Discussion on pertinent topics

We can cover everyday spending, debt management, income taxes, education planning, retirement planning, investment management, estate planning, legacy building and charitable giving.

Fully customized advice

All projects will receive personalized, detailed reports covering recommendations.

Easy-to-understand cost

Have an investment review for $600, a retirement plan for $2,000, or a fully comprehensive plan for $3,000. 

Via phone, video or in-person

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Whether you are a long way until retirement or are already retired, you want to know how long you can sustain your desired level of spending and what changes need to be made. Financial modeling takes into account your cash inflows and outflows and the growth of your assets from now through retirement and beyond.

This detailed analysis will help answer whether you can meet your spending and retirement goals, what changes need to be made to your asset allocation, what goals should be prioritized, etc. Includes “what-if” scenarios to help understand trade-offs, chart the course of action for the future, and be prepared for potential roadblocks. This is heavy on analysis but results in simple, actionable steps. Are you on track?

We review your current asset allocation and investment choices across all your investments, providing a graphical snapshot of where you are today. This review – coupled with the goals-based financial modeling -- will help determine whether you have the right mix of equities and fixed income and the sub-classes within such category.

We will evaluate whether you are taking the right amount of risk given your goals and projections. We will evaluate whether your fees are appropriate, whether you have the right amount allocated for an emergency fund, and determine whether inappropriate overlap exists. Are your investments optimized?

We understand the income tax laws that will impact you and will guide you to consider select options for minimizing your income taxes. With a review of your recent income tax returns and financial modeling that projects your income and taxes over future years, income taxes could be minimized. Whether it is taking advantage of certain tax deferral strategies, utilizing deductions effectively, or strategically considering multi-year marginal tax rates, we realize the details based on your unique situation will drive the recommendations.

Change in tax laws and your individual situation is constant so a professional that knows your situation could be invaluable. We can also prepare your tax returns if you are not working with a CPA. Are you getting the right depth of tax advice from your current advisor?

We review your estate planning documents and beneficiary designations to provide clarity on your estate plan.  While you will need to meet with your attorney for proper legal analysis and implementation, a holistic view from a qualified financial planner can help you articulate your goals, provide general education on estate planning issues, and make things efficient when working with your attorney.

We can provide flowcharts of how your assets are disposed, how titling of your assets impacts your estate plan, discuss how trusts may play a role in your estate plan, and help you review options for minimizing estate taxes. Our consultative approach can also include a discussion of your key appointments such as executor, trustee and guardian and can include a list of recommended attorneys to help implement your legacy wishes.  Is your estate plan up to date?

We review the details around your current debt, including the nature of the debt, the interest rate, and the term.   While there is good debt and bad debt, the key is knowing the difference and taking a proper course of action to minimize bad debt while leveraging good debt.

Debt should be reviewed in an integrated manner with your cash flow, income taxes, and overall goals.  We will review whether refinancing is appropriate, the amount and structure of your debt, and your goals around paying down the debt.  This takes a look at the role debt plays into your cash flow and long-term strategy for meeting your needs. Are you using debt appropriately?

We review the details of the types and amounts of your existing insurance, including life insurance, property & casualty insurance, disability insurance, and long-term care insurance. As we do not receive a commission on the sale of insurance, our objective analysis and review may provide the guidance that you desire.

We help you understand what you have and where efficiencies may be available. Tying your life insurance coverage and your beneficiary designations is often overlooked and misunderstood – we can help fill in that gap. Is your insurance overage still appropriate for your situation?

We help you develop a plan to position your business for a transition to your family, key management, or to outside parties. We will consider income tax and estate tax issues as well as develop an understanding how the eventual transition of your business ties to your long-term retirement and cash flow projections. 

This process could include reviewing your buy-sell agreements, valuation issues, capital structure, and estate tax liquidity needs.  Since family businesses often include multiple family members in the business, it is critical to have a keen eye towards preserving family harmony.  Do you have the right game plan for your business?

If desired, Oasis Planning will assist you in developing a framework for transferring personal values and financial resources to your family and your community.  There are many philanthropic techniques to consider and should be reviewed in a holistic manner with the rest of your financial world, taking into account income taxes, estate planning, and your long-term cash flow needs.  

We will help you determine the priority of this goal, providing clarity on your options.  Whether it is simply the need to make your charitable donations more tax-beneficial or the need to look at more advanced techniques such as donor advised funds, charitable trusts, or foundations, having a discussion around your goals is the first step. Do you have some favorite charities that you would like to support but don’t know the best method?

Due to numerous rules and the constant change of executive compensation, Oasis Planning assists mid-level and senior executives with understanding their executive benefits.  Also, understanding the impact of your stock options and restricted stock helps executives make decisions that could impact their long-term retirement strategy, risk around asset allocation, and income taxes. Are you keeping up with the benefits you have at work, or could you benefit from additional clarity?

We help you understand the costs of educational needs for your children or grandchildren and help you develop an efficient plan for assisting with meeting such goals.  We will review the pros and cons of 529 Plans and help you determine the righ priority of this goal in relation to other key goals such as planning for retirement or paying down debt. 

Is education planning on your to-do list?

While some individuals have a good grasp of their living expenses and do not need to make changes, many individuals express a desire to put more of a proper focus on the outflow side of the equation.  Whether there is a behavioral component to spending or merely a previous lack of desire to review your budget, managing expenses can have a profound effect on one’s ability to meet their retirement goal and other goals.

We can focus on the components of your budget in a non-judgmental manner, and work with you in categorizing the expenses as mandatory or discretionary.  Moreover, understanding the impact on your spending habits over the long-term through the use of financial modeling will help you make necessary changes today that will pay dividends down the road.  We can also discuss effective ways for record-keeping and how to leverage technology for assistance. Are you looking for clarity with your budget?

This goes beyond the quantitative goals and gets at the heart of what really matters. It cuts through the clutter and focuses on determining what truly brings you the most satisfaction in life and what is your ideal world.  From the initial discovery process, we then work with you to help set goals to live the life you imagine. 

Too often, we live too busy of lives to take a step back and really ask the tough questions.  That’s where a life-integrated planner can be invaluable. Since planning is not a one-time event, we work with you along your life and financial journey, providing accountability and coaching – and, most importantly, celebrating the successes along the way.  What is the life you imagine?