Case Studies

James Smith, 35, is a corporate engineer married to Donna, 32, who works part-time as a nurse. Their joint income is around $300,000. They have two children. Mark is concerned about protecting his income while Donna also wants to protect their family and assets. Both want to grow their joint savings and build for their children’s future.

Challenges

• Protecting their family’s financial security
  
• Getting a better return on investments
  
• Financing their children’s college education
  

Solutions

• Presenting life insurance possibilities with optional benefits
  
• Showing them options for disability protection
  
• Recommending investment vehicles that suit their risk profile
  
• Designing an educational savings plan for their timeframe

William and Jennifer Smith, 61 and 60, plan to retire within the next five years. Both are currently participating in 401(k) plans and are in good health. They own two homes and invest in the stock market. Both worry about having a dependable income for a long, happy retirement, and worry whether their will assets can ensure a comfortable life for the surviving spouse. They have three children.

Challenges

• Remaining active and independent throughout retirement
  
• Building supplemental retirement income while minimizing risk
  
• Staying financially comfortable for the rest of their lives
  
• Preserving and transferring their wealth in a tax-efficient manner
  

Solutions

• Reviewing Long Term Care Strategies
  
• Suggesting annuities with guaranteed income options and inflation protection
  
• Showing them how to continue investing within their risk tolerance
  
• Assisting with tax-advantaged wealth transfer and trust planning

George and Nancy Samson, both 44, own and manage a small but successful bicycle shop which nets about $100,000 annually. They still put in long hours filling orders, but also ensuring great customer service. They plan to keep the business going in the event one partner outlives the other, and intend to transfer the business to their two children after they are both gone.

Challenges

• Cash flow for emergencies or expenses
  
• Saving for retirement while funding the business
  
• Attracting and retaining loyal employees
  
• Protecting / transferring the business they built
  

Solutions

• Strategies to support business liquidity
  
• Funding their retirement in the business
  
• Establishing or optimizing an employee benefit plan
  

This is a hypothetical example used for illustrative purposes only. It is not representative of any specific financial strategy or combination of financial strategies. Actual results can vary.