One of the most difficult tasks we have worked with our clients
on is guiding them through the settlement of an estate after the
loss of a loved one. As a second-generation practice spanning
over 40 years, we have counseled over 100 families through this process. This experience has honed our skills in easing the administrative burden by coordinating with the attorney and accountant through the probate process, organizing financial records, assisting with tax issues and asset transfer, navigating the enormous amount of paperwork, and facilitating communication to help preserve family relationships. Our clients trust us to guide them through the difficult decision-making that must occur in the midst of their grief.

A serious illness or accident can strike at any time. When a crisis like this happens to you or your loved ones, many issues can arise, including loss of income, increased expenses, insurance issues, loss of independence, and ultimately the potential impact on your long-term financial plan. Our clients consider us their essential partner as they navigate through these crises, relying on us for the wisdom that comes with experience.

In our experience of working with clients going through divorce, we are keenly aware that it is a protracted, difficult legal process marked by tremendous uncertainty. Our backgrounds in marriage and family counseling and vocational ministry enable us to see our clients through the emotional roller coaster of division of assets, potential loss of income, issues with children and their support, and other disruptions to their lives. Through our financial planning process, we help our clients feel confident as they start on their new path forward.

Our experience has taught us the most empowering thing clients can do is to be proactive in planning for the changes that aging brings. We diligently guide our clients through the options regarding housing choices, care and support resources, Medicare/health insurance, long-term care coverage, sustainable income, and estate organization. This proactive planning ensures you maintain control while relieving your loved ones from the guilt and burden of forced decisions in times of crisis. Our ideal outcome is achieved when our clients can look forward with hope instead of looking back with regret.

Over the years, we have had many of our
clients approach us for help when their parents were in crisis. While we pride
ourselves on helping our clients to prepare in advance for these situations, we are also uniquely skilled at navigating the often challenging family dynamics to facilitate healthy, open communication. Areas of specialty include consolidation and care of financial resources, housing issues and their associated costs, legal implications, and coordination of care. We work with our clients to achieve desirable outcomes for their parents and extended family.

For clients caring for a loved one with special needs, the responsibility of care can span more than one generation. Our experience in working with attorneys, trust companies, and conducting family meetings has given us a wealth of knowledge to help ensure that the proper planning is in place for our clients. We are then the best advocate in providing continuous, responsible care and preserving benefits for their loved one.

Throughout our relationships with clients, a major focus is the plan for retirement. However, we realize that transitioning to retirement is about far more than ensuring you have the financial means to enjoy retirement as you please. Our mantra is, “You cannot retire from your career until you have something to retire to.” We work proactively with you to explore how you will spend your days through the various phases of retirement.