributions from retirement plans after age 70 1/2 should be structured to maximize resources and possibly avoid unnecessary taxes.
- Managing stocks and stock options. Plans should be in place for highly appreciated stock or stock options, which can pose complicated tax issues at retirement.
- Determining long-range asset management and income strategies. Appropriate asset management and distribution strategies are essential with a retirement that could span 30 years or more.
Prudent retirement planning may help protect decades of hard work and the careful accumulation of wealth from the inevitable impact of taxes and inflation. MarsJewett provides sound and thoughtful planning alternatives to their clients that can make possible a long, happy, and financially secure retirement.
Estate Planning
Estate planning is your defense against estate taxes - the "end run" that reduces family wealth. Without careful planning, the majority of your estate could be vulnerable to unnecessary taxation. Yet it is not inevitable. Structuring an appropriate plan can allow you to control the orderly transfer of your estate to your heirs while minimizing taxes, fees, and expenses.
Estate planning tools include carefully drafted wills, trusts, and targeted insurance strategies that can provide resources for unavoidable tax obligations while preserving your net worth for your family. Your plan allows trusted family members, friends, and advisors to continue your affairs without unnecessary legal red tape, publicity, or delay of probate proceedings.
MarsJewett uses sophisticated estate planning techniques to help you plan for the well-being of family and loved ones after you are gone. When it comes to the welfare of your family, they understand how important it is to act swiftly, responsibly, and with authority.
MarsJewett can work with your attorney and CPA (or use its own network of professionals) to assist you.
Charitable Giving
One of the most fulfilling aspects associated with the accumulation of wealth is the ability to use it to help others. Private philanthropy is a thriving enterprise in the United States, and there are a variety of reasons to consider it in your estate planning.
In addition to personal satisfaction and community recognition, private gift giving in the United States supports thousands of worthwhile projects that would otherwise go unfunded. On a more practical level, resources committed to a charitable cause on a tax-advantaged basis can often avoid capital gains tax, while providing a current income tax deduction to you, your family, or your estate.
Charitable trusts can be structured to provide personal income from your assets throughout your lifetime and that of your spouse, actually enhancing the value of your estate, as you gift benefits to others in a lasting and meaningful way. MarsJewett can help you develop a plan to share your success with generations to come.
The use of trusts involves a complex web of tax rules and regulations. We consult with experienced estate attorneys before implementing such strategies.
Business Planning
If you've built a business over the years, chances are it may be your largest asset. Yet, the estate taxes on that closely held business may someday create a burden for your business partners and heirs.
A carefully drafted business continuation strategy can provide a clear plan and the necessary resources to transfer appropriate ownership interests to key employees, business partners, or heirs. For example, advanced planning can fix the value of your business, which may reduce taxes and administrative costs.
Business planning strategies can also be used to develop attractive retirement and employee benefit packages for key employees. Nonqualified retirement plans can play an important role in helping to attract and retain highly qualified executives, particularly in competitive industry situations.
Your business is among the greatest achievements of your life. MarsJewett can help you plan for its future.
Risk Management (Insurance Strategies)
Risk is an inherent fact of life. Risk, by definition, means the possibility of multiple outcomes, some of which may not be favorable. Risk management is an area of financial planning that addresses the need to guard against the unexpected. Though hardly the concern of most investors, it is a fundamental part of financial planning.
At MarsJewett, risk management is a component of every well crafted financial plan. The death or disability of a business owner or a primary wage earner, a long-lasting illness, a lawsuit against your company or professional practice, damage to or loss of real-estate - these are all potential risks that we often address in the planning process.
Education Planning
A common concern among parents and grandparents is the escalating costs of a first-rate college education.
If you worry about bearing some or all of the costs of a college education, MarsJewett can show you how to prepare for that burden. Major changes in the tax code in recent years have created a number of investment vehicles that allow college savings to grow tax-free. Let our team show you how to take maximum advantage of the opportunities that have been created in the past few years.
